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Campgrounds

Special campsites for mobile homes are called motorpark or caravan park. A powered site for a campervan and 2 adults costs around NZ$15-30 per night, depending on location and facilities. The by far most expensive campground of our trip was the Top 10 Holiday Park in Christchurch at NZ$36 per night (close to the airport). The Top 10 Holiday Parks are part of a campsite network: the facilities are of a high standard and you receive discount if you become a member. Mostly the independently owned campgrounds are cosier, more individual, and on top of all that they are often at a more favourable price.

The DOC conservation campsites are very close to nature and located in stunning spots.

DOC campsites have less comfort: sometimes there's only cold water and no waste disposal, dump stations are rare – but they're definetly worth a stay! Often the campsites are situated in national parks and close to awesome tramping trails or right at beautiful beaches. The fees are quite affordable at NZ$5-8 per night per person.

Arriving

When you arrive at the campground, you check in at the campsite office where you tell your host how long you'd like to stay and if you need a powered site. You pay in advance and write your name, the number of persons, your vehicle registration number and the number of the nights you've booked into a book. If we weren't sure about the place, we just booked one night – if it turns out nice, you can still extend your stay. Mostly we could choose the site by ourself (depending on the occupancy). Some campsites are that large you get a map when checking in. The welcome was always hearty and the helpfulness of our hosts and other campers unforgettable (read my travelogue).

Most DOC campsites have no office. Instead you put the fee (displayed at the entrance) into an envelope and throw it into a box. In addition to that you fix a note at your vehicle. Sometimes a DOC worker stops by in the evening and collects the fees. Very rarely there's a note that you should register at the nearest visitor centre.

Cooking

Most campgrounds have spacious cooking facilities (sometimes outdoor kitchens) and an additional BBQ. When you make use of the cooking facilities, you will meet people and often you have a nice talk while preparing your meal. It goes without saying you have to clean your cooking area when you have finished.

Showers / Facilities

There is usually no extra fee for using the showers. At some campgrounds you press a button for 5 minutes hot water. If you need longer: You can press it twice ;-) Very rarely you need to buy shower coins.

Laundry

Many campgrounds have laundry facilities and often a tumbler as well (which comes in handy when it's raining). You need NZ$1-2 per laundry. Some washing machines add washing powder automatically, so it's advisable to read the manual.

Karikari Peninsula – Maitai Bay DOC Maitai Bay Campground · more Karikari Peninsula pictures more pictures

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