Camp-sites, Camper-vans & Locals

First time travelling in a camper and not sure what to expect!!!

Need to get used to a small space 6.6m long and 3m high, having to make own bed EVERY NIGHT!!!!!

 We have stayed at several camp-sites some good some ok and some excellent...the one thing that stands out is how very helpful people are. The reception staff advise and also some resident locals.

The receptionist's at the Top 10 in Te Anu was really helpful and advised us that if we were going to be using Top 10 sites that we would benefit from a members card for $40 this would give us a 10% discount..she then took the 10% off our camp fees our booking for Milford Sound this saving paid for the card..what excellent service. We have been staying at Top 10 sites and using our card.

But I cannot take away the fact that at every site we have stayed the staff have been fantastic and so friendly and helpful..even seeing the funny side after we have driven over small winding roads (following the GPS) which will insist on the scenic route lol, which sometimes seems too small for our large van!!!

The other thing that stands out is how freindly the locals are in the taverns/pubs..so interested to talk that they seem to do the rounds of tables with any new people...even to the fact of us wanting to watch the Rugby did not seems a problem...we even got a lift home..free from the Tavern at Waikouaiti the landlord was a dedicated rugby fan..... He has even said that when we come back he will have a list of places we need to see......

I am so impressed that when we meet people out and about they are so friendly and we have even had the offer of visiting him at his house, this was while we were in the springs at Hamner, also it does not matter where you are or what you are doing, this does not seem to happen at home..we to have lost the community spirit and don't want to connect or get involved any more!!!!

We have even as we travel met kind people who are locals staying at the camp sites and have asked us what we are doing and give us great places to go and find, that maybe we might not have given a second look, some real gems....

Once the people here realise you are not a local they do their best to include you and make you feel at home and one of them..not feeling uncomfortable to walk into anywhere!!!!