On the southern outskirts of Timaru is this rural retreat amongst the trees. The grounds are level, with easy access to all sites, and are landscaped with nice trees and shrubs. An attractive kidney-shaped pool is in a fenced enclosure with deck chairs, just outside the fence is a playground and a springfree trampoline. The all-in-one service block is clean, bright and attractive and houses nice kitchen and dining area, a TV lounge with internet kiosk, and all the ablutions. The laundry has automatic equipment tucked into the corridor and there is a dump point available. Seventy powered sites (at $40 per night) , and 50 unpowered (at $38 per night), all with water taps. There is a wetlands bird sanctuary 20 mins walk along the beach, a peaceful country atmosphere but only a 3 minute drive to central Timaru and the world renown Caroline Bay beach.

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.

Camp on spacious grassy lawns with a border of trees in this basic domain
style campground. The three unisex showers are generously sized and toilets
are basic but clean, while the small kitchen/dining is cosy and has modern
appliances. There are two laundries with auto washing machines, and a large
common room available with TV and some seating. Gary and Roslyn have
taken over the lease of this camp and have plans for upgrades. A modest little
stopover at $14 for two people for a tent site, or $16 with power, and extra
adult is $5, children 5-16 years are $3, under five are free. Minimum charges
apply.

Facilities

• 39 powered sites
• Town supply water
• Kitchen / dining hall
• Laundry
• Showers
• Toilets
• Children's play equipment
• Tennis courts and swimming pool nearby

The camp is in a pretty setting with sites situated beside a meandering stream, plenty of large shady level sites with some hard stands. The smart kitchen has all facilities including induction hobs, lots of seating, and a log burner, while right next door is a carpeted TV room and library. Outside the kitchen is a gazebo with a BBQ, outdoor seating, and a herb garden for campers to enjoy. The laundry is well stocked with appliances and the ablutions are good with roomy showers, including a disability suite, extra toilets are also scattered around the grounds. A dump station, recycling bins and card phone are available, this is a pet friendly camp. Handy to town with fishing, walking and boating on your doorstep, or have a game of petanque, snakes and ladders, chess, mini golf or hire a bike. Next door, in the domain, is a good children's playground, and this is the only camp we have seen where the sandpit actually has toys available. Your friendly hosts are Mary-Jane and Dutchy. Two people can camp here from $30 to $36 on all sites.

Just off the main highway is this beautiful camp with around four acres of park like grounds, lovely gardens and shady trees. Only opened a couple of years ago so everything is bright, cheery and new. A central amenities area, all immaculately clean, houses the toilets, showers, and kitchen. There is a really nice shaded outdoor area complete with free BBQs, slab wood tables and leaners, and a trampoline. It looks like a great spot to relax with other campers. Lots of freezer space for your catch, a fully equipped kitchen, and you can even grab some herbs, the odd lettuce, tomatoes or strawberries from the vegetable garden. The large sites have easy access and free wifi, and is pets are welcome by arrangement. The Waitaki River is close by for great salmon fishing and white baiting in season, and walking distance to the Glenavy Hotel or the local store. Eftpos and credit cards are accepted and Joe and Anne Lomas will offer you a very warm and friendly welcome. There are 36 powered sites at $20 for each adult, and $30 for two, or 36 unpowered sites at $15 per person.

It's not often you can say that nearly every site has a view, but with this terraced lakeside campground you can. Set above the beautiful crystal clear Lake Tekapo, the 76 powered sites and 100 tent sites are sheltered by pine trees around the edges, shade trees between most sites, as well as water taps and picnic tables. There are two amenity blocks, both are spotlessly clean, modern, and recently upgraded. Both kitchens are large, bright, and with all the equipment you will need, while the laundries have an ample amount of automatic coin operated machines. The TV lounge is carpeted and has a cosy atmospher here. Coin operated showers are hot and plentiful, there is also a baby's bath and changing table and more amenity blocks about to be built. The outdoor seating area includes shelter under a marquee tent, large picnic tables and free BBQs, all looking out over that amazing view. Children are well catered for here with a good playground that includes a trampoline and sandpit complete with toys. Across the road there is safe swimming in the lake and a boat ramp, there is also the Tekapo Springs just down the road with its hot pools and water slides, and an ice rink (weather permitting). Tekapo Village is only a short walk down the track and has a variety of eating places. Your hosts are Andrea and Gavin Cox. Power sites $25 per adult, $12 for children and tent sites $22 per adult and $12 for children.

Waihi Gorge Camping Area is located on the banks of the Waihi River, this campsite is a popular picnic spot surrounded by kahikatea, matai and lowland totara forest. Swim in the river if it's warm enough.

40 non-powered tent sites available.

Number of tent sites - 20 A quiet campsite on the eastern flank of the Hunter Hills. 3.5 km forest walk from camp to podocarp forest remnant.

The only camp situated in the middle of town, this is a picturesque setting with well-spaced sites among huge specimen trees. There are a number of hard stands for vans, lots of room for tents, and all in attractive gardens. The kitchen is bright and roomy with a huge recycled wood dining table taking centre stage. Cooking by stove or hot plates, with fridges, toasters, microwave and all cooking utensils provided. Or use the free BBQ and sit outside in the covered dining area. The clean and tidy ablutions have showers in spacious cubicle, and the laundry has excellent automatic equipment and an iron. Taps are plentiful and there is a dump station. There is an appealing playground for children, including a basketball hoop, and other attractions are a petanque pit, outdoor chess, bike or pedal cart hire, or go for a walk in the public park across the road, there is plenty to do. Eftpos and credit card friendly with internet available. Your hosts are Kathryn and Brian Horrell and sites are from $38 for two people.

This camp is fully hedged and is right next to a public park, gardens and bowling green. The sites are open with good sealed roads to serve 38 power sites. A central amenity block contains spacious showers and toilets, which should be adequate for disability use. The kitchen is also good with cookers and fridge/freezer and a gas BBQ is available. The laundry provides automatic equipment. Plenty of taps and a dump point are in the grounds. Close by is a modern children_s playground, a velodrome, a public pool and shops. Several walks can be enjoyed in this area. The offsite manager is Graeme Watts of the Waimate District Council, use the free phone outside the kitchen to contact him. Powered sites $15 per adult, tent sites $14 per person, $5 for 12 and under.