Zoe Ross
-
North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Raglan ▷
Solscape Eco Retreat
Lates 20s couple travelling around NZ for 6 weeks.
We met up with some friends from Auckland here and had an amazing time. Close to beach, great surf, lovely vibe. The yoga class was beautiful. Lots of friendly people staying here. Lovely food in the cafe but slow service. Seemed to be very overstretched.
But... Essentially staying in a car park. Hardly any space. We had no electricity hook up - seems to be luck of the draw both cost the same. After having stayed at some wonderful free sites the price just could not be justified.
-
South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Kidds Bush Reserve Campsite
Our favourite paid for campsite after 6 weeks of travelling around NZ.
Spent 2 nights here.
Pros:
Beautiful relaxing campsite
Crystal clear lake
Nice hike
Quiet and peaceful
Lots of space
Cons:
Only toilet and sinks
No where to buy wine!
Not free
-
South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Dunedin ▷
Portobello Domain
We stayed here 2 nights.
You can definitely freedom camp here - we called the council to confirm. There was only us and 1 other Campervan. Secluded and quiet. Toilets with sink. Playing field but no view. Close to albatross centre.
-
South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Meatworks Beachfront
Great views and close to Kaikoura.
The toilet is a long drop with no sink but no problem. Not too smelly. Did not manage to swim in the sea here as too rocky to get out. You have to go to Encounter kaikoura and swim with dolphins. Easily the best thing we did in NZ. Amazing. Also I'm not sure I'd go to Otago for the albatrosses again as they have 14 species in a Kaikoura. Lots of space.
-
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Collins Memorial Reserve
We stayed here 1 night after arriving late into Picton on the ferry.
Simply a car park with a toilet and sink. Noise from traffic and trains but perfect for a 1 night stop.
-
North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village ▷
Mangahuia Campsite
Lates 20s couple.
6 weeks travelling around NZ.
Pros:
Close to Tongariro crossing
Cons:
My least favourite campsite
Toilet stank
Overcrowded - arrived at around 6pm and completely full - luckily another Campervan was kind enough to share their site
Long drop toilet
Water and sink