Dustin Benton
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Christchurch ▷
Happy Campers
We hired the Original 3 van, which is definitely a budget option!
It's a 1999 Toyota Hiace and ours had 665,000 km on the clock when we picked it up. I was a bit worried but the van ran great, it was good and clean, and the bed was super comfy - three weeks later, and I was genuinely sad to have to give it back. While it lacked the bling of a more common Jucy or Britz van, it made up for it in vintage 90s style.
Bottom line: if you want to see beautiful New Zealand and don't mind a basic campervan, this works just fine!
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Manapouri ▷
Whitestone Stream Bridge
No services, but this is a quiet, pleasant place to stop by the river, not far from Manapouri.
We had a good night's sleep with only a few other campers.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Abel Tasman ▷
Tōtaranui Great Walk campsite
Only had time for a day hike so drove to this campsite, walked the next morning, and took a water taxi back.
Not at all crowded, and very beautiful beach! Only downside was a cold shower :(
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Luggate Cricket Club Camping Ground
Nice little place that has a great shower included for its good value $5/night fee.
Unlike other reviewers, I found the people friendly!
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
BP Connect Mangere
No gas refills, which is a shame as it's so close to the airport!
It proved impossible to locate a gas refilling station nearby, so beware! There is a place (not a petrol station) in Onehunga that refills but it has restricted hours.