Posts Tagged campers

Campervan Vacations in New Zealand

For a great camper van experience New Zealand is a top choice to consider. You can fly into New Zealand and land at Auckland or Christchurch Airport. Be aware that this country is very strict in its rules about what you can bring into the country. Many people are enjoying the fun and excitement of a campervan vacation in New Zealand.

There are many camping sites that are available and they are all clean and have all of the conveniences that a person or family could ask for. The majority of the camping sites that are in New Zealand even have community kitchens for you to use to prepare meals if you wish. These are free of charge and they are fully equipped with refrigerators, freezers, and microwave ovens. There are even ovens for your regular baking needs. Campers appreciate the well-tended kitchen area and enjoy cooking meals with their new friends.

A camper van vacation lets you explore all areas of the country, even those on the less traveled back roads. You are in no rush to get anywhere and can enjoy a much less hectic experience as you travel the beautiful countryside of New Zealand. Hiking, swimming and backpacking are all activities you can enjoy on your vacation. You can visit the glaciers, hills, and mountains and even walk through a mangrove forest. The cities provide plenty of shopping and restaurants for tourists to enjoy when they want to unwind in a modern setting.

HAPNZ operates almost ¾ of all commercial New Zealand campsites. HAPNZ stands for the Holiday Accommodation Parks of New Zealand. Here you will find clean and modern sites with toilets and shower facilities. These also have power for you to plug into to operate small appliances.

You will find about 400 of the HAPNZ operated sites for you to choose from. There are also about 200 sites that are under the auspices of the Department of Conservation. These have fewer conveniences for campers and camper van vacationers are welcome at the serviced or standard sites. The informal sites are not structured for the van vacationer. Regional or local councils also operate about 100 sites for campers. They also welcome those who are touring the country in a camper van.

Before setting off on the vacation of your dreams, do check to be certain that your selected campsites are going to be open during that time. Only a portion of the New Zealand campsites remain operational throughout the year. If you want to get great views of Rangitoto Island, you can choose to stay at Takapuna Beach Holiday Park. This campsite is located only a short 15 minute drive from Auckland, which makes it a very convenient site to choose.

You can also find a great campsite in the Bay of Islands. This is the Haruru Falls Resort Panorama. The Staging Post is a not to be missed campsite that many vacationers and locals choose as their favorite camp. Here you have the beautiful Kaikoura Mountains to view as you take in the relaxed and charming country atmosphere.

There is also Forestpark at Rainforest Retreat and this is one of the newer sites that provides you with a place to stay that is close to the glaciers and Mirror Lake. Regardless of the campsite you choose, you are certain to have an unforgettable campervan holiday in New Zealand.

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Tips on New Zealand Camping Choices

New Zealand very much lends itself to campervan or motor home touring and it has become extremely popular with locals as a holiday mode.Tourists with families in particular, also find this a very convenient means of touring the country.The camping facilities are usually excellent, and readily available.

With a choice of free camping or staying in camping grounds and holiday parks you should never have a problem finding somewhere to stop for the night.

Free Camping in New Zealand

While you may free camp in many locations, it will sometimes be necessary and more desirable to stay in a camping ground, especially in cities or larger towns. You need to check at the local Tourist Information Offices to find out what the regulations are for free camping in their areas as it varies. Sometimes there is a very small charge – about $5.Check for the red, black and white camping signs.

There is also a relatively new Native Parks Organisation where for a fee of $70 you get to stay in up to 50 camping spots on private property. You need to be driving a totally self contained rental campervan or motorhome to take part in this scheme. This is a great way to meet the locals.

New Zealand Camping Grounds

Being a nation of campers there is plenty of choice when it comes to finding a camping ground. You do need to be aware that over the peak summer period (December-January) the camping grounds will be busy and you need to arrive earlier in the afternoon if possible to ensure you get a site.

New Zealand camping grounds range from basic with just cold showers and toilet facilities to Holiday Parks with

  • camp kitchens
  • excellent bathroom facilities – hot showers, toilets etc
  • Laundries with washing machines, clothes dryers etc
  • Swimming pools
  • Childrens play areas
  • Mini golf
  • Tennis courts
  • Entertainment rooms with indoor activities

and more…

If your camp is not beachside it could be by a beautiful lake, or featuring thermal pools. I cannot think of a camping ground I have stayed in that does not have something to delight the family.

Facilities in New Zealand Camping Grounds

  • DOC (Department of Conservation) Camps are found in many beautiful, invariably beachside locations. These are very cheap. Therefore you will have very basic facilities. You get what you pay for, but they are often right on stunning beaches so some of the best locations in the country.
  • Council Camping Grounds. usually have good facilities, with campers kitchens, hot showers, and bathroom and laundry facilities.
  • Privately owned Camping Grounds. These range from basic to excellent. Most are very good. You should have a kitchen, hot showers and toilets.
  • Campervan Only Camping Grounds There are a few campervan and motor home only camping grounds often located on private property. They are usually just a nice place to stay with no extra facilities.Your motorhome must be totally self contained to be suitable.
  • Holiday Parks 4 star Holiday Parks have wonderful facilities with cabins, on site caravan hire, swimming pools, spa pools, childrens play areas and a shop.

Most camping grounds will have a number of power points for caravans and camper vans, as well as tent sites. There will be rules that it is essential campers comply with so other campers are happy. Many camps will expect noise to be limited after 10.00pm.Some may even close their gates. They will either have a facility for you to get a key, or you should be able to make some arrangement if you will be arriving back later than their closing time.

The majority of camps either have a basic shop on site, or are very near to shops.

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