We are exploring the variety of camping options New Zealand has to offer: There are the holiday parks which come with "luxuries" such as hot showers, power hookups, flush toilets and kitchens. They are delightful, but require you to pay (what!?). So, we have also explored some of the slightly more hidden gems: free camp sites. They are often in the midst of epic beauty, but you forego the basic amenities (i.e. power, nice toilets, showers...). But who needs to shower, right?
As I write this blog, I am watching the sun set over one of our free campsites and marveling at the fact that we get to be here, to dine with a sunset view, to sleep here, and all we have to give up is a shower.
We spent the past few days working our way down the North Island, mainly on the coast. We have slept in different spots most nights, so it is much like the PCT. From farmlands to coastal wonders, New Zealand has a lot to offer. We are just trying to soak it all up.