New Zealand Selection

We have been lying on various Thai beaches for a few days now...well, actually, we rarely lie on the beach. We prefer to be by the pool with a view of the beach and sea. Several times we have looked back on the 2 weeks in New Zealand. It was absolutely fantastic! The country, the landscapes, the people, the togetherness, the camping, and the compact castle.

The compact castle

After our rather cramped, green campervan experience 5 years ago, we had long decided in advance to upgrade next time. We chose a Mercedes Sprinter in Euro Tourer costume. Designed for 2 people, it provides enough space. Our highlight is and remains the combined shower/toilet. We never took a shower. It would have been quite cramped, not only in the shower cabin, but also with the water supply and wastewater tanks... But in bad weather or in the middle of the night, the toilet came in very handy. During the day, it was the perfect storage space for suitcases, toiletry bags, and many other bits and pieces.

The compact castle can still be easily maneuvered on narrow roads. And the engine power is so good and sufficient that the brake pedal is used frequently.

The compact castle has its permanent home at Apollo Motorhomes. The handling there is generally friendly and uncomplicated. However, we would strongly recommend paying as much attention to the interior as to the exterior. While every little spot on the bodywork is noticed, observed, and documented, significant layers of dirt are left unnoticed inside....well... The equipment could also be a bit more generous and....aesthetic. 2 glasses and 2 cups are a bit too few, the same goes for cutlery and plates. However, it would be nice if the pieces matched....after all, the eye also eats! The camping table was broken from the beginning, the first camping chair left us after a few days - the second one barely made it to the end. Please get something decent!

Campsites

We stayed at various campsites. Good ones, not so good ones, beautiful ones, and not so beautiful ones. Our assessment and rating are naturally quite subjective, it might turn out completely different for you....

Blenheim

The site is not really nice and at the moment, partly located at a picturesque construction site. However, the proximity to some wineries was convenient for us. And the electric bikes available for rent are very practical for a wine tasting tour.

Pohara

The beach is very beautiful and the site is right on the beach. However, hedges prevent a direct view. We liked the beach...not so much the site.

Motueka

The campsite is nice and well-kept, the pitches are generous. There is a hot tub and the pool is heated to 28 degrees.

Greymouth

Unfortunately, nothing convinced us here...

Mt. Somers

A rather small site that does not belong to any chain. It was recently taken over by a family from Wellington. Some things are still a bit bumpy, but the commitment and friendliness are right. The facilities are a bit outdated, but still well-maintained and absolutely clean. The little stream with the two bridges is just sweet.

Omarama

The site is ok, one might say...functional. But the proximity to the Omarama Hot Tubs is extremely convenient.

Queenstown

The location right in the city center cannot be beaten. However, the campsite itself is very large, poorly laid out, and the sanitary facilities are cleaned too rarely considering the size and number of visitors.

Arthur's Point

About 10 minutes outside of Queenstown, small and well-kept. In addition to the large sanitary block, the site also has 2 unisex showers and toilets, each in a spacious, separate cabin...cozily heated. There are no curtains in the showers, but glass doors....all in all, the best shower in New Zealand. There is also a hot tub.

Oamaru

A very nice, small site. Everything is a bit outdated, but well-maintained....and the hot tub is great...even illuminated.

Dunedin

The site is ok, it's all about the proximity to the sensational beach.

Timaru

The site overall looks a bit run-down, and this impression is reinforced by some slightly rotten, permanently parked caravans.

Christchurch

The site is rather large, but everything is in good condition. The hot tub is ok, although somewhat carelessly positioned. The location of the site, only 10 minutes from the airport, is of course incredibly convenient.

Our top 3 visited campsites are:

1. Mt. Somers

2. Arthur's Point

3. Oamaru

Routes

In general, it can be said that everywhere was great. But some routes were even better!

This includes the Crown Range Road between Wanaka and Queenstown. It is probably the shortest route, but it takes the longest time to drive. We were glad that we had only a compact castle and not a rolling castle. Uphill, downhill, tight and even tighter curves, narrow and even narrower roads, cliffs and views! Think carefully if the route suits the size of your vehicle. Also, one of the routes that the doll called the perfect moped route.

Blenheim-Golden Bay

First through the mountains, partly single-lane and narrow (construction site), breathtaking views, and then along the coast.

Motueka-West Coast

Forests, fields, and along the river....almost a bit enchanted.

Arthur's Pass

Surely one of the most beautiful pass routes on the South Island

Dunedin-Otago Peninsula

Narrow roads and great views, lots of curves.

Banks Peninsula

The Banks Peninsula is simply fantastic overall!

Culinary delights

As campers, we were naturally self-sufficient in New Zealand. However, anyone who thinks that camping meals are rather Spartan is mistaken. Lamb and beef are of excellent quality and we enjoyed them so much that they regularly ended up on our grill and therefore top our list of meals. Our favorite snack during the day was a delicious meat pie, which comes in various variations. Almost every small town has a bakery that makes the meat pies fresh daily. Simply delicious....

The days in New Zealand were beautiful again! We enjoyed the time and are already looking forward to the next time!!