Joel Fryett
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ St Arnaud ▷
Teetotal Campsite
We stayed here as the other DOC sites on the lake edge were all booked and this one you just arrive and claim a spot.
Basically a gravel carpark in the bush with a long drop toilet. However, it is still only a few minutes from the lake and worked well for us. It did get very busy in the evening so arrive early to get a good spot. Also bring bug spray!!
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Driftaway Queenstown
Stayed 3 nights here.
As everyone has said, this place is next level. Amazing facilities, epic views of the lake and easy access down to the water. Not far from central Queenstown. Pretty lux having fully tiled showers in a camp ground! Kids loved the games room that had lots to do at no extra cost. A++
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Makarora ▷
Cameron Flat Campsite
Million dollar views!
This is an epic campsite with views across river in the valley. It is directly opposite the blue pools which are well worth a visit/swim. The bridge was closed but you can just cross the river. The campsite filled up late at night with people parking everywhere. We got blocked in and had to ask people to move so we could get our caravan out. Apparently the online booking said it was full but people were still rolling in and I am sure not paying. Lots of sand flies! It cost us $55 for 2 adults and 3 kids which is pretty expensive for what was provided.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Geraldine ▷
Winchester Bridge
Nice place to stay overnight just outside of Timaru.
We looked at the place in town by the water but the carpark was small for our caravan so we drove on to this one. So glad we did! It was quiet and park like under big trees with a creek. The toilets were smelly compared to other long drops and a bit of road noise but otherwise can’t really fault it for a freedom campsite.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Greymouth ▷
Cobden Beachfront, Greymouth
Amazing free camping area right on the beach.
Large field for kids to play in and good flush toilet block. Great sunset views and sound of the ocean all night. Kids spent hours hunting for crystals/rocks on the beach. Self contained only and is a lined carpark.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Owaka ▷
Waikawa Recreation Reserve
Good free spot to park for the night if you are self contained.
Has flushing toilets and lots of rubbish bins. Only a few minutes to Curo Bay which is amazing. Just a carpark but has a large reserve right beside it for the kids to play.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Nelson ▷
Tahuna Beach Holiday Park
Massive place with lots going on.
Very well organised and great environment for families with lots of organised activities. Inflatable water slide was a hit! We only spent two nights at the start of our SI trip but people looked to be set up to stay weeks. It is a big walk across the park to get to different areas but once there you really don’t need to leave the park.
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Waiouru ▷
National Army Museum
Great place to stay.
Clean, tidy and safe. Lots of room to park with a mix of grass and asphalt. Kids loved playing in the car park and on the tanks. Amazing views of the mountain.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
Deer Flat Campsite
Beautiful spot to camp by the river.
Good half way point between Te Anau and Milford Sounds. Amazing views, clear water and a great swimming hole. Long drop toilets were clean. Only down side was the cost for very basic facilities but one of the kids fav spots on our trip. Forest area was fun to play in as was jumping in the river!
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Portobello ▷
Portobello Village Tourist Park
Very cool location right in Portobello Village.
Close to Larnach Castle and the Albatross Centre. Easy scenic drive into Dunedin. However the facilities are old and pretty run down. Our water tap was broken so our hose kept blowing off, only 3 showers each for male and female so always queues and the water flooded out into the main room so there were signs always out warning of went floors and to keep the bathroom doors open. We paid for a dryer but it didn’t work and our clothes were still damp when it finished. Also our kids were told off for playing with their skate boards on the concrete area. The guy was friendly and helpful and it was a good place to stay for an ok price. Just don’t have too high an expectation going in!