Right on the shore of Lake Pearson (Moana Rua), a high-country lake in the Waimakariri Basin, this is a popular lakeside spot in Craigieburn Forest Park. There's plenty of room, with gravel parking areas that suit campers, vans and rooftop tents, and grassy patches for tents.

Facilities are basic but tidy. Modern long-drop toilets and unfiltered water, so come prepared to treat or carry your own drinking water. The setting is the real draw, with open lake views ringed by tussock and mountains and good bird watching.

It's exposed out here, with little shelter from the wind, so pitch and pack accordingly. Campers have had their vehicles rocking around on breezy nights. Fees are modest, around $10 per adult and $5 per child. As one visitor put it, you're not really paying for the facilities, you're paying to camp in the scenery. Good base for getting out into the wider park.