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  • Stella Richards

P&S Adventures on the road

4019-päiväinen seikkaillu — Stella Lue lisää
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    Oamaru A&P showgrounds

    23.–25. syysk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    A&P Showgrounds in Oamaru – what a lovely spot to stay! 🚐✨
    Plenty of room to spread out, plus the bonus of toilets, washing machines, a dryer, water, and even rubbish on site – such a treat to have those little conveniences on the road.

    Best part? We even bumped into some of our lovely followers here 💕 It was so lovely to catch up with @WendyandJonathan, and also @Shell. Such a big area, yet it still feels welcoming.

    Maggie even enjoyed a walk and a nibble on some grass in the beautiful sunshine yesterday 🌿🐱

    NetSpeed worked perfect here as well ✅

    Highly recommend this spot when passing through Oamaru – only 💲5 per person per night!

    #NetSpeed #MaggieTheTravelingCat #GreatWeather #Oamaru #OamaruAMPAssociation
    Lue lisää

  • Braids hill playground freedom

    15.–18. syysk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    We’ve just spent a few days at Braids Playground Freedom Car Park. It’s a two-night maximum stay, but with the severe wind and rain warnings, we tucked in for a third night.

    It’s right on a stunning beach with powder-like sand and walks around rocky little island-like outcrops. The rocks even look like petrified timber – such a cool spot to explore!

    This is a pack in, pack out site, with just one picnic table and space for about 3–4 vehicles to camp. It’s also a very popular dog-walking beach, so there’s always someone pulling in to give their dogs a good run. 🐕

    Maggie didn’t spend much time outside with the weather, but she happily supervised while we laid new carpet tiles in the caravan. She takes her project manager duties very seriously. 🐾

    Netspeed was just around the corner, so we popped in to say g’day. It was only a quick visit as it had been a big trip for Paul and he wasn’t feeling the best by the end. But our Netspeed modem works perfectly here on 4G. Thanks for watching!

    #Netspeed #MaggieTheTravellingCat #FreedomCamping #LifeOnTheRoad
    Lue lisää

  • Lowburn freedom

    10.–14. syysk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ 🌙 1 °C

    Hei all, welcome back 👋
    We’ve just spent four nights at the Lowburn Freedom Camp. It’s a really large site with plenty of space to spread out. Facilities include flushing toilets, plus a long drop (closed during the winter months), and even rubbish collection – always handy!

    The maximum stay here is three nights, but after checking the Windy app we saw severe gale-force winds were heading our way, including the area we were planning to travel to. So, we chose to play it safe and stayed an extra night.

    Maggie spent most of her time inside this stop. There were a few dogs around, but they were tied up, so she felt safe and cosy indoors. 🐾

    While we were here, snow fell on the surrounding hills, giving us a stunning snowy view right from our caravan windows – absolutely beautiful! ❄️⛰️

    We even met a couple from New Plymouth – not just from New Plymouth, but from our old neighbourhood in Fitzroy! How cool is that? We also met a few other lovely couples here, and it was great to have a chat and share some stories.

    Our NetSpeed connection was sitting between 4G and 5G, and the cell phone coverage here was great.

    #NetSpeed #LowburnFreedomCamp #LifeOnTheRoad #LoveLivingLifeOnTheRoad #LifeIsGood #MaggieTheTravellingCat #Freedom #LivingLife
    Lue lisää

  • Pleasant flat Doc camp

    8.–10. syysk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    We’ve just spent two wonderful nights at Pleasant Flat DOC Campsite in Mt Aspiring National Park. 🌿

    The campground has four flush toilets 🚻, plus a covered shelter with a table and bench seats. There are two main parking areas — better suited for motorhomes and smaller caravans. Larger caravans need to park lengthways. We parked across a double space, which worked well for us.

    It’s rained the whole time ☔ but hey, that’s camping life, that’s life on the road! Phone coverage here was pretty minimal, but NetSpeed 4G worked perfectly 👍 — such a relief to have reliable internet when reception is patchy.

    Poor Maggie had to stay tucked inside because of the weather, but at least that kept the sandflies out! 🐾

    Thanks for following along on our adventures! 💚

    #NetSpeed #MountAspiringNationalPark #LifeOnTheRoad #LoveLivingLifeOnTheRoad #LifeIsGood
    Lue lisää

  • Otto/MacDonalds creek

    4.–8. syysk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    We’ve just enjoyed four wonderful nights at Otto MacDonald’s Creek. 🌿 This DOC camp has all the basics and more – flushing toilets, two separate parking areas, shelters with picnic tables, and even a double sink bench.

    It’s set right beside a small river that would be perfect for cooling off in summer, and there’s also a lake with its own little stony “beach.” Not sure if it’s the best for swimming, but it’s certainly a peaceful spot to sit and take it all in.

    Even though it’s close to the highway, it’s incredibly quiet and relaxing. Nature put on quite the show too – over three nights and two days we had thunder, lightning, and hail storms roll through. Who doesn’t love a good storm when you’re tucked up safe and dry in the van? ⚡🌩️

    Maggie had a wonderful time here too – she even got out for a walk on her lead, soaked up the sunshine, and had a good roll in the gravel. 🐾 DOC were fine with her being here since she was on a lead, so everyone was happy.

    And once again, NetSpeed kept us connected the whole time – we’re so glad we made the switch! 📶✨

    #VanLife #NZTravel #DOCcamps #OffGridLiving #TravelNZ #LifeOnTheRoad #Netspeed
    Lue lisää

  • Punakaiki freedom

    24.–31. elok., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    We’ve just spent seven lovely nights at Punakaiki, Macmillan Road. ⛺ This freedom camping spot is usually a two-night limit, but with the storm rolling in we decided it was best to stay put.

    We had it all – heavy rain, thunder, hail, and strong winds 🌩️💨 – so hunkering down was definitely the safest option. Thankfully, the area wasn’t busy while we were there, otherwise we’d have moved on.

    One thing you have to watch out for here are the crafty wekas – they’ll take anything that’s not tied down! They even tried to make off with our steps (as some of you may have seen in our video a few days ago). Maggie enjoyed her time outside when the weather cleared, sitting in the grass, watching the wekas squabble over the tiniest crumbs. 🐦🐾

    We even managed a wee bit of fishing on the two fine days we had 🎣. Caught some good fish too – a couple made it onto our dinner plates, and the rest went back to live another day. 🐟🍴

    No facilities on site, so it’s strictly pack in, pack out 🚮 – but our NetSpeed 4G internet worked perfectly the whole time. It hummed along without missing a beat, unlike our previous provider. 📶✨

    And luckily, the wekas didn’t manage to run off with our dinner… or the modem. Bloody crafty little bastards! 😅
    Lue lisää

  • Aerodrome road freedom

    20.–22. elok., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    We’ve just spent two lovely nights at the Greymouth Aerodrome Road Freedom Camp. Such a handy little spot—right by the beach with a walkway and bike track, and only a quick scoot into town. 🚴‍♂️

    On one of those scoots, Paul decided to play Jeremy Clarkson (“speed and power!”) and came a cropper… straight into a wire fence, across the footpath, and rolled onto the side of the road. 😳 I nearly had a heart attack, but thankfully he’s okay—just stiff and sore (though that could be as much his long COVID as the tumble).

    Maggie chose to stay safe inside the van this time, as a few dogs wandered past without leads. 🐾 Probably a wise move on her part.

    Last night, someone thought it was a great idea to do burnouts almost outside our door. We must have been absolutely dog-tired because we didn’t hear a thing—only spotted the skid marks up the road in the morning!

    Our new NetSpeed mobile internet worked perfectly on 5G here, so that was a big win. 👍 Definitely a spot we’d recommend—and one we’ll be back to.
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  • Barkers creek freedom

    13.–20. elok., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    We’ve just spent a lovely seven nights on Coast Road, parked up at the rest area beside Barker’s Creek. Not only is it a rest area, but also a freedom spot. 🌿

    Friendly locals wandered by walking their dogs on the beach, and we even had a go at fishing. Paul landed a rig about a metre long – that beauty has done us a few delicious meals! 🎣🐟

    Nights here have been so peaceful, with just the odd toot in the morning (maybe friends going past saying hello? 👋). No facilities at all, but the creek is crystal clear – could be boiled up if needed.

    The only downside? The sandflies are on steroids here! 🤦‍♀️ Pro tip: tuck your pants into your socks – it’s not a fashion statement, but it works. 😂

    Maggie has loved the long grass, happily chilling in the sunshine with mum and dad. 🐾☀️

    And to top it off, our new NetSpeed 4G has been running perfectly here – not a single issue. Highly recommend if you’re looking for reliable internet on the road! 📶💻
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  • Hokitika NZMCA Park

    6.–11. elok., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Five nights here and we’ve loved every minute. Took a quick 30-minute drive to Hokitika Gorge — absolutely stunning, and there’s even a track if you fancy a walk. We, of course, opted for the scooters because, well… scooters.

    We also went treasure hunting on Serpentine Beach and another nearby beach for greenstone. Shockingly, we actually found a couple of tiny pieces. I may have checked twice to make sure they weren’t just shiny pebbles.

    Fishing report: six fish. Or maybe seven. Could’ve been five. Let’s just say there was “a number” of fish, and only one was a keeper — an elephant fish — caught by none other than Paul. First one of the season, so naturally, he’s claiming full bragging rights.

    Maggie kept herself busy patrolling the park, rolling on the stones, and following her nose anywhere a bunny had been. I’m pretty sure she’s convinced we came here solely for her bunny-sniffing expeditions.

    The weather? Couldn’t have been better — a huge improvement on our last visit.

    Oh — and a little news! We’ve just teamed up with NetSpeed for mobile internet. If you’re looking to join, you can use our promo code " psadventures"for a nice discount on your new modem. The modem’s only been out for about a month, and so far it’s working great for us — even out here.
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  • Nelson Quay – Greymouth

    4.–6. elok., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    We’ve just spent two lovely (and windy!) nights at Nelson Quay, tucked right near the end of the Greymouth River. Such a peaceful spot!

    We watched a few trawlers come and go, and even managed to snap a photo of one heading out over the bar this morning. It was pretty cool to watch it from the van, bobbing up and down as it made its way out to sea.

    Sunsets weren’t too bad either! We had flush toilets and rubbish bins just outside the door, and some truly wonderful neighbours.

    Maggie chose to stay inside for this one—there were a few visiting dogs on the loose, so she decided it was a good time for naps and watching the world from the window.
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  • Punakaiki – Mcmillan Road Freedom Campi

    2.–4. elok., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    A peaceful wee gem just off the main road and right by the beach — what more could you want? Okay, maybe a toilet… and a bin... but hey, it’s pack in, pack out here, so bring your own everything (including patience if the sea is stormy like it was for us).

    We came for the weekend with grand ideas of catching a fish or two, but the ocean had other plans — wild, rough, and definitely not in the mood to share. Instead, we spent our time being thoroughly entertained by the local wekas.

    Maggie set herself up in the long grass under a big dock leaf, doing her best impression of a jungle cat while watching the wekas patrol the area like they owned the place. It was quite the show — wekas strutting around, Maggie crouched like she’s on National Geographic.

    There’s a stunning cave system if you walk right along the beach. We didn’t do it this time (too blustery!), but we’ve been before — it’s absolutely worth the walk when the weather behaves.

    We had two neighbours the first night, four the next. We imagine it’d be packed in summer — just a gravel area beside the beach, but a very popular one.

    Stormy seas, nosy wekas, and a cat in stealth mode... honestly, not a bad way to spend a weekend!
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  • Cobden Bridge, Greymouth – Our Latest St

    30. heinäk.–2. elok., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    We’ve just spent a few nights at the Cobden Bridge freedom camping area in Greymouth. You’re allowed to stay up to two nights here in a self-contained vehicle, but we stayed an extra night, making it three in total, as Paul wasn't feeling the best. He’s much better now, thankfully.

    It’s a free spot with rubbish bins, a dump station, and drinking water available. Designated parking is at the end of the area. Even though it’s close to the road, we found it reasonably quiet. Being winter, it wasn’t busy—just a couple of others around during our stay.

    And the sunsets? Absolutely lovely!
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  • Westport nzmca park

    24.–27. heinäk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Parked up at the Westport NZMCA Park, right next to the beach—and what a beautiful spot it is 🌊🚐
    The sound of the waves and the wekas is so calming. We sat and soaked up the sunshine, just enjoying the moment.
    Took the scooters into town for a little explore—some great shops and lovely, friendly locals.

    Maggie also enjoyed walking around the park with her mum and soaking up the sunshine. She’s loving the peaceful vibes just as much as we are 💛🐾
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  • Nelsoncreek reserve

    18.–25. heinäk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    Waiting on a heater replacement, we were pointed in the direction of this lovely little spot — Nelson Creek Reserve.

    For those able to get out and about, there are a couple of walking tracks and even a spot for gold panning! The reserve has flush toilets, a dump station, and non-drinking water.

    During the day, the odd logging truck rumbles by on the road above, but otherwise it’s peaceful. There are firepits too — you can even phone and buy a bag of firewood if you like. In summer, there’s a swimming hole, and I hear it gets pretty popular then.

    At $10 per adult or $25 per family per night, it’s starting to get up there in price — but not bad considering what’s around.

    And just across the road? A great little pub with a pool table, friendly locals, and top-notch meals.

    Where do you find all this, you ask? Well… Nelson Creek Reserve, of course!
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  • Lake Pearson

    10.–15. heinäk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Lovely spot along Arthurs Pass, This is a doc site, so you need to book. 2 longdrops and non drinking water ( boil) onsite.In the middle of no where its a great place to sit back and watch the world go by. There are plenty of people the stop in for a rest along the way. In summer people swim in the lake. We have stayed here in the summer and it gets very busy, winter is nice to see the snow in the distance.Lue lisää

  • Weedons nzmca park

    2.–10. heinäk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    We really don’t mind it here — there’s water, toilets, washing machines, and rubbish bins on site. The ground-level dump stations have been locked, but you can still empty your cassettes into the raised dump point, along with your grey water if you have a rollaway tank or container. It does make things a bit harder for the elderly or those with back issues, though. Not sure why the change was made.

    The large shed is a great place to chill out and stretch your legs. It even has a lovely big fireplace for those colder days and nights. If you’re unsure about anything, there are on-site custodians, Sue and her husband, who are happy to help. You might even spot a second kit model Paul left behind in the shed!

    Maggie wasn’t overly happy to be outside — we’re pretty sure she could smell the dogs on site.
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  • Ellesmere golf club

    27. kesäk.–2. heinäk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    What a great stopover at Ellesmere Golf Club near Leeston. So peaceful, and the golfers were lovely—we had a good yarn with a few of them.

    Just $5 a night to stay! Pets welcome, though no dogs on the golf course… unless you're keen on them dodging golf balls!

    There are toilets on site, water available, and it’s a secure spot to park up. What more could you ask for?

    Maggie made the most of the sun, happily rolling around on the gravel in the car park area and nibbling at the grass.

    Each evening around 5pm, a pheasant would pop out to say hello. It was rather scared when I tried to get photos and would run off—but it was a bit of entertainment either way!

    One lovely stop we’ll definitely be back to. ⛳🚐🐾🪿
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  • Arundel Bridge

    23.–25. kesäk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    What a lovely free spot! The ground was a little damp underfoot, but we had it all to ourselves. It sits at an intersection, yet it’s surprisingly peaceful. There’s a short walk (currently a bit muddy) down to the river, where you can spot the old bridge piles. It’s also very sheltered, which made it a cosy stay.

    Even Maggie enjoyed the grass between her paws.
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  • Pop, behind the Gladestone pub

    19.–26. kesäk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    Great stop right in town. Peaseful most days and night. There is water at the front of the freemasons. No dumpstation in town. Pack in pack out. Great meal at the Gladestone pub, lovely to sit near the fire on a -5 deg night.Lue lisää

  • Tekapo lakeside holiday park

    16.–18. kesäk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☀️ 3 °C

    Hello from a frosty Tekapo! ❄️

    We’ve just ticked off a bucket list moment—relaxing in the hot pools with snow all around us! No snow falling, but being surrounded by the white stuff while soaking in steaming water was still absolutely magical. 🧖‍♀️🫧

    We’re staying at the Lakeside Holiday Park, but if you’re in a big caravan, heads-up: we got parked in a cold corner, and it’s definitely not ideal in these -7°C temps. One gas bottle ran out overnight (no heater!), our tanks and pipes froze, and we woke to a chilly 0.2°C inside and -6.1°C outside—not the coziest start to the day! 🥶

    If you’re thinking of staying here in winter with a larger van, maybe give it a second thought. We were told they don’t have much room for bigger setups. I’ve bottled up what water I could since we can't refill our tanks right now.

    Still, those hot pools with snow on the ground? Totally worth it.

    #VanLife #WinterCamping #FrozenButHappy #TekapoHotPools
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  • Ahuriri bridge doc camp

    12.–14. kesäk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ 🌧 5 °C

    Right next to the main road this spot was peaseful, due to fog and low cloud we were not aware of the hills across the road,once the fog lifted and clouds moved we got to see alittle snow.
    Long drop loo on site. Max 4 nights stay. Nzmca app says not dogs but signs here say dogs on leads.
    Free to stay
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  • Unlisted pop wanaka

    6.–11. kesäk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C

    Wanaka Pop-Spot Stay 🏕️
    We’ve just spent five lovely nights at a quiet little unlisted pop in Wanaka — and we’re so glad we found it! It’s super handy to the New Three Parks shopping area, and there’s a BP with a dump station nearby (though it’s not the best).

    Right next to a golf course, with lovely owners and just $10 per van per night. It says a max stay of three nights, but if you ask nicely, they may accommodate longer stays.

    Pet-friendly (dogs on leads please, as there are a few stock animals about). We had daily visits from three friendly hens, their sweet dog popped by every evening, and we even spotted a cat lounging in one of the paddocks 🐔🐕🐈

    It’s close to the road, but surprisingly quiet. We’ll definitely be back — such a handy spot and a peaceful stay.
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  • Kidds bush doc camp

    1.–6. kesäk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Kidds Bush DOC Camp
    Absolutely stunning spot! Snow on the hills, chilly nights, and beautiful Lake Hāwea right at your doorstep.

    We only had neighbours for the first three nights — and even then, there's so much space you won’t trip over anyone.

    Not many flat spots, but still plenty of room to park up. Portaloos and non-drinking water on site. The app says no water over winter, but it’s still flowing at the moment.

    A few sandflies keen for a feed, so cover up or get the spray ready!
    Winter means a bit of a late morning sun, but worth the wait.

    Perfect place to unwind and take in the views. 🌄
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  • Cameron Flat doc camp

    23. toukok.–1. kesäk., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    Just spent 9 nights at Cameron Flat DOC camp – because when you find a spot with snow on the peaks, a view worth waking up to, and enough space to swing a solar panel, why rush? ❄️⛺️

    It got proper chilly at night – even Maggie decided sleeping on our heads was preferable to her usual spot. Nothing says “cosy” like waking up with a paw in your ear. 🐾🛏️

    The camp had plenty of room… until sunset, when the sleeper vans and hatchbacks came creeping in like possums at a buffet. 🚐🌒

    We had front-row seats to the chopper show – watching helicopters fly gear in and out of the bush for the final touches on the Blue Pools track and bridge repairs. Sadly, at around a 3km return walk, it was too far for Paul at the moment, so we admired the views and enjoyed other people’s photos instead. #VirtualHiking 😂

    All in all, a stunning spot – even if our toes haven’t quite thawed out yet.

    #CameronFlat #OffGridLife #SnowyPeaksAndSnugCats #MaggieApproved #BluePoolsFromAfar
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  • Lowburn freedom

    17.–21. toukok., Uusi Seelanti ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Lowburn — what a stunning spot to stay!
    Right on the edge of Lake Dunstan, with reflections dancing on the water from the trees and surrounding hills. This morning we were treated to low cloud drifting across the lake — absolutely magical.

    We’ve had some beautiful weather here again. The freedom camping area is super handy, with toilets available and loads of space for vehicles of all sizes. There are plenty of rubbish bins, too, and they’re emptied early each morning — big thumbs up for that!

    Such a peaceful, scenic stop. Highly recommend.
    Thanks for watching and following along on our journey!
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