Nitesh RANJAN
Google
Disappointing Experience at Blue Lake TOP 10 – Falls Short of Premier Standards
As a regular TOP 10 member who has stayed at various locations across the country, I had high expectations for Blue Lake TOP 10, especially given its designation as a “premier” site and the premium pricing. Unfortunately, the experience did not meet those expectations.
We stayed for two nights during consistent rain – understandable given New Zealand’s unpredictable weather – but the overall facilities and service at the site left much to be desired. The campsite had limited toilet facilities, which were neither well-maintained nor adequately stocked (e.g., no hand soap). The kitchens were outdated and undersized for the number of guests.
To add to the disappointment, most indoor activities such as the pool table, air hockey, and spa came at an additional cost, which felt excessive considering the high nightly rate.
One particularly frustrating aspect was the overly strict approach to noise. Despite being in a quiet group with no music and speaking at low volumes – and positioned far from other campsites – security began reminding us at 9:30 PM to be silent and “head to bed.” By 10 PM, they returned to ask us to wrap up completely. While we absolutely understand the need to respect quiet hours, this level of enforcement felt unreasonable, especially given the rain and lack of any evident disturbance. If you’re looking for a social camping experience, this may not be the right place. However, if you’re someone who prefers to be in bed by 8 PM and expects complete silence, this site might suit your needs – though I do wonder how they’ll manage road traffic noise!
Overall, compared to other TOP 10 locations, this one did not live up to the “premier” label, and I won’t be returning. I’d recommend exploring alternative options that offer a more welcoming and balanced experience.
