David Elliott
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Abel Tasman ▷
Abel Tasman Marahau Beach Camp
A rather basic camping ground.
Facilities were very tired but clean, and you pay for hot water. However it is close to the Abel Tasman national park. The small shop handles all the bookings for the site, including water taxis and kayaks. We stayed for two nights @ $35 per night, which for that region is good value.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Orewa ▷
Te Haruhi Bay Camping Ground
A stunning place to camp - close to Auckland.
Great walks on beach and hills. You wouldn't know it was there - the drive through the suburbs is very deceiving, but well worth the time taken. We parked in the self contained area - but used the public toilets which were clean.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
Lake Mahinapua Campsite
A lovely site, beside the lake.
Plenty of open level space for vehicles to park. toilets were clean but basic (bring a torch).
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Hokianga ▷
Opononi Beach Holiday Park
Friendly staff, managing a lovely site.
Our van site was elevated,with good views to the water. $40 for two for a powered site. Facilities were basic, but hot water was free. Loved the goats used to keep grass mown.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Glenorchy ▷
Kinloch Campsite
A potentially great site, and free (with campsite pass) but poorly maintained.
Boggy ground and smelly toilet as well as sand flies made it an uncomfortable stay. We found better facilities up the road at the start of the overnight walking tracks - although only people doing the hikes can park there.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Arrowtown ▷
Hampshire Holiday Park Arrowtown
What a great location with beautiful surrounds and modern and clean facilities.
BUT we were not impressed with the manner in which they pack the sites so close together, literally cheek by jowl. It would be uncomfortable in peak times.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
Affordable Willowhaven Holiday Park
Overall a nice place.
Handy to the town - we walked in to the mall and around the parks. Facilites were clean but a bit tired. Staff we're very helpful and friendly. The hot pools were a welcome treat at the end of the day.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Cron street ▷
Rainforest Retreat
A well set out site, but it is big and probably would be crowded in peak times.
Our powered site was fairly private. The facilities were very good, clean and free hot water. Be aware that it can feel like a war zone with the constant sound of helicopters. We recommend the Monsoon cafe which is attached, the pizzas were delicious. But stay clear when they have a tour bus in!
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Lake Outlet Holiday Park
A very basic but clean site.
A bit tricky to locate, but worth the time. We recommend the powered views from the terrace sites, but the track leading down to the facilities was quite dangerous - we recommend that they fix this urgently. Overall a handy spot close to Wanaka for only $30 for a couple.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Hahei ▷
Hahei Beach Resort
Stunning location, particularly if you get a beach terrace powered site - with a stretch of grass beside the beach!
Ammenities were clean and well maintained - pay for hot shower. Note that it is a big park, and it would be busy in peak season. A long walk to the small cluster of shops. However you can walk to Cathedral cave from here along the beach.
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village ▷
Whakapapa Holiday Park
What a lovely powered site, on the slopes of the volcanoes, overlooking the river.
Ask for site # 21- you get a view into the ravine with a mountain backdrop. Great kitchen, but bring your own gear. Showers free and hot AND there is a bath in the ladies showers, perfect for tired hikers. There is easy access to most of the walking tracks and close to the National park headquarters.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Arthur's Pass ▷
Avalanche Creek Shelter Campsite
Accept it for what it is - an overnight stop and be prepared to listen to the trucks and trains trundle past during the night.
However this was the only place we heard kiwis at night. The ammenities were quite clean and it was close to a little cafe as well as the walking tracks. Arthur's pass itself is a beautiful drive and well worth visiting.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Lumsden ▷
Lumsden Information Centre
What an amazing little town!
Full marks to the council who decided to use this spot for travellers. We stopped in enroute to Te Anau. The free camping site at the old railway station becomes a hive of activity at the end of the day, as campers pull in. We chose a spot closer to the toilets but noticed that there was quite a friendly community over under the station roof. The site has a grocery store, pub, and small cafe within 50meters.
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Paraparaumu ▷
Garden Rd Carpark
Great site, right on the beach, in a public carpark.
Public toilets close at sunset and open at sunrise. Restaurant and children's playground next door but it was a very quite spot during the week. An easy walk to shops. Basically a good overnight stop. There were signs saying only 3 self contained vehicles allowed per night. But when we awoke, there were at least 6 vehicles parked.