Walter Neff
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Arrowtown ▷
Lake Hayes
Just heard on the radio today 27th January 2018 that due to abuse by 'freedom campers' this reserve is now closed to overnight stays, as well as the reserve on the Shotover Delta north of the
bridge at Lower Shotover on Route 6
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queenstown/queenstown-cracks-down-freedom-campers
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Dunedin ▷
Dunedin Holiday Park
Stayed one night in a campervan Feb 2017.
Pros - Friendly staff at reception, sites not too cramped
Cons - Like all the big sites it feels impersonal. Toilet / shower block a bit institutional.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Waikawa ▷
Curio Bay Camping Ground
Stayed 1 night in a campervan Feb 2017.
Was very busy (Saturday) so we parked up overlooking the bay, others were parked up overlooking Porpoise Bay as all the sites amongst the flax were taken or unsuitable. Gave us a great view but luckily the wind wasn't blowing.
Facilities all new, PIN code for the door to the block (put a slight weight on the door before putting your code in for easier opening).
Not the quiet forgotten place it apparently once was but still worth a visit for the killer view over the bay, the Petrified Forest and YEPs and the Hector's Dolphins.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Christchurch ▷
Kiwi Campers New Zealand
We rented a Volkswagen 2007 T5 Dart 2 (285000km) for one month in Feb 2017.
We were picked up in Christchurch on time and our contract explained to us in a professional manner by the hard-working Denise. We had to phone in twice for advice, which was dealt with in a satisfactory manner both times. Return of the van was all good, we were refunded for a puncture repair and engine oil which we had paid for on the road as promised.
A few things to check before leaving KC’s base when picking a van up:
That the supplied linen is all clean, including any covers that might be on the quilt and pillows.
That the engine oil is at the top mark.
Also, check the tyre pressures at the first opportunity.
Specific tips for the VW T5
Never ever leave the keys inside the van with the doors closed, the central locking has a mind of its own and the doors may lock at any time.
If the cooker rings won’t stay alight then turn off and knock hard on top of the gas ring before relighting.
Pros: These are great vans with a lot of living area compared to other vans of the same size.
Front room staff very professional.
Cons: Back room staff letting the show down a bit with the preparation of the vans.
Kiwi's web site doesn’t have any pictures of the VW Dart 2, the pictures shown are of a Toyota. You’ll need to Google them separately or search for ‘Wilderness Dart 2’. Doesn’t show a great deal of respect for the customer…
Overall happy enough with our experience and would use Kiwi again.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Invercargill ▷
Riverton Longwood Holiday Park and Camping Ground
Stayed 1 night in a camper van Feb 2017.
One of the top sites of our month long holiday.
Friendly owner, good view from pitch, fully equipped retro kitchen attached to a big games room / lounge with ping pong table and various other games. Oh, and a record player with a stack of 70s vinyl to chill out to while sat on the comfy sofas chatting to others.
A real find for $30 powered for 2.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Dunedin ▷
Leith Valley Holiday Park
Stayed two nights in a campervan early Feb 2017.
Good facilities, more homely feeling than the big site on the south side of the city. Easy walk up the path to see the arch of glow worms at night, take a torch for coming back as it's easy to miss the turn back over the bridge to the campsite. Being on the north side of Dunedin it's handy for Baldwin Street, Signal Hill Lookout and Port Chalmers as well.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Owaka ▷
Hillview Camping Stay
Stayed 1 night in a campervan Feb 2017.
Basic as expected for the cost, handy for the drive down to Nugget Point Lighthouse and Roaring Bay Hide to see the YEPs.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Hanmer Springs ▷
Hanmer Field Base and Picnic Area
Had a look here 28 Feb 2017, there's a sign on the gate saying 'Camping area now closed' and advising that the nearest free camping area is at St.
James Station on Tophouse Road, accessed via the Clarence Valley Road.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Palmerston ▷
Moeraki Village Holiday Park
Stayed one night in a campervan early Feb 2017.
Spot on, good facilities and arrived early so had a good pitch overlooking the harbour. Just a short drive to see the YEPs at Katiki Point in the early evening. Flying Kiwi stop here so there was a nice vibe around later on. Recommended.
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South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷ Roxburgh ▷
Millers Flat Holiday Park
Stayed 1 night in a campervan Feb 2017.
Friendly owners gave us a primo spot down by the river. Chilled out vibe, clean facilities. Good kitchen, toilet block a mix of new and old.
Took the warden's advice and went down the gravel road to have a look at Horseshoe Bend Bridge and the Lonely Graves, quite a touching story.
Hi Walter, Thanks for taking the time to write such a great review, we really appreciate it you've made our day:) It's such a great spot for peace and quiet and the outdoors, with lots of local history to share. We're glad you enjoyed your stay & watch this space as and when time and funds allow we'll be making improvements to the park to make your stays even more comfortable. Happy Travels John & Marise
Wanda Whipps
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South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷ Alexandra ▷
Omakau Recreation Reserve and Camping Ground
Stayed 2 nights in a campervan Feb 2017.
Really loved this place, $25 for 2 adults on a powered site. Loads of room, friendly warden, good clean facilities, bargain price. What more do you need?
Also handy for the Central Otago Rail Trail, SheBikesHeBikes on the mainstreet will take you north 30k for the ride back over the best bits (mostly downhill).
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Methven ▷
Methven Camping Ground
Stayed one night late Jan 2017, this is a nice old school campground with plenty of space and a chilled out vibe.
Rustic.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Oamaru ▷
Harbour Tourist Park Oamaru
Stayed one night in a campervan, late Jan 2017.
Great campsite with modern facilities, saw 4 blue penguins coming through the site about 10-ish. Steampunk museum close by, lovely views out over the harbour from the front. Probably worth booking ahead in the summer months as it's not that big, especially if you plan on arriving late.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Omarama ▷
Lake Benmore Holiday Park
Stayed one night late Jan 2017, very friendly owner and really liked the seperate loos at each pitch.
Nice place to stay for a drive up to Benmore Dam then along the Lake Aviemore backroad on the way east.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Truman Track
Easy short walk through the forest to a lovely cove with great views, too dangerous for swimming though.
Parking on the other side of the main road from the signposted track.
Mini blowholes off to the left at the track end, a bit like Pancake Rocks if the tide and sea state is right.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Akaroa ▷
Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park
Stayed here one night in Feb 2014 Pros - All the usual Top 10 site facilities Nice feel to Akaroa village Cons - Fairly tight spacing between 'vans, shrubbery starting to obscure the view from some
of the 'Harbour View' sites
Thank You for your comment. All shubbery has since been trimmed to allow full view from our harbour view sites.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Karamea ▷
Karamea Domain Camping Ground
Stayed one night in a campervan.
The site is at the far end of the playing fields.
Pros - Friendly, homely feel, loads of space
Cheap - $9pppn for a powered site
All you need in the kitchen, pots, pans, plates, cutlery etc
Cons - Facilities a bit retro but fine for the money
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Punakaiki Beach Camp
Stayed one night in a campervan.
Pros - Informal layout, lots of wee nooks and crannies
15min walk up the hill to Pancake Rocks
Pub nearby for food
Friendly welcome
Cons - None worth mentioning
Hi Craig,
Thanks for your review, classic kiwi campgrounds are great for 'wee nooks and crannies'.
We are glad you enjoyed your stay,
Regards
Jed
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Karamea ▷
Oparara Arch Walk
16km gravel track from main road up to the carpark, we went up in a small campervan, the track is a bit steep and gnarly in places so wouldn't advise taking a motorhome style 'van up there.
Nice easy track to the arch once you reach the carpark, access to the Mirror Tarn and Moira Arch from the same place.
Good information boards and toilets at the carpark
Nice enough but not the wow factor I was expecting from other reviews. If you want a stunning walk through limestone country try the Ruakuri Bush Walk a couple of ks past the Waitomo caves on the North Island.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Greymouth ▷
Jacksons Retreat Campervan Holiday Park
Stayed here one night, loads of space as not busy.
A real gem, lots of nice touches, obviously set out by someone who has done a bit of camping
Pros - Lovely park, well set out, friendly reception
Excellent kitchen / common room, all facilities very clean
Walks to waterfall etc
Tame wekas wandering around
Cons - None that I can think of
If you're heading to the West Coast it's worth taking the road opposite the camp to go via Lake Brunner, nice quiet back road.