Toni
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Murchison ▷
Riverside Holiday Park
We had such a lovely time here!
We paid $35 for two people in an unpowered site. The kitchen/hangout area was lovely - plenty of space and equipment to cook with. The bathrooms were clean, the showers are $2 and were very nice.
We were lucky with the weather and had a lovely sunny evening hanging out by the river.
Also, the staff were so friendly and helpful. Wish we could have stayed longer.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
KiwiCamp Blenheim
Toilets and showers in one cubicle, which was amazing!
Plenty of room to get changed/ready. A bit noisy as it is right by a truck stop, but a great option for a cheap stop. We were here off season, and there aren't many spaces so I imagine I'm peak season it fills up quick. The spaces are large and you effectively get your own backyard with a fence and table.
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Hutt Valley ▷
Kaitoke Regional Park Camping Ground
We had plenty of space - we were there mid week September.
The toilets were fine, clean but lacked hooks. If you're a LOTR fan this is a must - a chance to camp in Rivendell! Pricing for unpowered was very reasonable, and there is a large sheltered area for cooking and dining.
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North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷ Napier ▷
Affordable Westshore Holiday Park
We were lucky and came here during bad weather + off season and so got a very good deal on the price, and a good spot for our van too.
The staff here was very friendly and helpful.
Facilities are a little basic, but everything is functional and clean. Showers are 50c for 5 minutes, laundry is $8 total (wash and dry).
It can be a bit noisy being right by a busy road, but the security helped us feel safe. There's a very nice pub just across the road with a wide range of beers and food.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Tarawera ▷
Lake Ōkāreka Campsite
Very basic, but so so stunning.
Easy to get to. No running water at all, only a drop toilet, and lake water that needs to be boiled before use. There are facilities (running water, showers, etc) at Boyne's Beach up the road, but you need a Penny Key/kiwi cash thing to pay for them (we got ours at the I site at the redwoods in Rotorua)
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North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷ Napier ▷
Foreshore Reserve Carpark
You can no longer camp here (we visited Sep 2025, lots of "No freedom camping" signs)
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Turangi ▷
Parklands Motor Lodge
Very good value for money, clean facilities, friendly staff.
It is right by the main road, didn't feel hugely secure (there's no gate or security to prevent anyone walking/driving up from the road). We paid $40 for two people for one night.
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North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Palmerston North ▷
Ashhurst Domain
For a smaller site, there was an adequate amount of space for non powered sites.
The bathrooms were basic but mostly clean (showers questionably clean). Very little space in the bathrooms. They have a small kitchen area with a boiler with a tap for hot water - Incredibly useful for hot water bottles and coffee in the morning.
The campsite closes at 8pm and opens at 6am, and there is a gate - this made us feel very safe (it is however right next to a graveyard if you're worried about ghosts (we did not see any)).
I'd recommend bringing cash, as payment online proved tricky.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Tuakau ▷
Te Kauwhata Domain
For a free campsite, it was great!
Felt safe, it was clean, plenty of spaces when we arrived. It is basic, but for what it is, very nice - and a nice view of the lake!
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village ▷
KiwiCamp Tongariro
It was good, but don't bother paying for secure car park (didn't seem very secure or needed).
Free hot water in the kitchen taps! Very clean facilities, if basic. Toilets were small and had no hooks. Showers did have hooks, however we didn't use actual showers (we paid $10 to use the sauna and showers at the Skotel Alpine Hotel, if you go after 3 you can also use their spa pool).
Would highly recommend the Schnapps Bar at the end of the road - HUGE portions of food, very lovely staff.