Profile
Mike Fricker
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Christchurch ▷
North South Holiday Park
03Nov18.
1 night for 2, powered site $40. Our last van night before we go home. Friendly welcome. Reasonable price.
Maybe not the most salubrious place we have been to in 8 weeks but perfectly ok as a last stop. Don’t forget where it is, near the hire depots and in an industrial area.
Car/van wash area. Cold water, bucket, brushes and rags. Hose pipe not quite long enough and it leaked when pointing up so I got a bit wet. However, it was there and didn’t cost extra. Try not to splash the people in the adjacent cabin.
Van sites are gravel, ours was level with power and water. Picnic tables too on the grass area between pitches.
The toilet/shower block nearest reception is undergoing an upgrade and was supposed to be finished by 2nd November so should be soon. The other one is ok.
Shower is push button. Pre set temperature that is good, no messing about trying to get it right. 6 minutes followed by 3 minutes delay. Rush through and enjoy standing in the hot shower!
Plenty of rubbish and recycling bins.
Kids play stuff and a swimming pool for the summer.
Free WiFi. Unlike others we had no problems with it at all.
Kitchens.
Laundries with choice of hot or cold washes!
Outside the park is a commercial vehicle cleaning area with vacuum hoses at a good price.
There is also a Z fuel station. Perfect for the final refuel. Don’t forget your 6cents a litre off from New World. Other supermarkets are available. My wife particularly likes Countdown for their muffins!
Unfortunately there are no near bars or shops. Either a long walk or you have to drive. Z fuel do have a shop with the usual fuel station goods. No beer.
Noise. A bit of road and plane but not so bad. The high revving cars late at night were more annoying. Hopefully an unusual episode.
Not a place we would stay for longer than the last night of our trip but all things considered a good option.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Akaroa ▷
Akaroa Freedom Camping Area
01Nov18.
There is a sign about where you can park overnight but it is not clear. The only clear signs are the individual ones as pictured in the description. We parked in one of those.
There are a bit tight so only 9.
However, the location is good. There are toilets a few minutes walk away but there are much better ones farther into town.
We are staying 2 nights here after checking out the lighthouse site. That one slopes a bit.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway North Entrance
15Oct18.
Very windy and chilly! A nice walk all the same. The last time we did it was April 2014 and it was warm and sunny.
We walked along the top to Whalers Bay then down the cliff path and back along the beach. Keep to the non maintained path and avoid the bird colonies that are close to the path in some places. They don’t like us being there! We were seen off in no uncertain terms.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Motueka ▷
Hawkes Lookout Carpark
08Oct18.
Stopped here on the way over to Takaka. It is as described with a short walk to the lookout. Is was sunny and clear so the the view was great. While we were there a couple who live in Nelson appeared. It was their first visit and were amazed at the view. Worth going to.
The Ngarau Caves and lookout is a bit further along the road. The lookout looks a slightly different direction so is also worth a stop. Went to the caves in 2006. It is a paid for place. Hourly guided tours into the caves. Can’t say what it is like now but prob worth visiting.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Havelock ▷
Alfred Stream Reserve
06Oct18.
A nice little spot best suited to small campers but we managed with our 7.7m motorhome.
Full up when we were there.
Quiet enough spot. Drop loo up a bit of a rise. We know where you’re going!
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Haast ▷
Lake Paringa Campsite
20Oct18.
Looked in but didn’t stay.
3 new loos that we’re perfectly fine. Hand washing but soap empty. 2 large sinks.
Not to many sandflies.
$13 per person. It says powered sites are available although we didn’t see any. They were, I think, $21 per person.
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South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷ Cromwell ▷
Roaring Meg Picnic Area
27Oct18.
We stopped at the viewing area the other side of the road. Ok views of the river and the small hydro scheme. Good spot for a tea or coffee stop.
The camp area is the other side of the road. Didn’t stay there but had a look. Not too level and quite small. The entrance is narrow and if you have a big van you will need to go the wrong side of the road to get in if coming from Queenstown. Not a good idea. Go into the view area to make the turn.
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Waikanae ▷
Waimea Road Beach Carpark
01Oct18.
A car park by the beach. Toilets but not 24hr. Cold shower in open. Free!
9/10 for what it does. Nothing special but an ok place to keep costs down.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Franz Josef ▷
Sentinel Rock Walk
20Oct18.
A good path up to the lookout. We were here in 2006 and it is surprising just how much the glacier has receded, even tho we all know about global warming. I suspect the longer walk would give much better views if you have the time. We elected to do the longer walk at Fox.
The road to the car park is well made but narrow in places and slow.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Franz Josef ▷
Rainforest Retreat
19Oct18.
$44 for 2 of us in large camper powered site. Free WiFi.
The site allocated to us was a little awkward to get onto as we had to be sideways but most others were drive/reverse in.
It looks a bit claustrophobic at first but it was quiet.
The bar and restaurant were very good. Good atmosphere. A covered semi outdoor area with a log fire. A good selection of ales. We had pizza and had plenty to take away with us. The food others had looked good too.
Only 9 out of 10 as I have a general issue with campsite showers. Don’t owners realise that when it is wet you walk water and muck in. With no duck board or anything else to stand on after your shower you have to stand on a mucky floor with wet feet. Also something to sit on for when drying feet would be good. Oh, the lights switched off before I finished too.
In spite of that little rant we like this place and may well come again on our next trip as we feel it is good value.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Picton Tasman Holiday Parks
04Oct18.
Our usual stop before/after the ferry. 2 nights.
Friendly reception.
Some pitches are close to trees which effectively shortens the pitch. If you have a long and/or high vehicle let them know.
Push buttons for the showers, outside the cubicles.
Close to town via the marina. We saw a few rays in the water, one just resting right underneath where we stood.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Pelorus ▷
Totara Walk
06Oct18.
Not really sure why there is a separate entry for this. As good as the other walks.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
Shining Star Beachfront Accommodation
18Oct18.
$40 for 2 adults. Plenty of room on the pitch. Fairly compact so close to the facilities. Beach access direct from the site. Glow worm dell across the road.
No matts in the showers. Dirty feet!
Recycling a bit confused. No labels.
Stayed there in 2014 and expect we might again.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
Pukaki Boulders walk
29Oct18.
Went up the road for the requisite 5kms. Didn’t see it. Carried on to Peters Lookout and had coffee and cake then headed back.
Guess what, we saw it. The problem is the sign is set well back off the road on the lake side of the road by a stile over a fence and there is no parking area at all.
If you have a car or small vehicle you could manage to park on the shoulder but we had a large van and that was a no no.
However, a couple of kms down the road towards SH8 there is a larger gravel area on the lake side where you could park and walk back. We didn’t as the weather was not so good. Hopefully the view is as good as the first reviewer said it is!
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Hanmer Springs ▷
Hanmer Field Base and Picnic Area
15Oct18.
From Hanmer Springs go past the picnic area entrance to the next entrance.
I think there were eventually 10 vans that night. Park considerately and there is room. Mostly level.
Flush loos although they had not recently been serviced when we were there.
Good bush walks on the other side of the road. Good.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Charleston ▷
Underworld Adventures
17Oct18.
Ha! We didn’t do the paid adventures (hence only 5) but did have coffee and cake in the cafe. Good stuff. There is also an observation deck at the top of the building
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Wellington ▷
Wellington Botanic Gardens
03Oct18.
Cable car to top $5 one way, $9 return. Good walks around the gardens. The treehouse was good, although we didn’t go inside. Cafe at the top. We were glad we went in there rather than wait for the one at the bottom of the gardens. The walk down to the city past the Beehive was good. Interesting cemetery. Some quite tragic stories on headstones.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Kekerengu
13Oct18.
Go down the slope and there is a gravel space to the right. We stayed there. It is a little exposed to the weather. Go further along the track and there are other spaces. They look a little more sheltered.
Nowhere to say it is ok to stay there but there were a few campers there. Nowhere saying you have to pay or any means of doing so. No facilities at all.
Right next to the Store cafe. A good place for morning coffee, cake or breakfast. They also have loos.
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Paraparaumu ▷
Kapiti Holiday Resort
02Oct18.
One night stay. The only place we have seen with individual bathrooms per pitch! A little shed with flushing toilet, basin, shower and hot water. It only lacked a chair of bench.
The kitchen looked good, although we didn’t use it. The laundry has 4 washers and 2 dryers and the cost is $2 each, the cheapest, and the dryer went on for about an hour!
No WiFi.
Close to the beach and there are shops and eateries along the road.
Nice friendly lady on duty. I hope she gets a holiday herself soon.
It’s not on this app but Southward Car Museum is quite close and is well worth a visit.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Hampshire Holiday Park Queenstown
24-26Oct18.
2 in motorhome. $55 per night.
Washing machine and dryer both $4, works on tokens purchased from reception. Plenty of washers and dryers.
Toilets and showers quite good. Plenty of cubicles. Only 1 poor hairdryer in gents. 2 not so good in ladies. The showers still have the coin boxes. Don’t put any coins in, they are free.
Didn’t use the kitchen or TV room.
There are a mix of concrete and grass pitches. All are quite close together and the roadway is not wide. If it is busy you might find yourself only a couple of meters from the next van.
TIP 1. If you have a large van, ours was 7.7m, and you are not yet used to it, get there early so there is plenty of manoeuvring room.
TIP 2. Only 1 dump station and no water on pitches so there will be queue. Plan accordingly!
2 points on the score dropped for the pitch arrangements, closeness and tight access and dump facilities.
The park location is good. Easy walking access to town and all it offers.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Bob's Bay Track
05Oct18.
A nice walk in the bush to the beach. Take care, there have been a few slips on the way.
It joins up with the Snout Track, see separate review.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Greymouth ▷
Grey River
17Oct18.
Full marks because it is what it says it is. A gravel/grass site with a dump station and bins. No frills.
Road noise of course. It is right next to the bridge.
The good thing is that it is a short walk over the bridge to Countdown, Warehouse, I-site and shops.
A further walk to Monteiths Brewery. Food and beer! Great. Tours too if that is of interest. We decided to have food and their taster beers. 6 x 200ml beers for #25 and 3 for $15. We had 9 between us. Good food and good beer at good prices too.
Over the bridge is the Cobden Cave walk. A 5 minute walk to a reasonable cave. It was a bit wet and muddy so we didn’t venture in all the way.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Palmerston ▷
Moeraki Village Holiday Park
27Oct18.
Powered site for 2. $40 for the night. The pitch looks out over the bay. Great views when we were there as weather good.
5ere is a largish camping area at the back away from the view. Didn’t check that out tho.
This place is in an area that has water restrictions at times so be aware.
Friendly welcome and good facilities.
One of the best things is that you are only 5 minutes away from Fleur’s Place, the restaurant in the old boat shed. We had a good meal there and Fleur is happy to talk to you. We will go back on our next visit to NZ.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Greymouth ▷
Cobden Bridge, Greymouth
This is not a separate site to the Grey River site.
Same place. There is a dump station and waste bins
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Lake Tekapo ▷
Mount John via Lakeshore
29Oct18.
We love this walk especially as there is the cafe at the top. The walk is not too strenuous and includes the forest element and the open areas near the top. Great views.
Great cafe.
A longer walk down if the weather is ok.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Pelorus ▷
Pelorus River Access / Totara Walk
06Oct18.
Nice walk. Ok toilets but better ones the other side of the road by the cafe.
Bridge may be historic but not so pretty. The river is good. A guy had a dip when we were there. He gasped somewhat so I think it was cold!
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Queen Charlotte Drive
06Oct18.
Lovely drive, great lookouts. Beautiful scenery. Better for the passengers than driver as the road is very windy. Thank wotsit for power steering and auto box! Just make plenty of stops to enjoy the views.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Timaru ▷
Patiti Point
30Oct18.
Previous reviews give all the directions you need. A good spot looking out over the sea. Sunrise and seal in the morning.
Toilets close by and not such a long way to a fish and chip shop in King Street.
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Hampshire Holiday Park Wanaka
21Oct18.
2 on powered site in motorhome. $40 per night. WiFi extra. Good service from reception.
We were nearest the facilities block nearest the lake. 2 sets of loos and showers, one closed for spring cleaning but I think the remaining was adequate even tho Labour Weekend. Shower was one of the best in our 6 weeks of travel. Could do with hairdryers. There is another block further up the site. We didn’t check that one.
The lake can be seen through/under the trees down by the lake. The far mountains were snow covered when we were there and are beautiful.
We like this site as it is in easy walking distance to town and the lake. There are plenty of eating and drinking places and the quirky Paradiso Cinema.
The site is undergoing improvements and maintenance. We were last here in 2014 and I think it is a lot better than before. We hope to come back to NZ and will then certainly come here again. One of our favourite campsites in one of our favourite places.
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Wellington ▷
Evans Bay Marina Carpark
03Oct18, 1 night before departing on the ferry to Picton.
Space for quite a few campers but no specific spaces for longer ones. Ours is 7.7m so took 2 spaces. There are few options for this.
Anyhow, it’s free and the public toilets are good although not open until 8.30am.
A long walk to the city centre but do-able for walkers.
Traffic noise most of the night and the planes kick in fairly early in the morning. Ear plugs recommended. Debated whether to give 9 or 10 points. Dropped the 1 because of noise.
Make sure you get to the dump station early enough to queue and get to the ferry in time.
As we were leaving there were some guys marking out for new white lines. Perhaps someone with a later update can give details of what the result is.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Queenstown Hill Time Walk
26Oct18.
Parts of this walk are very steep. Paths good. Great views when you get to the top.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Haast ▷
Thunder Creek Falls
21Oct18.
I agree with Katrina. A nice stop off with a good waterfall but not much else.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Fox Glacier ▷
Lake Matheson Walk
20Oct18.
Weather dry and warm. A slight breeze so the lake was not mirror flat.
Good walk anyway and a cafe at the end.
Last time we were here it was mirror flat. The downside was it was the eye of the storm. We caught the end of a cyclone when we left!
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Ngawi ▷
Pinnacles Track
01Oct18.
We went up to the lookout first then down to the base of the pinnacles. The first part and the return is along the stream bed. A bit heavy going in places. The base of the pinnacles is the same and steep with it so hard work.
As for the pinnacles, it was a bit murky when we were there so not seen in their best light. Perhaps a sunny day would make it a better spectacle. Although a somewhat different place, and continent, check out Brice Canyon, Utah!
In spite of that, you have to go there at least once. Glad we did.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Nelson ▷
Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park
10/11Oct18.
$87.21. A friendly welcome on a rainy night. A compact site, quite popular as only 2 pitches available. We didn’t book so were lucky to get one. Probably the best toilet and shower blocks we have seen so far in 5 weeks in NZ. Laundry $4 each washer and dryer. Auto detergent. New machines.
No great views but then we are in Nelson City.
A short walk to the centre.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Nelson ▷
Lions Playground Tahunanui
07Oct18.
Not a review for the playground but for the whole beach area. Lots there. The tide was mostly in this time. If this is the same beach we went to before, the tide goes out a long way and the beach is enormous.
We stopped over for the toilets and then lunch.
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Kaikoura Peninsula Carpark Seal Watching
15Oct18.
We were here in 2014. What a difference since the earthquake. Last time we parked our van overhanging the wall a little and the waves splashed up over us. This time the waves didn’t get anywhere near.
On the plus side there is the old sea bed to walk on and the seals are still there but further out.
Don’t forget to go up the cliff walk at least to the first lookout.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Geraldine ▷
Peel Forest Campground
31Oct18.
Great big site away from it all. Powered site was $42 for 2 of us. Book online or at the store down the road. They are really helpful and friendly there.
Ok toilets and showers. Laundry still $3 each for washer and drier. Find them in the room signed “Telephone”!
A good base for some of the nearby walks.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Snout Track
05Oct18.
Joined this from Bobs Bay Track. Some of it is along a gravel track with no shade. It was sunny and warm when we walked it.
We didn’t do the complete walk, just to Queen Charlotte’s Lookout. There is a drop loo there and a picnic table. Good walk
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
Hokitika Gorge Walk
18Oct18.
We come here every trip. A change since our last visit. A lot of work done here and, I think, nearly finished.
The car park has improves, mostly. The original bit is very rutted and our whale of a van wallowed horribly. Round the corner it is better and there is a larger park not yet open.
The walk to the bridge looks better and the walk from the bridge down to the river’s edge is better. Noticeably more people here than either of our previous visits.
The water was a beautiful colour, unlike last time. The weather and other factors play a part in that.
Worth the longish ride out there.
Tip. If going to Lake Kaniere from here, be aware that there are about 10k’s of narrow, gravel road around the south end of the lake past Dorothy Falls down to Hans Bay
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking
28Oct18.
We were not sure where it was so just pulled off the road en spec. There are no signs there at all. However it was ok. The area we were on didn’t have much in the way of level areas but it was ok. Poor weather so views not as good as they could otherwise be.
No toilets where we were or in sight so we just went down to the info site and shop where the toilets are very good. No overnight parking there.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Haast ▷
Haast Lodge
20Oct18.
2 in motorhome powered site $40.80 inc 80c fee for credit card.
Nice lady on reception. Compact site, no frills. Slight slope on the main area.
Pay WiFi. Quite slow as via satellite.
Didn’t use the kitchen or lounge but they looked good.
Loos and showers ok. No lock on one male loo cubicle door. No hair dryer.
Small area for tents.
Ok for stopover.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Pohara Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
08Oct18.
First time here. A big campsite but not busy at all when we were there. Friendly reception. Large level pitches. Good facilities.
Pay showers but water is an issue in this part of NZ. 50c for 6 minutes. There is a counter on the unit so you can see the remaining time and put more money in if required.
There is a vehicle wash down facility. It is on the boat ramp and very sandy so expect to walk sand inside unless you brush it off first!
On our next visit to NZ we will come here again as we will always visit the nearby Grove Reserve.
Drive further round towards Tata Beach. Not sure if that is where we had coffee but it was beautiful. I could just sit there and enjoy the view for ages, and did.
On the way back check out the Abel Tasman monument and lookout. Interesting and great views.
Thanks for the awesome feedback Mike, we look forward to having you back!
Brent
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Timaru ▷
Caroline Bay
31Oct18.
Went there after our stay at Patiti Point the previous night. Glad we went to Patiti Point!
Right next to the port so must be a little noisy at night.
However, we went to the car park nearest the beach and parked up. Ok in off season in a big van but the spaces are too small so difficult if busy. Had coffee there and went for a walk on the beach. Good.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Grove Scenic Reserve
08Oct18.
We love this place. Visited during our 2006 and 2014 trips too. The previous review said the view is not great, but we disagree. We came at sunset and again the next morning. Great views both times, in our opinions. I would post photos if I could.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Motueka ▷
Port Motueka Beach Reserve
07Oct18.
The description says it all. It fills up so get there early, especially if you have a long van. The longer pitches have a slight side to side slope.
The opposite pitches have a noticeable front to back/back to front slope depending on which way you face. The slope was enough to stop our sink draining as it created an airlock. Don’t go poking things down the plug hole to try and unblock it!
Flush loos. Gents urinals a bit pongy though.
Get a map from the I-site and do the walks.
Take a walk over to the marina if the weather is ok. There is a great little cafe there, although it doesn’t have any indoor seating. It was sunny and mild when we were there. We saw a boat being launched. Check out the his n hers seats at the end of the pontoon. Unfenced gangplank access!
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South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷ Cromwell ▷
Lowburn Harbour
23Oct18.
2 of us in large motorhome. Free gives it a lot of marks! A large space for plenty of vans. We parked right by the water near the boat ramp, not too far from the toilets.
Toilets. It looked like 2 portaloos had been placed in the original loo entrances. Perhaps the originals will be replaced indue course? The problem with the portaloos is they are plastic and it was hot when we were there. We didn’t venture in them but preferred to use our own loo and the public loos in Cromwell the next morning.
Noise. The young uns were awake a while but not too noisy. We used to be young once.... The road noise was noticeable as the road is not too far away. Perhaps it would be better in a different part of the site but I expect it is luck of the draw as to the level of traffic going by.
Good surroundings. A good stopover to keep the budget level down. Have been before and expect to again.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
17Oct18.
What is there to say that has not already been said. Came here in 2006 and 2014 and will do again.
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Paraparaumu ▷
Kapiti isite Visitor Information Centre
02Oct18.
Great service as we have had from all i-sites.
Car buffs, go to the Southward Car Museum close by. A lot of interesting stuff and some like my first cars! Mine were earlier models then theirs though. I must be getting old!
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Takaka Labyrinth Rocks
08Oct18.
A great little stop. Fascinating rock formations and plant growth. We lost count of the number of toys secreted along the way. No maps at the start as some have noted before. Perhaps because summer is not here yet. I doubt the maps would have all the toys anyway, there are so many.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Pelorus ▷
Circle Walk
06Oct18.
Great walk in the bush with a nice long, scary if you don’t like heights, suspension bridge.
Some views down to the river.
The first part up to the bridge is said to be wheelchair accessible but I think very bumpy. After the bridge it is definitely not wheelchair accessible.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Oamaru ▷
Moeraki Boulders
28Oct18.
Not enough there to spend the day but we were delighted by the boulders. They are in various states of preservation. Some lie in pieces, some are well on the way and some are whole. There is one just about out of the cliff and one just showing through.
We went through the tourist area and paid $2 each for access. Didn’t begrudge that at all. There is also a cafe and toilets.
There is a free Moeraki Boulders public parking just off the highway. Go down there if $2 is too much.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
Ross Water Race Walkway
19Oct18.
A good walk through the bush. A few interesting info boards and relics.
Cemetery was interesting. Some of the inscriptions show just how hard life was back then. Quite a few were from Ireland, a couple of them from close to my home in UK.
There could maybe be a bit more info on the way round the walk but it was good nonetheless.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Lake Tekapo ▷
Lakes Edge Holiday Park
29Oct18.
Good facilities as you might expect for $50 per night for powered site for 2.
Reasonable walk to town also to the Mount John walk up to the Astro Cafe and to the spa.
Laundry good. If you still get the option choose the washer on the left with the flat coin tray......
If the dump station is busy go down to the public one down the road in the large lakeside parking area.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Geraldine ▷
Allans Track walk
31Oct18.
During the walk my rating went up and down a bit. Only 6 as there is no real viewpoint anywhere.
We started with the Acland Waterfall track. Waterfall not so good when we were there.
Back down and onto the Allan’s Track. In places well made. In places very steep, muddy, rooty, slippery, wet, narrow and hard work.
We joined the Deer Spur Track and then the Fern Walk back to the campsite. Quite a longish walk all in.
I quite enjoyed most of it. If you do it, make sure you wear good boots, not worn out or too light footwear as if you do you will slip up. Look out for 4 bottom shaped indentations in the track left by my walking partner!
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South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷ Kaikoura ▷
Donegal House Irish Hotel
14Oct18.
Free for non powered but powered are available now. We stayed free. Don’t know what cost for powered.
Loads of level sites, I think all with access to water.
We stayed free as we ate in the restaurant/pub. Good food and beer. Two large TVs were playing Irish Folk videos. Not our scene but ok.
It seems like we were right under the mountains. It was cloudy when we arrived but clear first thing in the morning. Great views of the snow covered mountains.
We enjoyed it. I think we will go back when we do our next trip. Sooner the better!
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
The Hokitika Glowworm Dell
18Oct18.
Only 8 because of the people who flash torches around even when it is not completely dark and because some people think that a picture of a few pinpricks of light are worth taking, especially when they haven’t turned off their flash!
As for the place itself, it is easy to get up to the dell, actually an adventure in itself when really dark. There are railings to hold onto and follow. Follow the instructions and keep left up and down so hopefully you don’t bump into anyone else.
It takes a while for eyes to acclimatise so be patient. It is worth going to.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Fox Glacier ▷
Fox Glacier / Te Ara o Tuawe Walk
20Oct18.
Weather dry and reasonably warm. A well made path to the viewpoint but very steep in places. Also a bit of rock hopping over water but not too bad.
There are 2 400m sections saying “no stopping” as rockfalls are likely.
The view is good but the glacier is a long way off.
It might be a good idea to go sooner rather than later. We were here in 2006 and the glacier has receded a lot since then. Back then we were down at water level and not far from the glacier end. We were able to touch lumps of ice. No longer possible although there is a sign at one point saying about guided tours. Didn’t find out more and how close you can get.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Oamaru ▷
Elephant Rocks
28Oct18.
Everything already said about how good they are is correct. Lovely place. Make a donation.
There is even a small long drop hidden away there.
Up the road a bit is Anatini where there are parts of fossilised whale bones still embedded in the rocks. Not so good as the Elephants but worth a short visit. The grass was very long when we were there and was wet so be prepared.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Te Waikoropupu Springs
08Oct18.
The walk is like many others but the springs were what we went for. Last visited in 2014 and still as good. Fascinating to watch the water welling up and breaking the surface. So clear. Good viewing platform. Check out the Dancing Sand spring.
The boards at the start of the walk are interesting too.
We remember there used to be spring water on tap in the picnic area but it appears no longer the case. A pity.
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Ngawi ▷
Cape Palliser Seal Colony and Lighthouse Walk
30Sept18.
The lighthouse is good. How many steps! A lot and steep and it was very windy when we were there. The gravel road is actually quite good. We made the mistake of walking about 3kms to get there. On the plus side we did see a lot of seals.
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North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Gisborne ▷
Titirangi / Kaiti Hill Walks and Lookout
24Sept18.
Wow, first review. How come? A nice walk, steep in places, with some good views at the top.
We camped on the beach below so had to do this one. Glad we did.
A nice pub down at the marina for a beer after. Not much lighting on the way back though.
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North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷ Havelock North ▷
Te Mata Park
27Sept18.
A bit wet when we went so we didn’t get to the top or walk any paths. Cafe closed but out of season so not surprising. Good views from the lower car park, weather permitting
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Masterton ▷
Henley Lake Freedom Camping
29Sept18.
Stopped here for lunch and had a walk round the lake. A great little place. A few parking spots long enough for our 7.7m motor home.
Toilets ok.
Would have done an overnight if it fitted in with our plans. Have bookmarked for our next trip.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Waiotapu ▷
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
22Sept18.
We loved this place when we came in 2014 and think we will always come back when we visit from UK. Make sure you go up to the somewhat scary stream outlet. Water coming out of the ground at 98degrees c!
Various pools and popular with the locals by the look of it and not surprising.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Waiotapu ▷
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools Campground
22Sept18.
I think the car park has improved since our last visit in 2014. The toilets and showers are the same, not brilliant but ok.
Cafe and shop an addition? I can’t remember but they looked good. We came for the hot pools so a separate review for them.
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Masterton ▷
Castlepoint Carpark
30Sept18.
What a great place to stay. A reasonably secluded car park with flush loos nearby. A bit of sand over some of the spaces, I expect they would be cleared before the summer season.
Close to the lighthouse and Castle Rock walks.
Ok, so a long way (67kms) along a one way road to get there but worth it. Will prob go again on our next trip
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Lake Taupo Holiday Resort
20Sept18.
2 nights @$55 per night. Expensive but as previously described excellent facilities. The only reason not 10 is we didn’t like the big screen tv at the pool! Oldies for ya!
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North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Wairoa ▷
Riverside Motor Camp
25Sept18.
I can but agree with all the positive comments previously made. However, be aware that there are a lot of trees with low branches. Our 3.5m high motorhome found them!
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North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Woodville ▷
Woodville Camping Ground
27Sept18.
Went to Caltex as described on detail and on board at site. They said it was closed and that the showers and loos were to be rebuilt. However they said as we are self contained we should just go there and stay.
There are 5 concrete pitches with power poles (padlocked). The loos and showers were still there but locked. There is a recycling area adjacent. Quiet.
Nothing special but with power and facilities would be a good site worth the money.
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Ngawi ▷
Putangirua Pinnacles Campsite
39Sept18.
Great DoC site. Plenty of room although not all perfectly level.
2 flushing loos with basins but no handwash or drying.
Perfect location for the pinnacles.
We went to Cape Palliser lighthouse and stopped here to go to the pinnacles the next day
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
The Redwoods
23Sept18.
Great park with loads of walks. It looked like the walks would be ok in wet weather but don’t hold me to that!
It seemed that most tourists do the shorter walks. We did a longer one and most of the time felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. No chance of getting really lost though as the walks are well signed.
The visitor centre is touristy as you might imagine. We liked the look of the treetop walk but felt it a little too expensive for us and anyway the walk options are so good.
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Masterton ▷
Castle Point Lighthouse Walk
28Sept18.
Great walk up. Very windy when we were there. Walked up in the evening for sunset then next morning for sunrise, an early start, but not alone.
Go there
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Greytown ▷
Greytown Camp Ground
29Sept18.
Nice quiet campsite with ok facilities. Friendly staff. $38 for 2 in 7.7m motorhome. $4 each for washer and drier. Fresh water on site. Dump station along the main drive through next to a picnic area. Interesting shops along the road. Good pub, at least the one we went in. The French Bakery needs a visit if you go to Greytown. We will prob go again on our next trip
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North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Gisborne ▷
Kaiti Beach
24Sept18.
Right on the beach. One flushing, singing toilet as previously described. Limited repertoire tho. Starts with “All the world needs now” and if you take long enough over your business you get “Evergreen”. The same with all the other singing toilets we have used elsewhere.
Kids playground adjacent. My wife enjoyed the swing.
A bit of noise from the timber works and port along the beach but not too bad.
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North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷ Napier ▷
BMX Pump Track Carpark, Marine Parade
26Sept18.
Nothing really to add to the most recent reviews. Great location. Heard trains in the night. The track and a road crossing just across the road.
Close to the national aquarium. We saw their kiwis about their business including a bit of hanky panky, if you know what I mean!
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Whakatane ▷
Whakatane isite Visitor Information Centre
23Sept18.
It looked closed so we were about to walk on but a very nice lady rushed out to tell us they were open.
Said lady was very helpful and made us feel very welcome. Thank you kind lady
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Masterton ▷
Deliverance Cove Track
28Sept18.
Great walk from the car park through the bush and then looking down to the lagoon. Benches to sit on. We didn’t go up Castle Rock, too steep, but there is a path there and we saw a guy right at the top. Check out the rock from the lighthouse. Almost vertical on the sea side! Scary.
We did the walk twice. One return via the beach and the other back the way we went. Not strenuous and the views well worth the effort.
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North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷ Opotiki ▷
Tauranga Loop Track
24Sept18.
Nice stop on the way down the scenic road. Toilets ok. Interesting bridge and local history. We didn’t get far on the loop walk due to time but would like to do it sometime.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Ohope ▷
Port Ohope Boat Ramp
23Sept18.
What a find. A large field essentially with loads of rooms for campers of all sizes and free. 2 flushing loos in the adjacent park. Quiet