Nina James
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
Lake Mahinapua Campsite
Stayed here on a Friday night before a long weekend.
Stunningly beautiful scenery, a very tranquil spot to set up camp. Get there early, drive past the camp site and set up camp on the beach of the lake itself. There's only room for a few campers by the lake, and your experience will be that bit more special. Very tidy and clean campsite.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Haast ▷
Haast Beach Holiday Park
Right next to the holiday park is a dairy farm, and the sound and smell of the cattle is overwhelming.
No beach in site, very misleading. Don't stay during a long weekend, the park attracts large groups of people who spend their time getting drunk and fighting, and disrupting the other visitors.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Timaru ▷
Otaio Gorge Campsite
This camping ground is well worth the drive from the main road.
We stayed on a Tuesday night after a long weekend, and had the place all to ourselves. Unfortunately whoever had stayed there over the long weekend had decided to leave their rubbish behind, but at least they'd left the fire pit well stocked with wood. Make sure you have a good supply of water because there is none available at the site. A peaceful secluded spot with a gentle creek alongside it, lots of native birds, and surrounded by farmland. We fell in love with the place instantly, so we removed the rubbish ourselves and settled in for what was easily a highlight of our trip. Highly recommended.