Tom J.
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Ashburton ▷
Beautiful, beautiful place.
I spent about 14 days there unplanned because my cell phone died and I was allowed to have a new one sent there. The whole time I stayed in a tent on the lawn in front of the reception, which is one of the nicest spots on the campsite. Flowers all around, trees, scented bushes, trees. There's a car repair shop not far from the campground if you need anything (I had a flat tire).
There are lots of beautiful places to visit in the area. Rakaia gorge, Lake Coleridge, Sharplin Falls and many more.
The owners are very helpful and friendly.
Unlimited hot showers. What more could you ask for at the border of the plains of Rohan, the site of Edoras (Mt. Sunday). Land of the horse lords.
I will definitely come again :).
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Murchison ▷
I stayed there in a small cabin for 2 days.
The cabin costs 30 NZD/day which is very cool price. Facilities were clean, free wifi wasn't working very well sometimes. Only disappointment is showers 2NZD/4 or 5 minutes. I will return here for sure :)
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
When I walked into the reception of Farewell Gardens camp for the first time, I thought that I entered into a beauty saloon by mistake.
(I am not native english speaker and i apologize for some mistakes)
There was a gorgeous lioness with a flood of blonde hair. What a pleasant shock :). She gave me all info about local tracks, what is worthy of visit and when. Border collie Flossy was really very friendly, but probably not for my charming personality, but because I was eating bread with salami. I stayed two nights in a funky caravan. Nice change in comparison with my soaked tent. You can't expect Top10 camp facilities, but for me the friendly atmosphere and fantastic surrounding beated all those small negatives. Tent sites are nice, private and sheltered against wind. You can feel peace and quiet here . No hordes of kids running around yelling. No wifi but hey, that's what are we looking for, a place to unwind from everyday's cruel worklife filled with duties, right? Facilities were pitoresque :), but very clean and no silly "insert 2 dollars for hot shower", but be reasonable as they rely only on rain water. You will not hear airplanes or constant stream of cars, only whispering of sea. A few steps away is Port Puponga waiting for you with many tracks and walks. Wharariki beach is just a 10 or 15 minutes drive (depends how mad are you). I was leaving with heavy heart and I will return for sure!