Where are the best places to go camping in New Zealand? We asked five DOC rangers to tell us about their favourites, in less than ten words. This is what they told us:
Hot Water Beach campsite, Lake Tarawera
“Hot pools abound, cook in the ground, without a sound.” ~ Manu Rangiheuea, Aquatic Pests Ranger, Rotorua
Hot Water Beach, Lake Tarawera. Photo: Dino Borelli
Pelorus Bridge campsite, Marlborough
“Best swimming hole ever, amazing forest, and long tailed bats!” ~ Clare Duston, Community Relations Ranger, Marlborough
Pelorus Bridge, Marlborough. Photo: Jeff Hitchcock
Peel Forest campground, Canterbury
“Really good facilities, grass spaces, swimming, shady forest and waterfalls.” ~ Andy Thompson, Recreation Technical Advisor, Christchurch
Peel Forest, Canterbury. Photo: Anne Devereaux
Lake Kaniere campsite, Hokitika
“Cycle trail, swimming, waterfall, bird song, relax or adventure.” ~ Jose Watson, Partnerships Ranger, Hokitika
Lake Kaniere, Hokitika. Photo: Jason Blair
Mavora Lakes campsite, Southland
“In winter, snow, lake, starry skies, mountains. In summer, bliss!” ~ Chrissy Wickes, Biodiversity Ranger, Fiordland
Mavora Lakes, Southland. Photo: Andy Nelson
Hopefully that’s given you a few ideas for your next camping trip.
Now, are you generous enough to share your favourite New Zealand campsite with us? We’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below and see if you can tell us in under 10 words!
Happy camping everyone.
As a DOC Camp I love Whites Bay. I also enjoy the isolation of the DOC camp through the Rainbow. But my all time favourite spot is the Camping Ground at Rakaia Gorge.
Here is what NZ Camping Say.
One of Canterbury’s best kept secrets. Nestled into the base of the Rakaia Gorge and located on the South Side of the Rakaia Gorge Bridges on the Inland Scenic Route. This camp has a new ablution block with toilets, hot showers and disability facilities. Instead of a kitchen there is a kitchen shelter where you bring your own cookers and equipment. (BBQ available for a small fee) A laundry tub is on-site. A free book exchange operates from the kitchen. There are plenty of picnic tables and BBQ areas, some overlooking the river. The area is beautifully kept and very sheltered with an abundance of trees. Sites are $8.50pp and to encourage family groups, children under 12 are free. Other attractions include Salmon fishing in the world famous Rakaia River, Rakaia Gorge Walkway, Jet Boating and Jet Boat Trips, It is close to Methven and Mount Hutt. If a site supervisor is not available there is an honesty box. An email version of our Things To Do info sheet can be emailed on request. Email request to graham@orarinursery.co.nz
Or check it out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rakaia-Gorge-Camping-Ground/251779948174093
Thanks so much for sharing your favourite camping spots Graham – they’re good picks, in some lovely areas of New Zealand. I hope you have the opportunity to get out and enjoy them (or discover some new favourites) this summer.