Halfway between Christchurch and kaikoura, is this camp with large level sites on tree lined terraces. Plenty of shade and lovely green grass, there are 20 power sites and numerous tenting areas, as well as a tavern and cafe close by. The good amenities are spotless with roomy showers, a good laundry and the kitchen doubles as a lounge and dining area. Upgrades on the cards over winter and your pleasant hosts are Lyn and Robert. Tent sites $12 per person, power sites $15 per person.

Don't expect manicured lawns and clearly marked sites in this cute little camp with a difference. Lovely gardens hide a multitude of historic railway guard vans, five powered sites and the room for tents. You can cook a meal at the station kitchen which doubles as a dining room. A lovely outside dining and BBQ area, covered with climbing plants and including a swing seat, is available also. The kitchen is fully equipped with utensils and the separate TV and recreation room includes comfy seating and a large TV. The ablutions area is clean, and have free showers, there is also a coin operated laundry available. A children's play area has a climbing frame and there is a large chess set on the paving stones. Your friendly hosts are David and Karen. Amberley is just 10km away for supplies, and please note there is no eftpos available. Power sites are $30 for two plus $10 each extra person, a tent site is $25 plus $10 per extra person.

Two large sheltered areas with a scattering of trees, you can see and hear the
beach, but unfortunately stop banks means you can't see it. The northern end
of the camp boasts a new toilet block, with a unisex shower that doubles as
a disability unit. There is also a solar shower room available, complete with
rope and pulley.  On the southern side of the camp, is a basic but clean block
of toilets and a dump point, water is also available but as it is gravity fed it takes
a while to fill a tank.  There are wood BBQs, a tennis court, children's play
area and rubbish collection. You can bring pets but to the southern side of
the camp only please. Tent sites are $5 per adult, or with power $15 for two  adults, and $5 for each extra adult, while children are $2. An honesty box and
self-regulation system is in place.

A family park on a grand scale, this camp has 400 sites, a well-stocked dairy
and is only a 500m stroll to the beach. Bordered by a wetland reserve with
walking tracks to the beach and picnic reserve, the wildlife park, flying fox,
adrenalin forest and orienteering will help fill your holiday days. The grounds
have many large shady trees and BBQs are scattered throughout the three
camping areas. Each area has its own ablution block, some may be closed out
of season. A well-appointed clean kitchen has good appliances. The modern
TV/dining room is carpeted and has comfy chairs. The tiled ablutions are light  and airy and include a bath and disability toilets. There is a covered BBQ area,
mini golf, and tennis courts. The children can enjoy an excellent playground.
Eftpos and internet access are available. Powered sites from $32 for two
adults, non-powered sites from $30 for two adults and group rates available.

South Brighton Holiday Park is the closest seaside holiday park to Christchurch CBD providing the ideal base for you to explore Christchurch and the surrounding area whilst staying in an oasis of tranquil grounds with sheltered private sites and mature native trees.

On the north side of Kaipoi is this complex on the edge of State Highway 1. There are
quite a few permanents here, with the odd spot for casual campers in between.
Plenty of upgrades planned, but at the moment the amenities offer a kitchen
with full stove and an outside covered dining area. The ablutions and laundry
are plentiful and clean and there is a purpose built TV lounge and games room.
The adjacent licensed restaurant serves takeaway meals and a dump point is
available. Credit cards and eftpos are accepted, enquire for prices.

Situated above the mouth of the Waimakariri River, with a walkway from the camp to the river, this beautifully manicured park is a great spot. There is a village of well-settled caravans, immaculately presented with attractive mini-gardens. A large area has been set apart for casual campers, with views out to the hills and river. Hedged with pittisporums, and with water on each site, they are a great place to park. A bright, cheerful stainless steel kitchen and ablutions block is in this area, as well as an older one further down, all spotless and well kept, and all have been recently upgraded. The laundry has good auto equipment and your hosts are Bronwyn and Alan Waters.

A tent site will cost you $15 per person or with power $18. Unpowered sites are available at a discount for NZMCA members.

A large complex set of five hectares of grounds, mainly catering for large
groups. Not many sites available, and a few permanents, but what is there
is well maintained in a park-like environment. The camping area has a tiny
field kitchen, disabled facilities, and toilets, also a swimming pool, confidence course and dump facilities are available. You are not able to book ahead in this campground, and availability is dependent on what groups are on site at the time. Pauline and her team are available to help with your enquiries.