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Activities
- Land Activities
  - 4WD Adventures
    
    4WD Adventures
    
    Get off the highway and onto the grass with good old-fashioned 4wheelin' fun. 4WD tours, quad bikes, off-road, self-drive - 101 ways to satisfy the motorhead within.
  - Bridge Climbing
  - Bungy Jumping / Swing
    
    Bungy Jumping / Swing
    
    Bungy Jump 101:
    Find a beautiful place. Check.
    Build a very tall structure with an elastic cord attached to the top. Check.
    Fix cord to body, and leap.
    Wooooo!
  - Canyoning
    
    Canyoning
    
    Canyoning is a mix of land and water travel, descending picturesque canyons on foot (or rear end), ropes and swimming. Born by adrenalin-seekers, the growth in popularity of Canyoning in New Zealand means gentler trips are increasingly available.
  - Caving
    
    Caving
    
    Don overalls and gumboots for a day underground, up and down ropes navigating the maze of tunnels - or go glowworm spotting and enjoy the serenity.
  - Cycling & Mountain Biking
    
    Cycling & Mountain Biking
    
    Put pedal to the metal cycling the length and breadth of New Zealand, or blow your hair back (with a helmet on) navigating NZ's many purpose built Mountain Biking trails.
  - eBikes
  - Group Tours
  - Horse Trekking
    
    Horse Trekking
    
    Galloping down an isolated beach on a trusty steed, sand flying, the salt air whipping in your hair... (admit it, that's how you picture yourself on a horse)
    Horse trekking is offered all over New Zealand, guided trips catering to both experienced riders and those with less time in the saddle.
  - Outside the Square
    
    Outside the Square
    
    Fun, crazy and unusual - these activities refuse to be put in a box. If you're looking for something a bit different, you'll find it here.
  - Railbiking / Railcarting
    
    Railbiking / Railcarting
    
    Railbiking is cycling on unused and forgotten railways. A railbike is either a bicycle that has been modified to be able to ride on the rails of a railroad or a purpose-built specialized railbike or railcart.
  - Snow and Ice
    
    Snow and Ice
    
    New Zealand Glacier and Skiing tours - Good times all round.
  - Sphereing
    
    Sphereing
    
    Sphereing (also known as globe-riding, zorbing or orbing) is the recreation or sport of rolling downhill inside an orb made of transparent plastic.
  - Walking and Hiking Tours
  - Walking and Trekking
    
    Walking and Trekking
    
    Walking and trekking the tracks throughout New Zealand is top of the to-do list for many travellers to New Zealand. From gentle, scenic short walks to multi-day adventures, experience Aotearoa on foot and immerse yourself in the bush, beach and wilderness you came to see.
- Water Activities
  - Boat Cruises
    
    Boat Cruises
    
    With over 15,000km of coastline to enjoy, New Zealand is naturally quite fond of boats… Boat cruises are a great way to explore NZ's rivers, lakes, beaches and fjords, offering a different perspective on both our landscape and wildlife.
  - Diving
    
    Diving
    
    Get deep - explore life beneath the surface with diving, scuba or snorkelling. From the sub-tropical waters of the North Island to the clear, cool waters of the deep South, divers of all abilities can get up close and personal with New Zealand's wrecks, colourful seascape and fish.
  - Fresh Water Canoeing / Kayaking
    
    Fresh Water Canoeing / Kayaking
    
    Epic river journeys, gentle lake paddles and inland excursions, exploring New Zealand's interior by waterway gives you a fresh perspective on the landscape.
  - Fresh Water Fishing
  - Jet Boating
    
    Jet Boating
    
    The need for speed is alive and well! Get up close and personal - at pace - with New Zealand rivers and lakes from the confines of a speedy little boat. Thrills, spins and scenery, jet boating is an adrenaline rush appropriate for young, old and everyone in between.
  - Marine Animal Encounters
    
    Marine Animal Encounters
    
    Get up close with wild sea creatures in their natural habitat.
  - Rafting
  - Sailing
  - Salt Water Fishing
  - Sea Kayaking
  - Surfing
  - Watersports
- Air Activities
Attractions
- Visitor Centres
  - DOC Visitor Centres
  - i-SITE Visitor Information Centres
    
    i-SITE Visitor Information Centres
    
    i-SITE is New Zealand’s official visitor information network with over 80 i-SITEs nationwide
    
    Every person who works at an i-SITE is a local travel expert for their home town. They will help you to find quality activities, attractions, accommodation, transport and more. This ensures you will experience the latest and greatest the town has to offer whatever you are after!
  - Visitor Information Centres
    
    Visitor Information Centres
    
    Local visitor centres often work on a casual basis. Opening hours vary, and you can't always rely on them being open, but if they are you'll have access to very localised information.
- Animal Attractions
- Art & Culture Attractions
- Natural Attractions
  - Scenic Attractions
  - Spas & Thermal Pools
  - Stargazing
    
    Stargazing
    
    Stargazing is accessible astronomy. The natural world includes the universe - we only need look up at the sky to see these natural wonders.
  - Volcanic & Geothermal Attractions
Accommodation
- Camping Grounds
  - Camping Grounds / Holiday Parks
    
    Camping Grounds / Holiday Parks
    
    All the camping conveniences can be found here. Expect powered sites, hot showers, serviced facilities and often much more.
  - Basic Facility Camping
    
    Basic Facility Camping
    
    Camping with just the bare essentials in some of the most beautiful locations across NZ. Expect a non flush toilet that's intermittently serviced. Anything more is a bonus.
  - Freedom Camping
    
    Freedom Camping
    
    Expect no facilities. Generally for self contained vehicles only. Check our notes for details.
Transport
- Land Transport
  - Buses and Coaches
  - Motorcycle Tours and Rentals
  - Motorhomes / Campervans / RV
    
    Motorhomes / Campervans / RV
    
    Travelling New Zealand by rental Campervan and Motorhome gives you freedom. Stay by nature, by the beach or use the full facilities provided by hundreds of Holiday Parks and campgrounds. This ranking table doesn't show all campervan companies in NZ, but does show around 80% of them.
  - Rail
  - Rental Cars
    
    Rental Cars
    
    New Zealand travel is at its best with your own set of wheels. Rental cars give you flexibility to travel at your own pace and deviate off the beaten path.
  - Shuttle Buses
    
    Shuttle Buses
    
    A shuttle bus offers short haul bus services that run multiple times a day, often to an activity or attraction.
- Water Transport
  - Ferries
  - Water Taxis
- Air Transport
  - Helicopter Flights

- North Island
  - Northland
    
    Northland
    
    The wairua (spirit) is strong in this one. Two seas clash on the outer rim while giant forest guardians look over within.
  - Auckland Region
    
    Auckland Region
    
    There is no other city in NZ with such an array of close natural wonders. Sometimes hidden behind poor urban design, a small effort yields great rewards.
  - Coromandel
    
    Coromandel
    
    Go underground to find the gold, when you get out there, let it hang out there, use your tea towel as a loin cloth and drink herbal tea. Can you handle th' Mandel?
  - Bay of Plenty
    
    Bay of Plenty
    
    The name says it all.
  - Waikato
    
    Waikato
    
    The land of milk and honey. A mecca of dairy coupled with the sweetness of serenity.
  - Tairāwhiti Gisborne
    
    Tairāwhiti Gisborne
    
    Gets up before anyone else. A birthplace of the new. Off the track, hongi a local, share a brew. Kia Kaha!
  - Rotorua Region
    
    Rotorua Region
    
    Smell it before you see it. Rotorua is so hot right now!
  - Taupo Region
    
    Taupo Region
    
    Big eruption = Big hole = Big lake
  - Ruapehu
    
    Ruapehu
    
    Slip on your shoes, it's walk-o-rama. Vivid colour like a Psychedelic cruise.
  - Hawkes Bay
    
    Hawkes Bay
    
    Like a masquerade ball; full of pomp, ceremony, fine wine and food. The gannets are cool too.
  - Taranaki
    
    Taranaki
    
    The Naki is quite the surprise package. Talk with the colloquial locals and unlock a Jack-in-the-Box of the unexpected.
  - Manawatu - Wanganui
    
    Manawatu - Wanganui
    
    Raw and real. The Whanganui river is a major artery that has fed culture and change, shaping Aotearoa.
  - Wairarapa
    
    Wairarapa
    
    Get off the main drag and the story of the ugly duckling will be realised.
  - Wellington Region
    
    Wellington Region
    
    Seriously cool that rules with political tools. There's no better place in Aotearoa to get your city fix.
- South Island
  - Marlborough
    
    Marlborough
    
    After slinking through the sounds and sipping on some Savs, keep the sounds down 'cos the spy base is in town.
  - Nelson Region
    
    Nelson Region
    
    This region is like a hippy with flash shoes. Drunk on sunshine. Replenish, reflect, restock & relax. Then relive the 70's and head down the one way street called Golden Bay, it won't let you down.
  - West Coast
    
    West Coast
    
    A diamond in the rough. Get on the offensive, cover yourself in sandfly repellent and tackle the weather & best scenery in NZ head on.
  - Kaikoura Region
    
    Kaikoura Region
    
    Squeezed between two giants, a dramatic point where the Southern Alps and Pacific Ocean meet.
  - Canterbury
    
    Canterbury
    
    Lots on offer here, straight roads make for easy driving but a zig zag approach is rewarded. Good place to get lost in. Watch out for local one eyed rugby fanatics.
  - Central Otago
    
    Central Otago
    
    Surreal space, if the Dalai Lama wanted to hang out in a southern NZ Tibet, then this is the spot. Get out your incense and get remote.
  - Mount Cook - MacKenzie
    
    Mount Cook - MacKenzie
    
    Like a great road trip movie, wind down the windows, put on your favourite tunes and prepare yourself for a sensory intake of freedom.
  - Wanaka Region
    
    Wanaka Region
    
    The outdoor fitness capital of NZ. You get the feeling every local is capable of giving you 10 one-handed push ups, while holding a coffee in the other. All roads from here lead to goodness.
  - Queenstown Region
    
    Queenstown Region
    
    A beautiful place where the locals have devised any conceivable way to scare you silly.
  - Coastal Otago
    
    Coastal Otago
    
    An oddity that works. The Scots did their best to tame the beast but wildlife still prevails. Get a hip flask of whisky, a kilt and stride the coast with purpose.
  - Fiordland
    
    Fiordland
    
    Meditative Milford - Get yourself in a zen state as this place is intense. Once the tour buses depart by 4pm, the locals are in their element (including sandflies). Find yourself in a quiet space and do what you need to do to take it all in.
  - Southland
    
    Southland
    
    A true blue, quirky mix of heartland and bogan, add a dash of the gay in Gore and gregarious local penguins on lonely beaches.
  - Stewart Island

Ranker's Qualmark Silver Award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism operation that consistently exceeds visitor expectations.

Porters Lodge

20 Rankers Reviews

0 Face-to-Face

11 Basic Camping

1 Springfield

Analysis

All Reviews

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Springfield, Canterbury

Camping near Springfield

Information

Powered and non-powered sites nestled in the mountains

Off the beaten track at the base of a mountain and probably the highest powered sites in the country @ 957m above msl. :)

Autumn Hours: Please note, we will be closed Monday and Tuesday through March.

Our powered sites are located in our lower car park, but still just 60m walk to the main Lodge building. The Lodge itself has a fully licenced Bar & Restaurant, lunch menu available from 11am to 3pm and dinner menu available from 5pm to 8pm with a fine selection of beer and wine. Campervan guests are welcome to spend time in the Lodge lounge where we have a lovely warm fire with plenty of reading material, and free WiFi. We have excellent showers that are free to use and have a buffet continental breakfast available for $12 per person.

We also welcome sleeper vans as you have the full use of the Lodge showers and toilet facilities and are welcome to eat and drink in the Restaurant & Bar.

We are off grid and powered 24/7 mainly by battery, during the day we use a generator when needed.

We recommend calling us before you arrive, we have just 4 powered sites! 03-3184011

Details

Feature	Value	Info
Organisation	Porters Lodge Commercial organisation
Location	South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Springfield
Categories	Basic Camping
Operating Season And Hours	We operate year round, Autumn hours, Closed Monday and Tuesday through March

Reviews

Showing 8 reviews of 20.

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L Strong

Ranking: 10/10

We stopped here for the night in our campervan. Powered site was available at a very low cost at $25 for the night, no add ons for number of people, so this was amazing value for our family of 4! Clean facilities with good hot showers and a bar and restaurant available which was popular with those who had just finished up with their mountain biking for the day. Comfy sofas to relax in in the lounge with beautiful mountain views. Enjoyed my flat white in the morning. Our freedom camping became glamping by stopping here, thanks for the awesome experience :-)

Reviewed 7 months ago

Estelle Murdoch

Ranking: 10/10

10/10 this has been the best place we've stayed in the south Island! $15.00nzd for both my boyfriend and myself to park up and sleep in our van. Free clean showers and toilets, free WiFi, that even reached us outside in the van... Nice lounge area to sit on couches and tables around a fire with places to charge phones etc and delicious food and drinks to buy served by the awesome staff, definitely worth a stop on your way through Arthur's pass!

Reviewed about 1 year ago

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Thomas neil

Ranking: 10/10

Called last minute after being rejected from a camp site elsewhere. They were just closing up but allowed us to camp and settle up in the morning. Really helped us out! Nice spot up in the hills. Clean amenities and awesome bar/cafe

Reviewed over 1 year ago

Felix

Ranking: 10/10

Awesome spot with views along the valley and up to the ski slope. Friendly staff, and hot showers. Worth the short drive, we will definitely be back in winter !

Reviewed over 1 year ago

Keziah Honnor

Ranking: 10/10

Was an awesome spot, we rung in last minute because of conditions. Julia and her husband were extremely accomodating, despite there being a big group of us they happily fit us in. Couldn’t recommend more! Food was amazing, accommodation was beautiful, toilets were tidy and showers were nice and hot!

Reviewed almost 2 years ago

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Justin

Ranking: 10/10

Great site in the mountains. Down a 6km maintained gravel road. Only 4 powered spots however. Hosts very kind and served amazing meals. They have a bar and restaurant for food. Bathroom and showers clean. Not a lot of sand flies. Good spot to stop before Christchurch.

Reviewed over 2 years ago

Andrew Dickson

United States

Ranking: 10/10

Amazing place to stay. We stayed at a powered campervan site. The lounge was great, clean showers and bathroom. Decent internet for its remote location. Very family centric if your traveling with children.

Reviewed over 2 years ago

Dieter Giesen

Germany

Ranking: 10/10

The Motorhome Sites are embedded in mountains. A great atmosphere. Just five kilometers of well-developed gravel road lead to this idyll. The lodge has a very cozy lounge with a view of the breathtaking surroundings. There is free internet and good food. The friendly owners create an absolute feel-good atmosphere. We highly recommend Porters Lodge.

Reviewed over 2 years ago

Porters Lodge responds:

Thanks for your review Dieter, it was a pleasure having you and we're delighted you enjoyed your time here!

Feature	Value	Info
Overnight Camping Site Cost	Medium Cost Camping Overnight Camping Site Cost What is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? Medium Cost Camping Standard facilities of powered sites and hot showers can be expected. Price is per person per night, based on a powered site for two people. $25 per vehicle for the first 2 people plus $10 per extra person for unpowered site; and $35 for 2 people + $15 per extra person for Powered Sites.	Overnight Camping Site Cost What is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? Medium Cost Camping Standard facilities of powered sites and hot showers can be expected. Price is per person per night, based on a powered site for two people. $25 per vehicle for the first 2 people plus $10 per extra person for unpowered site; and $35 for 2 people + $15 per extra person for Powered Sites.
Overnight Stay Rules	Self-contained motorhomes only Overnight Stay Rules What are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? Self-contained motorhomes only Overnight stays are only permitted if your vehicle is certified as being 'self-contained'. The vehicle must display the "Responsible Camper" sticker. Toilets and showers are available in the Lodge at no extra cost.	Overnight Stay Rules What are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? Self-contained motorhomes only Overnight stays are only permitted if your vehicle is certified as being 'self-contained'. The vehicle must display the "Responsible Camper" sticker. Toilets and showers are available in the Lodge at no extra cost.
Campsite Managing Organisation	Owner Operated Campsite Campsite Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this campsite? Owner Operated Campsite This campground is independently operated by the owner.	Campsite Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this campsite? Owner Operated Campsite This campground is independently operated by the owner.
Payment Requirement	Paid access/participation Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Paid access/participation The experience costs money to access or take part in.	Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Paid access/participation The experience costs money to access or take part in.
Maximum Stay Duration	5 nights Maximum Stay Duration How many consecutive days can you stay overnight at this establishment? 5 nights You may not stay more than five nights in a row at this campsite.	Maximum Stay Duration How many consecutive days can you stay overnight at this establishment? 5 nights You may not stay more than five nights in a row at this campsite.
Maximum Sites Available	6 to 10 sites Maximum Sites Available How many camping or parking sites are available for staying overnight in? 6 to 10 sites There are between six and ten sites available to stay overnight in. We have 4 powered sites and space for up to 6 unpowered sites	Maximum Sites Available How many camping or parking sites are available for staying overnight in? 6 to 10 sites There are between six and ten sites available to stay overnight in. We have 4 powered sites and space for up to 6 unpowered sites
Water Supply	Water supply available Water Supply Is there fresh water available? Water supply available A supply of fresh water is available.	Water Supply Is there fresh water available? Water supply available A supply of fresh water is available.
Shower	Hot shower Shower Is there a shower at this location? Hot shower At least one hot shower is available. In main Lodge building, no extra cost.	Shower Is there a shower at this location? Hot shower At least one hot shower is available. In main Lodge building, no extra cost.
Dump Station	No dump station Dump Station Dump stations allow the safe disposal of sewage and greywater from self-contained vehicles. Does this site have a dump station? No dump station This location has no dump stations for the disposal of waste water from recreational vehicles.	Dump Station Dump stations allow the safe disposal of sewage and greywater from self-contained vehicles. Does this site have a dump station? No dump station This location has no dump stations for the disposal of waste water from recreational vehicles.
Booking Required	First Come, First Served Booking Required Is it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? First Come, First Served Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot.	Booking Required Is it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? First Come, First Served Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot.
Rubbish Disposal	Trash (small bags) Rubbish Disposal What facilities are provided for the disposal of household rubbish? Trash (small bags) This location provides the facility to dispose of small bags of household rubbish. Glass Recycling Rubbish Disposal What facilities are provided for the disposal of household rubbish? Glass Recycling This location provides the facility to dispose of recyclable glass items. Glass bottles only, please make sure the bottles are secure and not leaking.	Rubbish Disposal What facilities are provided for the disposal of household rubbish? Trash (small bags) This location provides the facility to dispose of small bags of household rubbish. Glass Recycling This location provides the facility to dispose of recyclable glass items. Glass bottles only, please make sure the bottles are secure and not leaking.
Toilet	Customer toilet Toilet Is there a toilet available? Customer toilet There are toilet facilities available to the paying customers only. In main Lodge building.	Toilet Is there a toilet available? Customer toilet There are toilet facilities available to the paying customers only. In main Lodge building.
Barbecues	No Barbecue BBQs are not available BBQ Facility What BBQ facilities are provided? No Barbecue BBQs are not available The are no BBQ facilities provided with the accommodation.	BBQ Facility What BBQ facilities are provided? No Barbecue BBQs are not available The are no BBQ facilities provided with the accommodation.
Powered Sites	Powered sites available Powered Sites Does this establishment have powered sites? Powered sites available This campsite offers powered sites to hook into an electricity supply. 4 powered sites.	Powered Sites Does this establishment have powered sites? Powered sites available This campsite offers powered sites to hook into an electricity supply. 4 powered sites.
Campfire Rules	Fires prohibited Campfire Rules What are the rules for open air fires? Fires prohibited There is a total fire ban -no fires are permitted.	Campfire Rules What are the rules for open air fires? Fires prohibited There is a total fire ban -no fires are permitted.
Vehicle Access	Vehicle accessible Vehicle Access Can vehicles drive in? Vehicle accessible This location is accessible in a vehicle.	Vehicle Access Can vehicles drive in? Vehicle accessible This location is accessible in a vehicle.
Dogs	No dogs allowed Dogs Does this establishment allow dogs? No dogs allowed The location does not allow dogs under normal conditions. Their may be be exceptions granted under specific circumstances eg. guide dogs.	Dogs Does this establishment allow dogs? No dogs allowed The location does not allow dogs under normal conditions. Their may be be exceptions granted under specific circumstances eg. guide dogs.
WiFi Internet	Free Customer WiFi WiFi Internet What type of WiFi internet access is available? Free Customer WiFi There is free WiFi internet access available for paying customers only. Wifi is available in the main Lodge building.	WiFi Internet What type of WiFi internet access is available? Free Customer WiFi There is free WiFi internet access available for paying customers only. Wifi is available in the main Lodge building.
Large Vehicle Access	Large vehicle accessible Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. Access is by gravel road but well maintained and easily accessible by 2WD vehicles.	Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. Access is by gravel road but well maintained and easily accessible by 2WD vehicles.

Land Activities

4WD Adventures

Bungy Jumping / Swing

Canyoning

Caving

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Horse Trekking

Outside the Square

Railbiking / Railcarting

Snow and Ice

Sphereing

Walking and Trekking

Water Activities

Boat Cruises

Diving

Fresh Water Canoeing / Kayaking

Jet Boating

Marine Animal Encounters

Air Activities

Visitor Centres

i-SITE Visitor Information Centres

Visitor Information Centres

Animal Attractions

Art & Culture Attractions

Natural Attractions

Stargazing

Camping Grounds

Camping Grounds / Holiday Parks

Basic Facility Camping

Freedom Camping

Land Transport

Motorhomes / Campervans / RV

Rental Cars

Shuttle Buses

Water Transport

Air Transport

North Island

Northland

Auckland Region

Coromandel

Bay of Plenty

Waikato

Tairāwhiti Gisborne

Rotorua Region

Taupo Region

Ruapehu

Hawkes Bay

Taranaki

Manawatu - Wanganui

Wairarapa

Wellington Region

South Island

Marlborough

Nelson Region

West Coast

Kaikoura Region

Canterbury

Central Otago

Mount Cook - MacKenzie

Wanaka Region

Queenstown Region

Coastal Otago

Fiordland

Southland

Porters Lodge

Porters Lodge

Online Maps

Camping NZ NEW

Information

Details

Porters Lodge

Overnight Camping Site Cost

Overnight Camping Site Cost

Overnight Stay Rules

Overnight Stay Rules

Campsite Managing Organisation

Campsite Managing Organisation

Payment Requirement

Payment Requirement

Maximum Stay Duration