ROAD TO FREEDOM

Summer holidays on your mind? Eli Orzessek picks six of New Zealand’s best camping spots . . . that won’t cost you a cent.

THE PINES CAMPSITE Lake Pukaki You won’t wake to a much better view than this — The Pines campsite is nestled along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin, looking out over Aoraki / Mt Cook and the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Only self-contained vehicles can park here and there are no facilities — it’s just you and nature. It’s no surprise this otherworldly location was used as Lake-town in the Hobbit trilogy. NORTH EGMONT CARPARKS Taranaki A Department of Conservation restricted campsite at the foot of Mt Taranaki. Pull up in the carpark and wake to stunning views of the mountain, countryside and rugged coast. Only self-contained vehicles are allowed for a maximum of four nights and there’s a 24hour toilet. A visitors' office at the site has plenty of history about the area and staff can help with information about the nearby tracks and weather conditions. There’s also a small cafe. THE BOULDERS Opotiki Next to the bubbling Te Waiti Stream, this is a great spot for a swim and a picnic among the nikau palms and tawa forest. The road can be a bit tricky and once you arrive, there’s no cellphone reception to distract you from the natural beauty. Any vehicle can camp here and there’s a long-drop toilet — turn off your torch when you’re heading to the loo and you might even see some glowworms. There are also resident kiwi here, so pets are forbidden. FIVE MILE BAY Taupo A stunning location on the shores of Lake Taupo, Five Mile Bay has amazing views of Tongariro National Park’s mountains. If you’re there in summer, a dip could be on the agenda as well. There’s plenty of room and a public toilet. A DoC site, self-contained campervans can stay for up to four nights. Stock up on supplies in town, then relax and watch the sunset over the lake. JACKS BAY Catlins Park up at the far end of Jacks Bay — it’s well worth the drive and there are beautiful views along the coastline to Penguin Bay. Once you’re settled in, take a walk along the track to one of the Catlins’ finest sights: Jacks Blowhole — a cave about 200m from the sea where waves shoot through an underground tunnel and explode through the blowhole. Nature abounds here — if you’re lucky you may see sea lions or a yellow-eyed penguin. Self-contained campervans can stay here for three nights and a public toilet is available. MEATWORKS BEACHFRONT Surfers take note — this South Island freedom camping site is home to the well-known Meatworks surf break. It is 14km north of Kaikoura and self-contained campervans can park right on the beach for a maximum of two nights. Take in incredible panoramic views of the Pacific ocean and fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. Unfortunately, this spot is under threat of restriction due to messy and rowdy campers — so if you visit, behave yourself.