Teetotal Campsite makes a handy base for exploring Nelson Lakes National Park, near St Arnaud in the Nelson region. The setting is a tucked-away spot within easy reach of the park's lakes, beech forest and mountain scenery, making it a practical stop for trampers, paddlers and anyone heading into the surrounding back country.

Facilities are basic but useful: non-powered tent sites, non-flush toilets, and a tap supplying untreated water, so boil it before drinking. The site is wheelchair accessible. Dogs are allowed, which is a bonus if you're travelling with a four-legged companion.

As with most national park campsites, come prepared to be self-sufficient and to share the space during busier periods, as it can fill up quickly in peak times. It's an unpretentious, no-frills place to pitch a tent close to one of the South Island's most scenic alpine parks.