Camping

[Jessica Slatter]

Hello,

So we have a car now and some time, so we'd like to do a camping trip heading North from Dunedin. I'm wondering whether anyone has experience with camping? How far ahead do we need to book a spot for tent camping?

Thanks,
Jessica

[kiwieagle]

Hello,

So we have a car now and some time, so we'd like to do a camping trip heading North from Dunedin. I'm wondering whether anyone has experience with camping? How far ahead do we need to book a spot for tent camping?

Thanks,
Jessica

I've camped from the top to the bottom and it just depends. Most of the time, you should be fine tent camping. It's only the super super popular spots that you'll have to call ahead. After school starts, you'll find it a lot easier.
Here are some resources that our family use to get a rough idea and plan it out:
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-rec...laces-to-stay/
http://www.jasons.co.nz/camping-and-holiday-parks
http://www.bbh.co.nz/
http://www.kiwiholidayparks.com/
http://www.top10.co.nz/

Some are better than others, it just depends on where you are. There are lots of little independent ones. i-Sites are very useful. We've done a lot of "fly by the seat of our pants" camping and never had a problem finding a campsite. Do you have some camping dishes? Some campgrounds have their kitchens stocked with dishes, some make you hire them. Do you have a burner or a camp stove? DOC campsites often have just a toilet or maybe some bbqs. Good luck, we're off camping this weekend too!

[JandM]

On the other hand, if you ever decide to camp over Christmas and New Year, many campsites are full and you won't get a place unless you have booked ahead.

[kiwieagle]

On the other hand, if you ever decide to camp over Christmas and New Year, many campsites are full and you won't get a place unless you have booked ahead.

That's true but there are always DOC campsites and District Council sites that can't be booked ahead; many are first come first serve.