


10 Reviews
Beautiful camp site, loved our stay here! Clean facilities, hot showers, yes you have to pay $2.00 but it’s the only way the owners to preserve their precious rain water and to be honest we loved how off grid the place felt, easy to absorb yourself into nature rather than staying at camps that feel soulless! Nicky the owner is fab, very knowledgeable about the area and clearly loves her home and its surroundings, breath of fresh air! Definitely recommend staying here!
I dont understand what these negative reviews are about. I stayed here for two nights as a solo traveller and this place blew me away. I instantly felt welcomed by Nicky when she checked me in, gave me great local reccomendations for walks and activities. As for the campsite, the facilities are cleaned thoroughly everyday and this goes to show. $2 for a 2 minute shower, which is understandable because this place runs off rainwater. Best campsite in the South Island, I will 100% be back!
A big disappointment and if you don't have to, avoid this campsite. You pay 50 NZD for two people per night, basically for nothing. You have to pay extra for a shower 2NZD for 2 minutes, of which it takes a minute for the hot water to start flowing. The showers and toilets are dirty. There is no drinking water, you have to take your own rubbish out. There are signs everywhere that you can't pump water. For that kind of money I would expect something different. I have travelled the whole North Island, I have been to many campsites and this is one of the worst.
“Thank you for your feedback. Our sites are priced at $25 per person per night, rather than per vehicle. As a small rural eco-conscious camp, our rates reflect maintained grounds, clean facilities, and the costs of operating responsibly in a remote location. All water at Farewell Gardens is collected rainwater and is filtered and UV treated so it is safe for drinking and washing. Showers are metered to help conserve this precious resource and ensure water remains available for all guests. Hot water timing can vary slightly depending on demand. Cleanliness is very important to us. Facilities are cleaned and checked daily; however, as with any shared amenities, they can become untidy between cleans depending on guest use. Being located in a rural coastal environment, occasional insects may also be present despite regular cleaning. Due to our remote location, we ask guests to take their rubbish with them and to conserve water. These practices help protect this special environment. Farewell Gardens is best suited to guests who appreciate a simple, nature-focused camping experience rather than resort-style facilities. We wish you safe travels.”
This camp is definitely not worth 50 dollars, I do not recommend it to anyone. There is no drinking water, eco friendly mindset means = shower for 2 dollars for 2 minutes, mold and dirt, spiders in the showers, lots of signs about what is not allowed and most importantly, it is best not to go here at all. The only plus is the friendly lady at the reception, but that is not why you go camping, is it? Uneven terrain and you don't even sleep. I would compare this camp to freedom camp. Rating 2/10! Avoid by all means
“Thank you for your feedback. Our sites are priced at $25 per person per night, rather than per vehicle. As a small, rural eco-conscious camp, our rates reflect clean facilities, maintained grounds, and the costs of operating responsibly in a remote location. All water on site is collected rainwater and is filtered and UV treated to ensure it is safe for drinking and washing. Showers are metered to help conserve this precious resource and ensure water remains available for all guests. Cleanliness is very important to us, and facilities are cleaned and checked daily. As we are located in a rural coastal environment surrounded by nature, occasional insects may be present despite regular cleaning. Due to our remote location, we ask guests to take their rubbish with them when they leave and to conserve water. These practices help protect this special environment. Farewell Gardens is best suited to guests who appreciate a simple, nature-focused camping experience rather than resort-style facilities. We wish you safe travels.”
Very disappointed with this place. Paid $50 for the two of us which is very steep considering you then have to pay for showers ($2 for 2 minutes !?), there are no bins apart from green waste, and one toilet between everyone. Waste of money, won’t be coming back.
“Thank you for your feedback. Our sites are priced at $25 per person per night, rather than per vehicle. As a small, rural eco-conscious camp, our rates reflect clean facilities, maintained grounds, and the costs of operating responsibly in a remote location. We have multiple toilets and showers on site in accordance with camping facility guidelines, and they are cleaned and checked daily. All water at Farewell Gardens is collected rainwater. Showers are metered to help conserve this precious resource and ensure water remains available for all guests. Due to our remote location, we ask guests to take their rubbish with them when they leave. This helps protect the surrounding environment. Farewell Gardens is best suited to guests who appreciate a simple, nature-focused camping experience rather than resort-style facilities. We wish you safe travels.”
Good location, close to many walks like Cape Farewell and Wharakiri Beach.
“Thank you for your kind review. We’re glad you enjoyed the location — it’s a special part of Golden Bay, and having Cape Farewell and Wharariki Beach so close makes exploring easy. Safe travels and we hope to see you again.”
Big pitches, and close to Farewell Spit and Wharariki Beach. However, every wall of the communal rooms covered in passive aggressive signage and rules. Basic facilities, and 2$ for 2 min showers. Unclear what makes this site eco-friendly, besides rainwater and compost?
“Thank you for your feedback. We’re pleased you enjoyed the spacious sites and our location close to Farewell Spit and Wharariki Beach — it’s a special part of the coastline. As a small rural camp, we provide simple facilities designed to suit the natural environment. Our signage is intended to help guests share facilities considerately and to conserve water and resources in a remote location. Farewell Gardens operates on collected rainwater and an on-site septic system, so showers are metered to help conserve this precious resource and ensure it remains available for everyone. Our eco-friendly approach also includes waste reduction, water conservation, and caring for the surrounding natural environment. Farewell Gardens is best suited to guests who appreciate a simple, nature-focused camping experience. We appreciate your comments and wish you safe travels.”
Beautiful camp at the base of Farewell Spit! Owners are fabulous and very knowledgeable of the area. Facilities are great and lovely and clean. Very homely feel, perfect time to visit as it’s not too busy but can imagine they get booked out over the summer! We had a lovely tent site and woke up to the sound of the birds singing, beautiful and very peaceful… thanks for having us! We will be back!
“Thank you for such kind words. We’re so pleased you enjoyed the tranquillity, the birdlife, and the homely feel of the camp. It was lovely to have you here, and we’ll be ready to welcome you back anytime.”
Stayed 4 nights at this beautiful little boutique motor camp, $25 a night per person, $2 Hot Showers, clean facilities, toilets, showers, 2 kitchens, lounge. plenty space in the camp,, beautiful kept landscaped gardens. Our motor home site was big, with power if required. Location of the camp is walking distance to Farewell Spit, Wharariki Beach, Abel Head and a nice sandy beach and swiming hole across the road. Owners very freindly, helpful, and courteous they welcome your stay. 5 star 🌟 stay
“Kia Ora! thank you for your lovely review, it was a pleasure to meet you both. Hope you enjoyed your fishing too! Look forward to seeing you next year, safe travels.”
Overpriced for what you get, $35 for an unpowered site (1 person) and yet you still have to pay for a shower. Uneven pitches by the road side. Facilities are basic but clean. Location is good, within walking distance of Farewell Spit and a short drive to other beautiful places.
“Kia Ora, thank you for staying with us. Our grassed sites are pretty level and only a two second walk across the road from the beach, pretty perfect to go and sit and have your morning coffee! Our prices are well within the price range of most other camps in the area, much cheaper than most, It's a shame you couldn't of come to me and shared your thoughts, I'm always happy to explain and help! Hope you enjoy the rest of your travels.”
Paid Campsites•Mackenzie