Profile
FlyingKiwiGirl
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Greymouth ▷
Grey River
Freedom camping beside the river (not too pretty) A bit of road noise overnignt.
Self-contained vehicles ONLY- do not be tempted, you must have a CSC sticker- the council do a check every morning around 5am. Saw two sleeper vans get a lovely wake up call & $200 fine.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Greymouth ▷
Jelliman Park Beachfront Area
Excellent freedom camping right on a wild West Coast beach, can be windy and a lot of seaspray if the sea is rough.
Self-contained vehicles ONLY- do not be tempted, you must have a CSC sticker- the council do a check every morning around 5am. Two sleeper vans got $200 tickets this morning, one yesterday and 3 on the weekend! 3 Night maximum stay.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Outer Marlborough Sounds ▷
Elaine Bay Campsite
Small DOC camp with fabulous views, ideal spot to stay if driving to French Pass.
Watch if its windy though, the wind can come from all quarters. Don't know what Ann from Germany was expecting, it's a DOC camp for goodness sake, it's about getting back to basics. At least there is a toilet(and it was clean), saves people in their happy crappers fouling our beautiful countryside.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Pelorus ▷
Kenepuru Head Campsite
Excellent DOC campground, large and well maintained.
New flushing toilets, cold shower & good kitchen shelter. Some sites partitioned by bush plantings, Telecom(Spark)reception available by lone tree overhanging the estuary. Dawn chorus amazing, watch for the red deer on the mudflats. A long winding road to the site, not worth it just for a night but if staying for a few days well worth it- NB don't drive Kenepuru Road if you are expecting to see Queen Charlotte Sound from this side.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Outer Marlborough Sounds ▷
Titirangi Farm Camping Ground
The real McCoy kiwi camping ground- $5 a head, toilets and wash basins.
Park in a paddock surrounded by sheep & weka. Fabulous white sand beautiful beach in the outer Sounds. A very long drive in to site along Kenepuru Sound Road and a very steep drop down a winding road to camp site. Not suitable for large motorhomes. Magnificent outer Sound views.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Picton's Waikawa Bay Holiday Park
Excellent holiday park in great location, plenty of shade trees and space.
Close to ferry and marina. Godd clean amenities.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Outer Marlborough Sounds ▷
French Pass Campsite
DOC campground at the end of the road in the busy(sometimes) settlement of French Pass.
Right on a lovely sand beach. Good facilities but a little regimented for my liking. Sites marked out.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Whatamango Bay Campsite
Large area with plenty of spots to park, good facilities and not too far from Picton, the road in is pretty winding, do keep left.
Also make sure you pay your fees and are certified self contained- DOC ranger comes early morning & late evening to check.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Pohara Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Typical Top 10 Campground, large & busy during the high season, in a great position on the beach although sites have bushes between the campsites and the beach.
Clean facilities.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Farewell Spit Eco Tours
Awesome experience and worth every penny.
Very informative driver kept us entertained all day.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Wharariki Beach Walk
Fantastic walk, may sure you go at low tide and do the round trip (approx 2hrs) otherwise you can't walk the whole beach or see the Archway Islands in their full glory.
Plus huge sea caves and beautiful white sand dunes. Make sure a fine day too and no wind(sea spray) for best NZ photo opportunies.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Pupu Hydro Walkway
A very interesting walk and well worth the effort especially the steep and uneven climb up to the walkway from the carpark.
Amazing feat of engineering and a thrill to walk the narrow walkway attached to the side of the cliff. Look out for freshwater crayfish (Koura) in the channel.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Cobb River Campsite
Fabulous day trip and or camping site.
Road is very, very narrow and steep after the powerhouse. NOT SUITABLE for anything other than a small van or car. NO MOTORHOMES. Amazing views & scenery and beautiful walks at the top of the range and at the end of the lake.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
Cascade Creek Campsite
Stayed 12 days at Cascade Creek, great location for exploring Milford Road.
Good DOC site except in need of a couple more toilets along bush edge particularly in the middle of this large site. Get there reasonably early for a good site and don't stay under the trees if you want to avoid the sandflies or at least some of them.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Milford Sound - Fiordland National Park ▷
Key Summit Track
Steady climb but worth it for the amazing views.
Make sure you do it on a clear sunny day to get the full benefit. Peaceful & serene on the nature walk.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Manapouri ▷
Manapouri Motorhome and Caravan Park
We have been travelling the South Island for the last 5 months and the Manapouri Motorhome & Caravan Park is one of the best we have visited on our travels, Selwyn & Gloria are very helpful &
run a great ship, everything is spic 'n span and the grounds are very well maintained. There's plenty of space on the grass sites, or gravel if you prefer, and various options available depending on whether you're wanting power or not. The amenities block is fabulous, large lounge & kitchen, nicely appointed toilet & shower ensuites & near new washing machines & dryers. Everything is spacious, the clothes lines are fantastic and have their own large hedge enclosed lawn, water is available on most sites & the dump station is easily accessible from small to very large vehicles. Highly recommended. And only a 15 minute drive from Te Anau, why would you want to park up with the multitudes in close little sites?
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Owaka ▷
Hillview Camping Stay
Very friendly & helpful hosts, large grassed parking area, power available if required.
No kitchen facilities, outdoor basin & bench. Pizzas, chips & other food available. Very reasonably priced at $10pp, free internet. Very handy to Kaka & Nugget Points, also Cannibal Bay (the best place to see sealions in the Catlins)
Thank you hope to see you next time your around this area
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Waikawa ▷
Whistling Frog Café & Resort at Cathedral Caves
Good location for exploring the middle of the Catlins, just down the road from the Falls & Cathedral Caves.
Excellent café/restaurant & good fresh bread to buy each morning. Amenities clean & tidy.
Thanks for your comments.
whistling
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Owaka ▷
Nugget Point / Tokata
Excellent walk to the lighthouse, make sure you take binoculars to see the seals on the rocks & beach far below.
Seals are also on top of the Nuggets if you look carefully.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Waikawa ▷
Slope Point Walk
Stunning scenery, easy walk to the southern most point of the South Island.
Drive a little further on past the carpark into the next bay to view the huge sea cave.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Lumsden ▷
The Lodge and Holiday Park
A great little gem hidden off the main road, the Holiday Park is very quiet.
Individual sites with own toilet/shower ensuite. No kitchen facilities, free laundry(cold wash) Overlooking sheep paddock and Middle Dome, trout river just across the paddock.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Waikawa ▷
Lake Wilkie walk
Not the best walk we've done although the lake is very pretty.
The boardwalk isn't long enough & loops around & heads straight back up the steep hill to the carpark. If you are on limited time don't bother.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Gore ▷
Dolamore Park
Excellent site, 10kms out of town surrounded by native bush (lots of bush walks) with large grassed areas & great childrens playground.
Camping sites have good access to toilets(public) and kitchen block. Shower available, power available if required. No cellphone reception.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Waikawa ▷
McLean Falls Walk
Beautiful walk through stunning native bush to beautiful double falls.
Well worth the 40 minute walk.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Owaka ▷
Catlins River Walk
Excellent walk, well worth it.
Beautiful scenery. Be aware that this is a 10 hour return tramp if you walk to the Wisp. Better to walk to the first swing bridge (Franks Stream) if you don't have a whole lot of time, it's a 5hr return walk. Be aware that there are many tree roots and climbing up & down steps. It is a quite strenuous walk if you are not fit. But it's well worth it if you have the time. Read my blog here;
http://tikitouringnz.blogspot.co.nz/2014/02/catlins-river-walk.html
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Owaka ▷
Tawanui Campsite
Fabulous DOC campground on the banks of the Catlin River and at the beginning of the Catlins River Walk.
Large grassed areas to camp, if you are self contained drive down the gravel track to smaller more intimates area right beside the river. Quiet & peaceful.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Invercargill ▷
Central City Camping Park
Nice little site tucked into suburbia but with plenty of space & large trees for shade, very close to town.
Great amenities but as with all city camp grounds, shower is on a timer & gate closes at 8pm although code gets you in and out. Very well looked after, nice grounds, friendly hosts.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Dunedin ▷
Taieri Mouth Holiday Camp
Great camp ground right on a beautiful near deserted beach.
Lots of sites on two levels, this is how NZ camp sites used to be. Very friendly hosts. Basic but adequate facilities. Peaceful & quiet.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Owaka ▷
Catlins Newhaven Holiday Park
Excellent Holiday Park with great modern facilities, sites are a bit oddly spaced but plenty of room and lots of landscaping makes it very sheltered and picturesque.
Bird life is amazing.
Thank you for your great review, we are pleased you enjoyed the modern facilities and bird life.
Thanks, Lyndon.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Oamaru ▷
Moeraki Boulders
Still one if the best spots to visit on the way past.
Great for photography if not too many people about. Don't be a stooge, pay the $2 to walk from the café if you want to save your legs.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Oamaru ▷
Katiki Point Lighthouse Walk
The best spot to see yellow eyed penguins, give the hide a miss and walk the track out to the point(if the gate isn't locked) Be careful you don't trip over seals in the grass and watch for the
penguins thay can climb high up through the grass. What an experience!
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Marfells Beach/Cape Campbell Route
Can't get better than this for coastal camping in NZ, fabulous campsite will new clean amenity block.
Could be exposed to wind if your site isn't tucked behind scrub. Well worth a walk to Mussel Point & further on to Cape Campbell Lighthouse. Allow plenty of time, must walk at low tide.
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Masterton ▷
Eketahuna Motor Camp
Great site, large area surrounded by trees and bordered by a river.
Very reasonably priced. Power sites available in the centre but a large area around the edge for tents & SC vehicles. Clean & tidy amenities. Owned by the council but run by some excellent managers.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Fan-bloody-tastic experience!!!!
If you only do one attraction this year do this one. Excellent amazing display. Allow plenty of time, you'll still want more.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Puhi Puhi Camping
Great little DOC camp, 8kms or so up a narrow gravel road but plenty big enough for our 14metre rig.
Site is quite small but enough room for about 10 or so vans. The walk through the bush needed a lookout over the river. Plenty of bird life.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park
Great site, large area with plenty of shady sites.
Good amenities. Lovely outlook over crystal clear stream for tents. Helpful and friendly hosts.
Thank you for your feedback. We trust that you had a pleasant stay with us.
Regards
Murray Chisholm
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Palmerston ▷
Moeraki Village Holiday Park
Very well placed camp ground for visiting Boulders, penguins & Fleurs(a 5 min walk away) Also has a resident sealion on the beach below.
Grounds tier up from the road, the front sites are great for views but more like a shingle parking area. The grassed area up the back is lovely. Good facilities.
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Carterton ▷
Gladstone Reserve
Large grassed reserve beside river for self contained vehicles only.
There are two reserves make sure you have the one just over the bridge from the Gladstone Pub- the other one further down river is a bit suspect.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Geraldine ▷
Peel Forest Campground
Fantastic camp ground with well equipped amenities.
Close to river & Mt Peel walks. Not suitable for large rigs as there's a glen of low height trees to pass through to the powered sites.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Tarawera ▷
Lake Ōkāreka Campsite
A DOC (Department of Conservation) compact campground (12 sites only although tents can be pitched on the grass) right on the lake front.
A little too regimented for us with camp sites lined up side by side on hard clay/lime ground with gentle slope for rain runoff. Has toilet facilities. And a large covered area with BBQ tables for communal meeting. Would be very busy during summer so arrive early to get a site.
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North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷ Tutira ▷
Kamahi Loop Track
Great walk to do if you haven't got too much time to complete some of the many walks in and around Boundary Stream.
Diverse bush & forest & a lot od bird life. Watch out for the tiny rifleman flitting about on the rocks near the entrance to the walk across the road. And keep a keen eye out in the sky above the cliffs for the rare NZ falcon.
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North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷ Tutira ▷
Lake Tutira Campsite
Large area to park in with lots of mature trees right on the lake, very picturesque especially in the autumn.
Lake not ideal for swimming but great for trout fishing, kayaking & bird watching. Handy to plenty of hikes, bush walks & waterfalls.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
Mount / Mt Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park
Perfect position to experience all the Mount has to offer.
Try for a beach front site in the off season & watch the passing parade of people on the boardwalk.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Mt Maunganui ▷
Mount Maunganui Summit Walk
A must do on visit to the Mount, 3.5km reasonably easy walk around the base of the Mount.
Great views of the entrance, inner harbour & Pilot Bay & especially good if there's a rough sea. Climb to the summit if you'tr fit for awesome 306 degree views, perfect to watch the sunrise too.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Tairua ▷
Gem of the Boom Creek Loop Walk
This walk was a little more interesting but needs more signposts as the turn around point is not that obvious.
The mine & jail are worth exploring, take a torch or use your cell phone for light. Look for the cave wetas in the mine. And look out for the props some wag has added to the jail.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Coromandel Town ▷
Colville Farm Backpackers Hostel
Not much choice in the upper Coromandel for accommodation but Colville Farm is an excellent place to stop.
Huge house paddock to park in if you're in a van or motorhome, internet, powered sites & facilities available if required. Plus cottages & rooms available. Excellent price too. very down to earth friendly farming family, farm activities available if you want to join in. Glow-worms & gold mine to explore, keep an eye out for the cave wetas. And be warned it's quite a steep hike to the mine.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Hahei ▷
Hot Water Beach
I should be giving this experience a 10/10 for the entertainment factor alone.
Could have spent hours watching dozens of people from all nationalities and walks of life try to find their little spot in amongst the sand pools. Too many people on weekends & when low tide is during the middle of the day. Try to go when the tide is late afternoon or very early morning. Even better late at night with a full moon for light. Worth the experience if you're in the area but there are plenty of other "hot water" places in NZ that have less hype.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Thames ▷
Broken Hills Campsite
Well maintained excellent DOC camping ground with basic facilities(long drop toilets & taps).
Very private with lots of sites in amongst native bush. Runs along side the Tairua River which is very picturesque too. Some excellent walks in the area. Be careful to get road name correct as there is another road into Broken Hills with the same name just missing the "valley" out of it. Bird life is fantastic.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Whitianga ▷
Simpsons Beach Camp
Very reasonably priced $5 per night per van parking in the front paddock right on the beach, very welcoming hosts who have been doing this for eons.
For self contained vehicles only. Very popular during holiday season & long weekends.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Tairua ▷
Broken Hills Battery Walk
Short walk with not too many remnants of the gold mining days.
Nice enough bush walk all the same, good wide level paths.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Coromandel Town ▷
Coromandel Walkway
Stunning views along Pinnacle coast line, walk through farmland & regenerating native bush.
Quite strenuous with lots of hill climbs especially from the Fletcher Bay end. Walking through the manuka forest at the Stony Bay end is amazing.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Waihi ▷
Waihi Beach Tasman Holiday Parks
Excellent family orientated campground with good clean facilities.
Quite a small tightly packed campground but ideal for families. Large well appointed heated pool & spa. Make sure you feed the eels at the red bridge, a great experience.
Our eel population continues to grow and there are three different areas where they can be found in the Resort - thank you for taking the time to provide feedback
waihibeach
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Hahei ▷
Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Well laid out spacious & family orientated camping ground.
Excellent, clean facilities, only 4 years old. Lots of space for everyone, fish 'n chips available from small on site restaurant, 10/10 for them, very tasty. Handy to HWBeach (obviously)
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Hahei ▷
Cathedral Cove Walk
Worth it if you're in the area but be prepared for the walk, take water, it's two & half kms even though it doesn't look like it from the carpark lookout & it's quite a strenuous
walk with a steep climb out of the cove on the way back. Do not wear high heels or pantyhose or carry your handbag like I saw many people doing. the track isn't smooth in a lot of places, be careful where you place your feet. A blue sky also helps with photos and 2 hours either side of low tide allows good access through the "arch"
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Coromandel Town ▷
Port Jackson Campsite
Fantastic location, worth the long drive on a narrow winding road (an experience in itself).
No shops or facilities anywhere close so come prepared. Beachfront DOC camping ground with basic facilities & very friendly & helpful managers. Very busy long weekends & holidays so make sure you book.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Coromandel Town ▷
Colville Farm
Not much choice in the upper Coromandel for accommodation but Colville Farm is an excellent place to stop.
Huge house paddock to park in if you're in a van or motorhome, internet, powered sites & facilities available if required. Plus cottages & rooms available. Excellent price too. very down to earth friendly farming family, farm activities available if you want to join in. Glow-worms & gold mine to explore, keep an eye out for the cave wetas. And be warned it's quite a steep hike to the mine.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Miranda ▷
Rays Rest Camping Reserve
Excellent freedom camping on edge of shell banks overlooking Firth of Thames, 2 night maximum for self contained vehicles only.
Ideal for nature lovers & birders, thousands of birds feed and roost on the shell banks. World class Miranda Shorebird centre & hides are just along the road.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Miranda ▷
Miranda Tasman Holiday Parks
Great holiday park with plenty of interesting sites amongst mature trees & shrubs to choose from.
Good facilities and a fabulous hot pool complex within the grounds (along with the public hotpools next door) One negative was the entry gate being locked at 8pm. We had to hurry back from watching the shorebirds arrive on the shell banks & see the sun set.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Coromandel Town ▷
Long Bay Motor Camp
Excellent location and very welcoming hosts but facilities are a little tired.
Very handy to town & some great short walks.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Coromandel Town ▷
Driving Creek Railway & Potteries
Very interesting & worth visiting.
Great to learn all about how the railway came about.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Thames ▷
Tapu Creek Campervan Park
Iconic kiwi camping ground, just like they used to be, small & compact.
Excellent location with clean stream & swimming hole beside camp ground, very peaceful & relaxing. Hosts very welcoming. Great facilities although kitchen may not be every ones cup of tea. Great BBQ & pizza oven area. Great place to meet other traverllers