Rebecca S
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Waihi ▷
Goldfields Railway
Was so quiet it almost felt a little unnerving after being around lots of people.
But we had access to some bathrooms and had a peaceful stay.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
TECT Park
Very nice.
We arrived a bit later and parked in the lot instead of grassy area under the tree, but it was still a good view and nice cooler weather when we started in February
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
Lake Ruataniwha Reserve
Lake Taupo free site was crammed, so we came here - lovely view and everyone can park up near the water view.
(Though at least 20m away from the shore, if I remember right.)
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Whangarei ▷
Uretiti Beach Campsite
Great spot, we had a nice area to ourselves that was fairly private, though a longer walk to get to the beach.
The ocean is not in view.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Kingston ▷
Kingston Lake Camp
Lovely.
The drive from Queenstown was beautiful as well. If peak season, don’t even bother driving around looking for free camping in Queenstown… the options are minimal and the fines are high if you’re not in an approved spot… wish we had some straight here in the first place. We enjoyed stargazing on a clear night. Bathrooms were tidy. My husband counted over a hundred campers here, so it did end up fairly crowded and there were multiple campers pulling in around and after midnight. If you are in a tent it would be a bit noisy by the road and with the camping traffic.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Palmerston ▷
Katiki Beach North Reserve Rest Stop
Lovely spot.
Bathrooms weren’t great and trash was overflowing, but otherwise we had a wonderful view of the ocean and walk by the beach.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
Rotorua Family Holiday Park
Tidy and well kept.
Free showers. As a holiday park, it was a bit busy and you’re closely parked to other people, but if you’re expecting that it’s a nice spot to be.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Oxford ▷
West Oxford Reserve
Nothing fancy, but it worked well for us.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Picton's Waikawa Bay Holiday Park
Good spot to stay after arriving at midnight from the ferry.
We had to book ahead because of the late arrival, probably would have stay for peak season.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Huka/Aratiatia Rapids Scenic Reserve
Nice lake view of you’re one of the first 5 people… but there’s also a picnic table you can pull your food over to.
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Ohakune ▷
Raetihi Holiday Park & Cabins
Felt a little more run down, the trash was overflowing a bit, but otherwise a good stay.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Boundary Street
Totally full.
I’d recommend skipping The Search for Parking in Queenstown and just driving farther out of the city to begin with.