Looking for a great Kiwi holiday? Have you tasted pickled huhu grubs at the Wildfoods Festival? Tried your hand at gold panning? How about a game of golf on the sand dunes at sunset?

You can have a great and inexpensive holiday experiencing the charms of the South Island's unique west coast whilst staying close to nature in one of the camping grounds dotted around the region. Hokitika is a good base from which to sample the charms of the West Coast, it has a range of attractions close by including Shantytown – a recreation of a 19th century gold rush town which is the kiwi version of the wild west. Hokitika itself also offers a home to Pounamu (Greenstone) carvers and artists who allow you to watch whilst they work at their craft.

For people who crave being outdoors, you can fish (and whitebait in season) on the Hokitika river, or take part in crazy Kumara race day. Then when you have had enough of sightseeing, unwind by wandering through haunting rainforests or beach-combing on deserted beaches - all the makings of a classic kiwi holiday!

The great thing about touring the West Coast is that it doesn't have to be expensive, you can save money on accommodation but still stay at a beautiful location. Camping grounds are a down to earth way to travel and are enjoying a revival amongst kiwis. It is easy to book a camping ground, cabin, or unit online and most camping grounds have their own websites with photo galleries that show exactly where you will be staying and what the prices are.

The characters you meet and the sense of community that comes with shared kitchens and the friendships that grow from them will stay with you after your trip has ended. West coast camping grounds are often close to beaches and rivers so you can take a stroll and find yourself somewhere special. If you love the feel of getting right back to nature, then a camping holiday is a great experience.

So pack up your friends, family, loved ones and your holiday gear and take that trip to one of New Zealand's truly iconic destinations. Once there, enjoy the hospitality and savour the beauty of a remote environment steeped in history. It's well known that you should visit your own country before you visit the world and a trip to Hokitika is a must see for any Kiwi. Whether you enjoy trekking through wild locations, extreme sports, or finding out about the history of our early settlers, it has something for everyone.