OTAGO: QUEENSTOWN LAKES

Albert Town Park Campsite is a very large reserve adjoining the Hawea River. Low cost camping with only a few long drop toilets in a stunning location.

We called in on a beautiful sunny autumn afternoon. Our initial impression was that it was just huge and uninteresting, although there were quite a few other motor caravanners already there.

However, on driving through the campsite, we found an idyllic spot right by the river, with a drop-dead view of snow-capped mountains. It was a no-brainer - this was where we would stay for the nght.

We got ourselves set up, and I walked back to the entrance to pay the camp fee in the honesty box, then I walked around the site taking lots of pictures, while Shuping amused herself feeding the ducks.

It was peaceful overnight, and the next morning we woke up surrounded by fog. There had been a light frost overnight, and the grass was frosted over until the sun melted it all away by around 9am.

The park also contains the Albert Town Cemetery - the earliest one in the Wanaka area.  

This proved to be a choice location to visit and stay overnight. It is run by the Queenstown Lakes District Council, and like many of the other campsites and holiday parks in the district, is of a high standard.

It is a beautiful part of our country, and would be a joy to explore if only we weren't left with the feeling that motor caravanners who want to freedom camp are not welcome.

Maybe this will change. We hope so.