Camping in New Zealand can be a pretty hit-and-miss affair. Until arrival of the international tourist in hired motor-homes, campers and the like, the Kiwi camp-site was a pretty rudimentary affair. Either the tent pitched in a paddock or (luxury) a little shed with bunk-beds in it for the lucky family that could afford to avoid the dubious comforts of canvas. These were supplemented by communal kitchens, barbecues and spartan ablution blocks where hot water was for softies – harden up! The swimming pool was actually a swimming hole – in the river, complete with a car tyre on the end of a rope. Move on 20-years and the camping heritage is still very much in evidence albeit with attempts to modernise the facilities – some more successful than others. The old Kiwi ‘she’ll do’ attitude still prevails though, especially in rural areas. Hot showers are still considered a luxury that have to be paid for through little slot machines. Your dollar produces a ration that’s meted out over six minutes or so. So get a move-on or it’ll go cold on you. Soft tourist! The Department Of Conservation does its best to keep the old camping traditions alive though. A network of, generally, the most basic of sites covers the country from top to bottom. Facilities? Pah! Enjoy the ‘long drop’ dunny. For the uninitiated the long drop is a unique New Zealand treasure maintained in this modern age to delight green eco-warriors, urban conservationists and cheapskates. It’s a hole in the ground to shit in. Pure joy. Amuse your friends back in suburban Munich with photo’s of this Kiwi icon. Camping cheapskates and anally retentive travellers are exceptionally well catered for in New Zealand. The government (bless) has gone to great lengths to promote Freedom Camping. The basic … Continue reading Camping In New Zealand