Timothy Davies
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Christchurch ▷
Amber Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels
We came here after hiking in Authurs Pass, so by the time we got to Christchurch we were desperate for somewhere to stay.
This place was much more compact than other Kiwi holiday parks, but still had a small kitchen and lounge (which weren’t open 24 hours, closing at 10 pm I think) Given the central location (and cheap price) these things are understandable and its a great place to stay. I imagine it gets busy, but they had an unpowered site available at 7pm on a wednesday night in late November. The lady at the reception was friendly.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Milford Sound - Fiordland National Park ▷
Key Summit Track
After a morning in Milford Sound, this was a great place to stop at on the drive back to Te Anau.
The hike is steep and took us about 4 hours (2.5 up, 1.5 down). However it provides a range of different environments (you start in forest and end up on the top in alpine wetlands) and some great views. Take some warm clothes as the the top is quite exposed and windy.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Milford Sound - Fiordland National Park ▷
Key Summit Track
After a morning in Milford Sound, this was a great place to stop at on the drive back to Te Anau.
The hike is steep and took us about 4 hours (2.5 up, 1.5 down). However it provides a range of different environments (you start in forest and end up on the top in alpine wetlands) and some great views. Take some warm clothes as the the top is quite exposed and windy.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
Tunnel Terrace Walk
What an unexpected delight.
From the car park you go through a tunnel and come out in a different world, walking though the thick forest seemingly cut off from the rest of the world. The path takes you in a loop that ends up at another tunnel back on to the road (about 5 mins walk from the carpark/start).
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
Control Gates to Dock Bay
A lovely flat and simple walk.
It’s out and back, so just go as far as you want and turn around. Nice views over the lake, and some points where you can access the lakefront beach if you want to paddle. If you have a couple of hours free in Te Anau this a pleasant way to spend them. (Also, stop at the small, but interesting bird sanctuary on the drive back into town)
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Fox Glacier ▷
Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park
A great place to stay near the glaciers.
We stayed two nights. Good kitchen and lounge facilities as well as a laundry room. About $20 per person for an unpowered site. A separate tv room with WiFi meant I was able to get some work done too!
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Banks Peninsula ▷
Little River Campground
After a day in Akaroa, we stopped here and were delighted.
It’s quite unlike the chain holiday parks, with a laid back, relaxed vibe. We loved it! There are compost toilets and a kitchen/lounge that is in a partly open structure, but all worked great. $15 per person, but you have to pay extra for showers. There is also a lovely nature trail, a giant swing and an abandoned film set in the forest - so fun to explore. If you’re ok with things being a little different from a chain holiday park, you’ll love it!
Thanks for the review Tim, It is appreciated and as we say, we cater for guests that have an open mind and like a bit more creativity and not being sterile like a chain holiday park. It is what makes us different and worth a visit.
Marcus
Marcus Puentener
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Makarora ▷
Boundary Creek Campsite
We just stopped for 1 night and it rained the whole time so we didn’t really explore.
Ok toilets and a cooking shelter. Right by the lake so I imagine in nice weather it would be lovely. Sandflys as ever!
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Moke Lake Campsite
A bit of a drive along a gravel road from the highway, but a gorgeous site with lovely views.
Facilities were basic but clean. One of the best places we stayed. Get up early and walk around the lake, it was beautiful.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
Cascade Creek Campsite
This is a great place to stop at on the way to Milford sound.
It’s a large site by a river, with a few cooking shelters and decent toilets.
It rained a lot, but cleared up just in time for the most amazing sunset.
We got up early and drive to Milford sound on completely empty roads, allowing us to enjoy the views without being stuck in traffic. The sandflys were vicious though, so be warned!
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels
We have our first experience of a holiday park here and loved it.
After a few nights in DoC sites we enjoyed the great showers! There are two large kitchens and a large common lounge area. In early November we just booked on arrival, and nothing was too crowded. It rains a lot in this part of the country so a dry and warm lounge with power and WiFi was great!!
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Cron street ▷
Otto/MacDonalds Campsite
Lovely site next to a lake.
There are two campsites right next to each other (one is a larger and more suited to very large campervans). A few common shelters and ok toilets as usual, but the beautiful view of the lake (just a minute walk from the site) sets this site above many others!