Time was running out as we headed north-east through Lake Tekapo and diverting to Timaru for a last-night stopover before heading for Christchurch airport km in total and the handing back of our campervan which, after such a brief but intense and intimate relationship, we regarded with considerable affection. Both of us hope there will be a next time in a campervan. In the meantime, certainly in the UK, we will be sticking with towing our Amara wherever we go.
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Everything you see — from barbecues to mosquito repellent — has been tried and tested by a member of the Campfire team and is now one of their actual camping essentials Read More. Your email address will not be published. Camping gear must-haves — our 60 best finds. A first visit to New Zealand and a debut campervan adventure…would Martin and Eileen Lawson be won over to life down under and weaned off their love of caravans? Here they give us the highlights of their day trip and lots of useful information for others thinking of campervan hire in NZ.
Holiday parks and campgrounds | % Pure New Zealand
After all those months of planning, poring over maps and plotting routes, the moment of truth had arrived. Our first visit to New Zealand and a first taste of life in a campervan. A geyser erupts at Te Puia, Rotorua. Pitch perfect — the view at Franz Josef. Bay of Islands sunset dinner cruise. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. When you just have to…. Camp in your car? Our guide to the best campervans and compact caravans.
Which camping fridge? We put fridges and coolboxes to the test. The best camping stoves…and the worst. Can we camp now? Covid, camping, lockdown and hope.
Our guide to the best windbreaks. Fast and light — our choice for driveaway awnings and shelters. The perfect camping chairs. The park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets - from peaceful and sheltered sites, to studio and one- or two-bedroom cabins. In summertime, Glamping Fitzroy offers a unique kiwi camping experience without the hassle. The park sits right on the award winning Coastal Walkway, and with a jumping pillow and playground on site and a children's pool right next door summer only , it is the perfect location for a family holiday or a relaxing beach break.
They are loving being able to ride their bikes around and on the coastal pathway. Good facilities.
What to do in the area
Nice going to sleep to the sound of the waves crashing. Friendly hosts. Nothing beats the sound of crashing waves while laying comfortably on your bed, which by the way is really comfortable. We always feel so privileged when we pull into these parks.
12222 Dunedin to New Plymouth
Instantly you notice the efforts of volunteers with the plantings, sign- in shed, clothes line and even a park bench up on the hill to take in Mt Taranaki. Bell Block is very large with parking spaced marked out in the middle for long vehicles. It has the usual dump and water supply. There is also a bush track leading all the way from the road below Bell Block through to the coast.
We discovered this one hooks up with the coastal track which leads to the city centre.
If you were to walk, it it may take about 3 hours, but on the eBikes the time is more like an hour or less. We drove into Whanganui with no planned destination. First stop was a visit to Virginia Gardens which contains a beautiful lake. We were keen get the eBikes out again and investigate the river, so ideally a camp or freedom spot beside the river.
After a bit of looking, we found the council Kowhai Park self contained area just to the north of the railway bridge. The proprietor was very friendly and welcoming. He also ran the hotel at the front but that was not on our list for a one night stay. You can ride on a cycle way on both sides of the river down to the centre of town. The rail bridge also includes a walkway to cross.
Welcome to New Plymouth
There is one really good thing about this park. You are right in the middle of town beside Cuba Street. If you want to visit coffee shops, wine and dine, you are in the perfect place. If your camper is longer than 7m, you can forget it. There is nothing here except for a basic car park with power hookup.
For us, that was just perfect as we had the Bluebridge Ferry booked for 8am the following morning and we could go out for dinner with our two sons who are currently living in the city. We are back on the South Island now ready to start a slow trip back to Dunedin. It is a couple of hours drive to get from Picton to Ruby Bay past Nelson, but well worth the trip.
There is a dump station, water, toilets and cold showers. To be honest, this is not a first time staying in this reserve as I have spent many years camping with family and friends over Christmas holidays here. It is also the weather that attracts me, sheltered by the alps, it can get very warm and sunny which is a welcome break. What we have noticed on this trip was the increase caravans and toys in tow.
- New Plymouth TOP 10 Holiday Park - Official Site.
- New Plymouth TOP 10 Holiday Park & Camping | TOP 10.
- Discovering New Zealand by campervan | Campfire Magazine.
- Nz hookup site.
- dating central in Palmerston North New Zeland?
- Map of campsites in New Zealand.
In many cases caravans have outnumbered campers and buses in NZMCA Parks but everyone looks very proud of their purchase. I realise we are just as much on the technology wagon but we look back on the days owning vintage caravans with pride. We had all we needed but I have to admit the conveniences onboard now make camping so much easier. Skip to content. Stop 1 — Phar Lap Raceway. Stop 2 — Pohowera Site Kaikoura Public There has been some media coverage of this site recently as it is also the location of the endangered Banded Dotterel bird.
Ferry Crossing There is always discussion on which ferry service to take.
Plimmerton While it is known for being windy, it was kind to us and the train noise is minimal. Rimutaka Crossing Visit — Featherston. Stop 9 — New Plymouth Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park We decided it was time for a view of the Tasman Sea and this holiday park provides an incredible view over the harbour and out to sea. Kowhai Park Freedom Camping beside river You can ride on a cycle way on both sides of the river down to the centre of town. So all the best until our next post and I hope something mentioned here is of interest to you.
Amanda and Russell Phillips Dunedin. Share this: Twitter Facebook. Like this: Like Loading Published April 23, April 26, Previous Post Introducing Benny.