A motel complex with power and tent sites, there are two areas to choose from. Lovely grassed areas are set back from the road and have established, large trees for shade. With recently renovated and beautifully clean amenities in one central block, there is a kitchen with good cooking appliances and fridge, showers, toilets, and a coin operated laundry. There is a small children_s playground, and just across the road is a supermarket. Brent and Gail are your hosts, and all sites are $35 for two.

Set on a 15,000-hectare sheep farm in the Southern Alps, this picturesque farmstay is 10 km from the hiking trails at the Cave Stream Scenic Reserve and 12 km from the Broken River ski area.

Rustic accommodations range from 2- to 4-bedroom cottages offering kitchens, lounge/dining rooms and satellite TVs, to a bunk house with rooms that sleep up to 6. Wi-Fi is available (fee).

Other amenities include a refined restaurant and a bar, a kitchen, and a lounge with a fireplace. Activities include bouldering, fishing, skiing, mountain biking and horse riding (fees may apply).

Drive in through the leafy entranceway to this camp, where many level grassed areas are broken by stands of trees. A central amenities building houses a useful kitchen, ablutions that are well kept and there is a laundry with automatic equipment. A swimming hole has been created in the river and there is a good playground for children. Nearby are tennis courts, a shop, hotel and cafe, and there is a golf course right next door (golf clubs may be hired at the camp). The nearest ski field is only a half hour drive away or go on the local historical walk. Rakaia and Waimakariri River gorges are each about 20 minutes drive for salmon and trout fishing. Your friendly hosts are Noel and Robyn Langridge, and all sites are $38 for two.

The Gore Bay campsite is on both sides of Moody Street, with the shore
side camp set above the beach with access to the water and views to die for.
There are some stately norfolk pines and hedges for shelter and the facilities
are spotlessly clean with hot showers and a disability suite. A combination
porch style kitchen, dining and laundry area has cooking equipment, a fridge/freezer and an auto washing machine, all clean and tidy. The beach is safe for swimming and great for surfing. A card phone is close by.
You will see Buxton Camp as you drive in, right on the beach front. You can choose your own site and set if after checking the bookings board/map in the kitchen kiosk. It has new gas hot showers which are really good!

A flat paddock with the sea just over the bank, camping is around the perimeter so it can be used for cricket and bikes. There is an outside kitchen area for washing dishes, and basic but clean hot showers and toilets. Beside this camp is a childrens’ playground.
Neither camp has Eftpos or credit card facilities and no dogs are allowed.
Stop for a chat with your friendly hosts Mike Watson and his wife Kim Bestic.

POWERED SITES

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.

Just outside of Hanmer Springs, is this spacious campground that takes you back to your childhood school camps. Tent and campervan sites are polka dotted between deciduous trees, all on flat land and with that beautiful forest all around you. The amenities include five well-appointed kitchens and dining rooms, and numerous shower and toilet blocks. There is a purpose built building with facilities for disabled people, and an exciting playground. This camp is well set up for large groups and with the new upgrades everything is spick and span. You can leave from here for a trip to the Molesworth Station, go fishing, mountain biking, skiing or tramping in the area. Tent sites and unpowered campervan sites cost $14 per adult and 76 per child. Please note that if the camp is hosting a school group, it cannot take casual campers so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

This is the closest camp to the village and thermal pools of Hanmer Springs.
There are level sites for the camper within the busy area, or others that are
more secluded, many with large shade trees. The kitchen with a stove and
microwave, opens to a bright friendly dining room, and a tiled ablution block  has a bath in the ladies area. A second facilities block has toilets, showers and
a new family bathroom, there is also another well-equipped modern kitchen.
The second dining room and adjoining modern kitchen with ranch sliders is
located in the back camping area, and the gas BBQ is popular for alfresco
dining. Disabled suites are available in both camping areas. An exciting
adventure play area has a jumping pillow, and a trampoline for the children.
You can play squash, watch TV, enjoy the swap library or go on the internet.
Fun bikes can be hired for use in the park, as can mountain bikes. Your hosts
are Richard, Jeremie, and Laura and prices are available on enquiry.

Camp in the lower reaches of the Hawdon Valley on the grassy flats.

During winter this alpine area may be covered in snow, making access difficult.

A remote camp with just toilets and water, this site was looking pretty run
down last time we were through. It is listed in the Hurunui District Council
camping grounds, but is administered by the Domett Reserve Committee.
Maximum of 24 campsites but wouldn't take a large vehicle in there as the
sites are spotted around in amongst bushes and trees.  There is good fishing
in the river and the sea. No power but a site will cost you $8 per night to be
put in the honesty box.

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.