A picturesque 25 minute drive from Nelson, and 2hrs from Picton, turn off at the Cable Bay road at Hira and travel 8km further on a sealed road. This camp with stunning bay views is on the historic cable station site where the first telegraph link came from Sydney in 1876. Large mature native trees surround this camp, and an extra well-sheltered, tenting area over the creek includes a tenting oasis, and in the creek are tame eels. The ablutions are modern and spotless and include disability facilities, while the kitchen has gas hobs, microwaves, fridges and a BBQ under the front covered veranda. At the rear of the building is a laundry with auto washer and dryer. There is safe swimming at the beach, great kayaking, the Cable Bay walkway, a boat ramp (4WD only) and a safety trampoline for the children. Wifi is available and camping with dogs is by request, please book first. The whole area is steeped in history, so talk to your friendly hosts Bert and Matt.

Inland from Timaru and Temuka, is this densely treed site with around 30 power
and 20 tent sites located amongst a sheltered grove of oaks and conifers. The
camp opens from Labour weekend until after Easter and is a council owned
camp, but pets are welcome. The communal kitchen has a dining area and
open fire, while basic but clean ablutions have disabled facilities and the laundry has a free automatic washer. In the public park alongside are playing fields, a
stadium, golf course and tennis courts. Tent sites are $8 per person and $5
for children, or with power $10 for adults and $5 for children. Keys can be
picked up from the Pleasant Point Dairy on the Main Road, there will be a $20
deposit.