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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Pororari River Track Carpark
Basically a carpark, ok for self-contained vans only.
Lovely location with walking tracks starting there. 2 mins walk across the road to the beach with great sunsets. Pub across road very expensive & charges 5 dollars for WiFi access even if you buy a drink-avoid. Non self-contained vans beware- DOC ranger visited very early in the morning and handed out on-the-spot fines to the cars with backpackers in. Fair enough, it's clearly advertised and the site is spotlessly clean.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Fox Glacier ▷
Fox Glacier Guiding
Fox it up ice climbing for a day- awesome!!!!
Top notch equipment, only 4 to a group, great instructor- very knowledgeable & friendly. Great tour of much more of the glacier than standard walks. Climbing was amazing, including being lowered into 'moulins' and having to climb out again- incredible to be inside the ice. $275NZD for the day but worth every penny. All gloves, outer clothing provided, take a hat if you feel the cold and 3 layers as ranges from hot on the hike in to chilly down in the depths! I'm hooked- thanks to Lissie & FGG for an amazing day.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Arrowtown ▷
Crown Range Summit
Amazing view down valley.
Basically a gravel car park at the summit. No facilities but this is what freedom camping is all about! Had the place to ourselves. Not signed, but just turn in next to the monument at the summit and choose your spot! Not bothered by road noise at all.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Serious Fun Riversurfing
Dull, dull, dull.
And expensive too at nearly $NZD 200. Very tame float down a river with tiny rapids that don't trigger any adrenaline thrill at all. One cliff jump, again pretty tame. You'll get a bigger kick boogie boarding off the beach at home. Equipment good, nice scenery, "snacks provided" means a plastic cup of weak squash and a small muesli bar. Our group was too big, with too many people who weren't competent swimmers who were basically towed down the river by the guides meaning they weren't there to guide you into any fun stuff like the squirts. The video & website promises a lot, but save your money and do something else as the experience doesn't deliver a fraction of what it claims to.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Meatworks Beachfront
Proper freedom camping.
Not signposted so not easy to find. Follow the main road North out of Kaikoura, and when it comes back to meet the sea by the train track, take the small gravel road on the right, cross the train track, bear right & pick your spot. Several places immediately, but if you head further along there's a gravel carpark to use with a toilet there, but quite windy. Best spots are just beyond this, which are sheltered in amongst the trees. Rocky beach, great surfing with long, clean waves, and nobody about! Sunrise is beautiful on the mountains just inland.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Abel Tasman ▷
Abel Tasman Marahau Beach Camp
Great spot to explore the Abel Tasman from.
$19NZD pppn for a powered site not bad considering the location. Big pitches with lots of space for camping chairs & tables. Pitches 1 - 5 have views along the road and out to sea. Free gas BBQ is great. Good kitchen facilities, everything very clean. Small children's playground on site. Office good for booking kayaks / water taxis,etc. Make sure you visit The Fat Tui for a burger - about 1km along the road - as good as Fergburger in Queenstown. Easy access to the beach and great views at sunrise/sunset.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Momorangi Campsite
Stunning location.
No extra charge for waterfront pitch, so worth phoning & booking one as the views are incredible! Lovely sheltered beach, great for swimming. Showers $1NZD tokens from reception, which also does great ice-cream. Staff friendly & helpful. Lovely walk up onto the hilltop behind the site gives great views over the site and the sound, take a late-night stroll up the same path to see the glow-worms. Very clean, cheap launderette on main site, along with good kitchen facilities.