Vera
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Edgecumbe ▷
Matatā Campsite
We had such a lovely stay at the Matatā DOC Campsite.
We visited mid-November during a quiet period and stayed on site 56, all the way in the back corner. Lots of privacy and it almost felt like we had our own private beach access. The beach itself is beautiful with stunning sunsets, and the whole place felt very relaxing with all the pukekos and bunnies around.
We’re self-contained so we mainly used our own toilet and shower. The lady in the office was very friendly and told us we were welcome to use the facilities if we wanted. We used the toilet once — basic but flushing, totally fine for a DOC campsite. We used one DOC Pass and paid for one adult, which came to $18 per night.
I don’t really understand the negative reviews. It’s a basic DOC campsite — don’t expect anything fancy. You can’t compare it to a full-service campground where you’d pay around $60 per night for big facilities, a dump station, and electricity. If that’s what you’re after, this is not the place. But if you’re looking for a peaceful, simple, nature-filled stay, this campsite is perfect.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Rarangi Campsite
Rarangi Campsite is a lovely spot, we stayed one night and really enjoyed it.
The campsite has toilets, a cold shower, and sinks. There were a few joyriders making noise during the night, but after that it was very peaceful and quiet. We didn’t go to the beach as it was raining, but it looks like it would be a beautiful place to relax on a sunny day!
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Hampshire Holiday Park Wanaka
Fantastic central location with a lovely lakeside walk into town.
Our go-to spot in Wanaka! We’ve stayed here 3 times over several months (winter and early spring) and always had a great experience. The showers are clean and hot. While the kitchen can get messy at busy times, it’s well-equipped.
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Wanaka Brownston Street
It’s a well-set-up dump station with fresh water (with hose) and convenient recycling bins.
Access is easy, and there’s space for two campervans at the same time, which makes it super efficient.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Mossburn ▷
Mossburn Country Park
We had a wonderful stay at Mossburn Country Park!
Waking up to the birdsong in the morning was wonderful. The showers, toilets, kitchen and laundry were spotless and well maintained. We loved the little exchange library and the free bag of food to feed the chickens, the peacock and the sheep, a lovely touch. The whole place felt cosy, welcoming and full of charm. Highly recommend!
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Masterton ▷
Henley Lake Freedom Camping
Henley Lake is a wonderful spot for an overnight stay.
The abundance of ducks, swans, geese, and other birds, along with the beautiful lake view right from your window, makes it very peaceful. Picnic tables are available, though expect some feathered guests keeping you company during your meal! The toilets close at night, but the disabled toilets remain accessible. The shower was lukewarm. We would definitely stay here again!
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Wairau Diversion Reserve
Wairau Diversion Reserve looks like a very nice spot, especially on sunny days!
Unfortunately, it was very rainy during our visit, and the ground was too boggy with quite a few potholes. We decided to divert to the nearby DOC campsite instead. Would say it’s not suitable for heavy motorhomes in wet weather, but otherwise we would definitely have stayed here.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Timaru ▷
Black Hole, Waihao Downs
Black Hole free camp in Waihao Downs is a hidden gem.
We had the place entirely to ourselves, with a beautiful riverside spot that felt tranquil and secluded. The bird songs were constant during the day, and the nights were wonderfully quiet. A very clean drop toilet is available. There’s no mobile or internet reception, so it’s the perfect place to switch off and enjoy nature. From here, you can also explore the Waihao River Walkway, which follows a 4WD road and links Black Hole to McCulloughs Bridge free camp.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Oamaru ▷
McCulloughs Bridge, Waikakahi Valley Road, Arno
McCulloughs Bridge free camp on Waikakahi Valley Road is a lovely, well-kept spot with a beautiful grassy area and a very clean drop toilet.
Lots of new plants have been planted, giving the place a fresh and cared-for feel. The campsite is closer to the road, so we didn’t stay the night and instead drove on to Black Hole free camp, which is more secluded (no cell service). From McCulloughs, you can explore the Waihao River Walkway, which follows a 4WD road and links the two free camps.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Omarama ▷
Fishermans Bend campground
Fishermans Bend campground is huge, with plenty of space even though many locals set up caravans and tents here for the season.
It’s very popular and likely busy in the holidays, but still easy to find a nice spot. We had a lovely site with a perfect view. Very quiet during the night. Facilities include toilets, recycle and water (boil before use). $20 per couple, payable in cash or through Go-Penny.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
The Emporium
Brewery, mini golf, escape room or just enjoy the view with a nice drink.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Waitomo ▷
Hairy Feet Waitomo
Absolute great ‘Hobbit’ tour on a private farm with the owner.
She is a big LOTR fan so you can imagine her enthusiasm during the tour and all the behind the scenes stories. Lots of photos and info! Absolutely loved it! Highly recommended!
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaitaia ▷
Mangonui Public Dump Station
Dump grey and black water, also tap for drinking water refill.
Public toilets available.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaeo ▷
Totara North, old dump site
Lovely spot, beautiful view of the mountains.
Very quit. Big grass field, space enough. It was only us and one other campervan, so we could both stay away from the recycling bins. Entrance has some big holes, but if you enter on the left side it’s more flat. For us with a big campervan (4,5 tonne) no problem, but can imagine with wet wether this could be problematic. No toilets.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Hokianga ▷
Omapere Public Dump Station
Dump station and drinking water refill.
Also rubbish bin.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Opua ▷
Kawakawa Public Dump Station
Only dump, no water: both drinking and non-drinking water was turned off.