Campground summer fun

Kyson Sheville helps his mum Jean celebrate her birthday with a big splash. Photo / John Stone

Northern Advocate photographer John Stone went to the popular Otamure campground and found campers enjoying their summer holiday

Tens of thousands of Kiwis have set up camp in stunning publicly-owned slices of paradise this summer.

But some brave souls may also be battling the elements with little more than sandflies and a long drop for company.

Image 1 of 8: Whangarei's Barrie and Sheree Price brought plenty of comfort with them while holidaying at Otamure Bay.

The Department of Conservation has revealed its 10 most-popular campsites - with Northland having four in the top 10.

The sites - in Northland, the Coromandel, the Central Plateau, Golden Bay and Aoraki-Mt Cook - offer a mix of golden sand beaches, pristine swimming holes and glimpses of some of our most beloved native flora and fauna.

They draw between 15,000 and 50,000 eager campers each year.

In the top 10 list, Northland has Otamure Bay, Maitai Bay, Puriri Bay and Uretiti Beach. Otamure Bay, near Whananaki North offers campers access to a nearby bay that is rarely visited.

Two spots on the Coromandel make the top 10: Waikawau Bay and Port Jackson.

The Totaranui campsite in the South Island's Golden Bay also offers the quintessential Kiwi camping experience, a "back to basics" location.

The White Horse campsite at Aoraki-Mt Cook is also in the top 10, as are the Waikaremoana Holiday Park and the Whakapapa Holiday Park.

The sites are one of the cheapest summer holiday options. Charges range from $10 a night per adult for serviced campsites - flush toilets, hot showers and a kitchen - to $6 a night for standard campsites - long-drops, cold showers and wood barbecues.