Julian Kemp
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Wilderness Motorhomes
We have just returned from a fantastic 14 day tour of NZ in a Wilderness Motorhomes Breeze 4.
We have had Motorhome holidays before, and found that Wilderness were a delight to work with from beginning to end.
The holiday was booked through their website, which was clear and easy to use. The only extra charge was a credit card fee - watch out American Express has higher fees, use a Visa or MasterCard!
We picked up the van in Christchurch and the pickup was smooth and quick.
2 weeks touring flew by, and the van worked very well.
We had one problem with the hot water heater not working on the road, one call to Wilderness and they had us checked over by a garage at Fox Glacier. A full fix was achieved and we were back on our way. I was impressed with the way that this was handled - all credit to Wilderness.
The return in Christchurch was also quick and painless, and the staff were always happy to talk to us about our trip - even following us along on our Facebook Blog.
Will be back - hopefully for longer next time!
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Paraparaumu ▷
Marine Parade Carpark (opposite # 62)
Several small car parks along the beech front allow an overnight stay for a self contained unit.
Great views in the morning out to sea, and a short walk to the nearly village centre that has a variety of shops, restaurants and bars.
Great place to stay, either before or after, the ferry to the South Island.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Havelock ▷
Smiths Farm Holiday Park
The night we stayed we had the site to ourselves, although apparently the night before they had been busy.
Great site to round off our tour of the South Island (Very handy for the ferry at Picton!)
We were welcomed with a warm muffin each, given some food to feed the animals on the farm, and a map showing the walk to the waterfall and glowworm glen.
Guests are encouraged to visit the animals, sheep, calves, a pig and a goat - we were also able to bottle feed the two new-born lambs, which was great!
Clean facilities, with washing machines and cooking facilities available.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking
Free Camping.
No Signs - Position on map appears to be just before the hydro power building, and before the road turns to a gravel track. Various other places along the lakeside where people were camping.
Fantastic views over the lake and towards the Mt Cook.
No facilities at point marked. Toilet signed further along, just off the gravel road
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Albert Town Camping Ground
Basic facilities, but clean flush toilets are a positive.
Great low cost site
$14 for 2 adults, compared with $50 in Queenstown the night before
Site is next to a river - plenty of space to find your spot, under a tree or in the open - your choice.
The ducks were very friendly - especially as we ate our supper!
Off Road bike course adjoining the site.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Fox Glacier ▷
Clearwater Stream Camping
Short drive down gravel road before the site is over the bridge from the viewpoint.
Great freedom camping site next to the creek, with a fantastic view of Fox Glacier
The road can be quite busy early evening - and some coaches - Check the wind direction and make sure you are upwind of the dust!
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Queenstown Holiday Park Creeksyde
We spent one night here during a tour of the South Island.
Good point is that it is nice and close to the town centre and within easy walking distance
Site did feel quite compact, and there was not much room between the pitches - mostly filled with hire vans!
Well designed dump point, Just drive over and dump into drain, no need for any hose!
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Fox River Freedom Camping Area
Basic gravel "car park" - No facilities.
Short walk to a lovely, deserted beach
The biggest problem was the large number of sandflies - our first encounter....
The old Fox River Bridge has been restored and pedestrian access is possible. I believe the old road tunnel is at the far end, but the sandflies prevented me from venturing that far!