Karamea Holiday Park — Hotel in South Island

After a challenging 17km winding and climbing drive it was a pleasure and relief to pull into the Karamea Camping ground on the southern side of the small village of Karamea. We were greeted by a delightful young couple who have recently purchased the campground. Their friendliness and enthusiasm made us feel very welcome. As campervanners we found their very grassy powered site perfect for a quiet break from travelling. It was obvious the camp has become a little rundown in recent times however we know the new owners will address these issues in their short, medium and long term plans. It was pleasant to take the one minute walk down to explore the estuary which looked like a great safe place for families with kids enjoy. The cabins must be a welcome place for walkers of the nearby Heaphy Track to lay their weary heads.. Definitely...

After a challenging 17km winding and climbing drive it was a pleasure and relief to pull into the Karamea Camping ground on the southern side of the small village of Karamea. However that’s where the good part ended …. We had tried calling the landline phone for over a week with no answer leaving messages as we didn’t want to make the hike to Karamea without accomodation and that’s what happened. We pulled in, in a self contained camper on Christmas Eve and got turned away - although not full just taking apart some toilet blocks and doesn’t want people to have a bad experience. So here we are with no place to go on Christmas Eve and an upset child in the back ….. looking at making the treacherous drive back over the hill with no accomodation. Definitely won’t be back so so sad at this time of year to experience such...

We stayed here in our camper bus with two young children for a few nights and our expectations have been far surpassed! It is quiet, clean, basic facilities all in working order and the camp hosts are just wonderful. And basically NO SANDFLIES, magic! We walked down to the estuary out the back of the camp only two minutes away and it’s a perfect place for little people to play in the trees and on the sand, nice shallow beach so safe for little ones to paddle. And the sunsets are incredible! Very happy we chose to stay here, will...