40 Epic Camping Grounds in New Zealand’s South Island

New Zealand’s South Island is one of the most incredible camping destinations in the world. 

With hundreds of campsites to choose from, though, it can be overwhelming to know where to go—and that’s where I can help!

I live in Queenstown and spend many of my weekends & holidays camping amongst the South Island’s beaches, lakes, rivers and national parks—and in this guide, I’ll share my favourite camping spots with you.

I should preface this by saying that I enjoy simple camping in natural, wild places near the forest, ocean and mountains.

DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites are usually my go-to. 

However, there are some commercial campgrounds that I love, too, and I’ve included those in this list. 

To make it into this list, a campsite has got to fit within my “top tier” criteria, as follows:

• Location: needs to be in a beautiful location with fun things to do nearby (especially walks and swimming/paddling spots!)
• Facilities: must have a toilet (other amenities are a bonus)
• Type of camping available: suitable for both campervans AND tents. Some of the campgrounds in this list also have camping cabins.

With this in mind, here’s your guide to the best camping in the South Island!

I hope you love these campsites as much as I do.

*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the link provided, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support!

South Island Camping Map

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South Island Campsite Types

DOC campsites ($10-20 per adult)

Run by the Department of Conservation (DOC), these tend to be basic campgrounds in natural settings, often with only unpowered sites. You can expect to find a toilet at DOC sites, but other amenities vary—usually, you should come prepared with your own drinking water, camp stove & cooking equipment, and anything else you need for camping. 

>>Tip: if you plan to camp at lots of DOC campsites, consider getting an annual DOC campsite pass. Note, however, that some campsites (and certain times of year) can be excluded from use with the pass.

Holiday parks & private campsites ($15-30+ per adult)

These are commercial campsites that vary widely in amenities provided, but they’ll typically include bathrooms with toilets and hot showers (sometimes coin-operated); drinking water; and camp kitchens (although you should bring your own cooking equipment like pots, pans etc—and sometimes a camp stove, too). 

Most of the campgrounds in this category offer both powered & unpowered campsites.

Free campsites

Most of the free campsites in the South Island are for self-contained campervans only, and many are just roadside carparks.

In this guide, I’ve only included free campsites that are in awesome, destination-worthy settings and are suitable for both tents & campervans (self-contained or not).

As with DOC campsites, bring everything you’ll need, including drinking water, and expect to only find unpowered campsites.

If you have a certified self-contained campervan and would like to freedom camp, check out my guide to the best free camping spots in the South Island!

Best South Island DOC Campsites

1. Momorangi Bay Campground

Camp on the tranquil shores of the Queen Charlotte Sound at the Momorangi Bay Campground.

You can go swimming, take off on a walk, look for glow worms at night, or just sit back and enjoy the views from your campsite. I love bringing along my kayak to drop into the water—the Marlborough Sounds are a magic spot for a paddle.

I do need to warn you that this campsite is extremely popular and it can get quite busy, so I avoid it during peak season (but that’s just me). For a quieter experience, head here before the Christmas/New Years rush, or after Waitangi Weekend.

If you’re after a lesser-known but equally pretty spot nearby (albeit with more basic amenities), check out the Aussie Bay campsite just down the road.

2. Elaine Bay Campsite

Getting to the Elaine Bay Campsite is a bit of a mission—you have to drive along the winding, narrow road towards French Pass, which always takes a bit longer than you think it will. 

If you love off-the-beaten track places, though, it’s well worth the journey to get here!

At Elaine Bay, you’ll find a tiny but picturesque campsite perched above the calm waters of Pelorus Sound. 

A jetty leads from the campsite out onto the water, and it’s a popular place for fishing. You can often spot huge stingrays in the water below, and at night, there’s bioluminescence in the water—it’s so neat to see!

From the campground, you can head out on the Archer Track for a gorgeous day walk, or try the shorter Piwakawaka Track. 

Plan on spending 2 nights here (at least), because once you arrive, you will not want to leave. Bring some good food and drinks, books and games, and let yourself unwind for a while.

This campsite is first-come, first served, so I do recommend having a backup plan in case it’s full. If that’s the case, you could try the French Pass Campsite, located 50 minutes further down the main road.

3. Pelorus Bridge Campground

The Pelorus Bridge Campground is located in a convenient—and beautiful—spot on the drive between Picton and Nelson. 

This campground sits amongst native trees above the pristine Pelorus River, where cool, clear water forms deep emerald pools that are simply perfect for a swim. 

And the campground here is so nice, with more amenities than you’ll find at most DOC Campsites. 

There are hot showers and a camp kitchen/indoor dining area—plus a cafe near the entrance to the campground, just in case you don’t feel like making your own camp coffee.

There are lovely waterfalls and bush walks you can access from camp; or you can simply swim, relax and repeat (hopefully with some good snack breaks in between!).

4. White’s Bay Campsite

Tucked in a sheltered valley where bush-cloaked mountains meet the sea, White’s Bay is a stunning location for a campsite.

This scenic campground is located a short walk from the sandy beach cove at White’s Bay, where rock formations provide exploring opportunities (and mussel collecting!) and the ocean calls for a salty swim.

Pitches here are grassed and surrounded by greenery. There’s a camp host on site and a gate that locks out the rest of the world from 9pm-7am, so it feels safe and quiet while you sleep (although watch out for those cheeky wekas 😜).

Embark on a couple of walks (the Black Jack trail or Whites Bay to Rarangi are both options), and walk the glow worm trail after dark.

Worth mentioning is that White’s Bay beach is a popular spot with day-trippers, particularly on the weekends. While the oceanfront sites might be tempting, I recommend choosing a site higher up in the campground if you’d prefer peace and quiet while you camp.

5. Totaranui Campground

Camp beachside at the stunning Tōtaranui DOC campground in the northern (less-busy) side of Abel Tasman National Park.

This massive campground is located right next to the golden sands and crystal-clear waters of Tōtaranui Beach, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Golden Bay.

When you’re not lounging or swimming at the beach, hit the hiking trails: some of the best bits of the Abel Tasman Coast Track are located in this part of the national park!

I love the day walk from Tōtaranui to Separation Point, or you can shorten the walk by hiking to Mutton Cove and returning from there (pack a picnic!).

It’s worth mentioning that it’s a bit of a rough drive to get to this campground—the last 12km of road is unpaved, twisty, and narrow. 

The drive is well worth the effort, though; this DOC campground is a little slice of beachside paradise.

6. Marfells Beach Campsite

A short westward detour from the vineyard-rich, sun-baked valleys of Marlborough, the Marfells Beach Campsite is a cool spot for some coastal camping.

If you’re planning to drive between Kaikōura and Picton, this is a great little campsite to visit.

You’ll find flat pitches here that are good for both campervans and tents, and most of them have ocean views.

Do check the weather before heading out here, because it’s exposed to the elements and I personally wouldn’t want to tent camp here when it’s really windy.

At low tide, you can go for a long, solitude-filled beach walk and if it’s clear out, the sunrise views are spectacular.

7. Kerr Bay Campsite

Camp by pristine Lake Rotoiti at the scenic Kerr Bay Campsite, and hit the nearby hiking trails when you’re not relaxing by the lake.

This campsite is surrounded by thick beech forest, which attracts lots of native birds. 

It’s a peaceful, natural setting that is nearly perfect … if it weren’t for the swarms of sandflies that reside here. Bring insect repellent with you.

In addition to its stunning surroundings near the lake and forest, the facilities at this DOC campsite are great. There are even hot showers available (such luxury!).

For a short walk from camp, try the Bellbird Walk, Honeydew Walk, or Loop Track.

Or if you’re up for a big hike, head to the nearby Mount Robert Circuit, one of the South Island’s finest day hikes.

And whatever you do, don’t miss a sunset from the Lake Rotoiti jetty—it’s magic (and look for the longfin eels lurking in the water below, too!).

8. Waihi Gorge Campsite

The Waihi Gorge DOC Campsite sits in a lovely riverside setting just 14km north of the cute town of Geraldine.

I think this is a perfect spot for your first night of camping if you’ve picked up a campervan in Christchurch and are heading south for a road trip. I

t’s also a lovely spot for tent camping—there are lots of grassy campsites to choose from.

If there’s not a fire ban in place, you can have a campfire in one of the fire pits provided. Set up camp and then sit back and relax with dinner around the campfire and some stargazing after dark.

What could be better?!

9. White Horse Hill Campground

Mount Cook National Park is a must-visit place in New Zealand, with the country’s tallest mountain peak, magnificent glaciers, and some of the best hiking trails.

So…to have a campground set right in the midst of all this is pretty spectacular!

White Horse Hill Campground is one of the most scenic DOC camping grounds in NZ, and it’s the only camping ground in Mount Cook National Park.

It has basic facilities, but the views and location make it simply wonderful. 

You can wake up in your tent or van with mountains surrounding you, and be on an epic hiking trail within minutes (after coffee, of course). 

Multiple trails lead from the campground, including the tracks for Hooker Valley (one of the best day hikes in the South Island!), Kea Point, & Sealy Tarns.

There are no showers at this campground, but there are coin-operated hot showers available at the Mount Cook Village Public Shelter, just a 5-minute drive from camp.

One thing to note here: there are some cheeky resident kea who like to swoop down on these campsites first thing in the morning to wake up campers (and attempt to steal anything shiny or edible). You’ve been warned 😂

Tip: Make sure you bring all of the food/supplies you need with you before heading to this campground—you won’t find much in the national park. 

10. Otto/MacDonald’s Campsite

Otto/MacDonald’s Campsite is a beautiful camping area on the shores of Lake Mapourika, located just a 10-minute drive from the bustling tourist town of Franz Josef.

This is a lovely place to camp if you want to explore Glacier Country and prefer a DOC campsite over a holiday park.

The views over Lake Mapourika are just stunning—nature lovers will be in heaven.

Make sure to book this one ahead of time on the DOC website, as online bookings are required (and it’s a popular spot!).

And don’t forget your insect repellent, as sandflies can be present here (as they are on most of the West Coast).

11. Kidd’s Bush Reserve Campsite

The peaceful Kidd’s Bush Reserve Campsite sits on the shores of Lake Hawea, just off “the Neck”—a land bridge between Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.

I like staying at this campsite before or after driving over Haast Pass from Franz Josef to Wanaka (or vice versa). 

With Lake Hawea at your doorstep, beech trees to provide shade, mountains to gaze up at, and plenty of walks nearby, this is an awesome place to set up camp, whether you’re in a campervan or tent.

A couple of walks lead from camp—the Kidds Bush Nature Walk is an easy 30-minute return walk, or you can continue on to the more challenging Sawyer Burn Track (8 km return).

The Isthmus Peak trailhead is also just a 20-minute drive from the campground.

Head here on a sunny day and go for cold plunges in the lake in between reading a good book on the pebbled beach—my idea of a perfect camp day 😜

12. Moke Lake Campsite

If you’re ready to go off-grid after exploring Queenstown, head over to the Moke Lake Campsite. 

It’s just 25 minutes away from New Zealand’s adventure capital, but feels a world away.

You’ll get to camp right on the shores of Moke Lake, which is ringed in picturesque mountains and feels truly peaceful (aside from the persistent ducks, who might try to steal your snacks—speaking from experience here 😂).

There’s no cell service out this way; it’s the perfect excuse to hide away your phone and unplug for a while.

This campsite is a great detour along the scenic drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy. It’s my favourite DOC campground near Queenstown, and I really can’t recommend it enough! 

Make sure to lace up your walking shoes and enjoy the peaceful Moke Lake Loop Track, which starts and ends right at the campground. It’s a wonderful little 2-hour loop trail that circles the lake, and it’s easily one of the best easy walks around Queenstown.

13. Sylvan Campsite, Glenorchy

The Sylvan Campsite is a bit of a hidden gem. This basic but scenic campground is located just a short drive from the start of the popular Routeburn Track.

If you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-track and near awesome hikes, then you’ll love the Sylvan Campsite. 

The campground is nestled in a valley amongst beech forest, next to a crystal-clear river (the Routeburn), and surrounded by mountains.

It’s a peaceful, beautiful place. 

Set up camp and go hiking—the lovely Lake Sylvan Track starts right from the campground.

Or drive 10 minutes up the road to the Routeburn Shelter to do a day hike on the Routeburn Track to either Routeburn Flats or Routeburn Falls.

Make sure you have insect repellent handy, as sandflies do frequent here. 

Also make sure you pick up groceries & fill up your car with petrol in Queenstown before heading out to camp around Glenorchy. There aren’t many shops in Glenorchy.

14. Mavora Lakes Campsite

Mavora Lakes is my top vehicle-accessible wilderness campground in New Zealand, which is saying a lot because I have heaps of favourite spots (if you couldn’t already tell from this guide)!

Sandflies and a long gravel road notwithstanding, this is one of the ultimate destination campgrounds in the South Island.

There are two pristine lakes here—North Mavora Lake & South Mavora Lake, and you can camp on the shores of both. 

North Mavora Lake is larger and allows motorised watercraft, and it’s closest to the 4WD tracks. This means it’s the busier of the two camping areas (but you’ll also have more choice of sites). 

South Mavora Lake only allows non-motorised boats so it tends to be quieter, but the sites are mostly just off the main road and there are less to choose from. 

You can’t really go wrong, though—there’s beauty everywhere you look, no matter the site you choose.

While this place is quiet and peaceful most of the time, it does sometimes see large groups of revellers in peak summer and on holiday weekends—so if you want to avoid that, camp during the off-season or on a weekday.

My partner Ty fly fishes around this area (while I relax in my camping hammock with a book), and we both love bringing our kayak & SUP to glide around on the lakes. 

I highly recommend bringing some firewood, because you can have campfires here if there isn’t a fire ban in place (but please only have a campfire in one of the designated fire rings, and make sure you put it out properly before leaving your site or going to bed).

15. Cascade Creek Campsite

The spacious Cascade Creek Campsite is the closest DOC campsite to Milford Sound.

It’s a lovely spot in a beautiful wide-open space next to a creek, and you’ll be surrounded by lush beech forest and beautiful mountains. There’s also a nice little forest walk that leads from the campground to Lake Gunn.

This is a large and popular campground with well over 100 sites, so do expect crowds on a peak season summer day. 

Now, I need to warn you about something: the sandflies in this area can be horrendous, and this campground is no exception.

If you plan to camp here or anywhere else around Milford Sound, come prepared with insect repellent & cover up with layers of clothing! 

Luckily, the sandflies seem to go away after dark—perfect timing for sitting around a cosy campfire under the stars.

16. Purakaunui Bay (PK Bay) Campsite

At the Purakaunui Bay Campsite, you’ll be just steps away from the sand, surf, and sea lions at a stunning Catlins beach. 

With views of golden sand and dramatic cliff faces above the ocean, this is one epic spot for camping.

PK Bay is a wild and untouched campsite that’s perfect for those looking for an off-grid camping experience near the sea. 

The facilities are minimal at this campsite, but if you like getting away from it all and enjoy rustic camping, then you’ll love it here. 

Surfers in particular will be in heaven, as will wildlife enthusiasts—you’re likely to encounter NZ sea lions here (remember to keep your distance and don’t approach them).

You can have campfires at this campsite if there isn’t a fire ban in place, so pack some firewood with you!

Make sure to visit nearby Purakaunui Falls on your drive in or out of the campground—it’s one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the Catlins.

Best South Island Holiday Parks & Private Campgrounds

17. Smiths Farm Holiday Park

The family-run Smith’s Farm Holiday Park is located just 30 minutes from the Picton ferries in the picturesque Marlborough Sounds. I love staying here when travelling from Picton to Queenstown.

This campground is set amongst a working farm in an idyllic, grassy-green spot.

Welcoming hosts, onsite friendly farm animals, and a glow worm grotto make it feel extra-special.

If you feel like exploring a bit further afield, you can do a day hike on the Queen Charlotte Track, go kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds, or sample the local speciality—green-lipped mussels—from the Mussel Pot in Havelock.

18. Cable Bay Holiday Park

Just a 30 minute drive from Nelson lies the Cable Bay Holiday Park, a lovely little campground set right next to one of New Zealand’s most unique (and beautiful!) beaches. 

This holiday park is run by friendly owners who maintain the grounds and facilities to a high standard. 

My favourite part about this campground (besides all of the above!) is its proximity to the Cable Bay Walkway, an awesome day hike.

While the entire walkway takes 6-7 hours to complete, you can shorten it by simply hiking up to the Sentinel Lookout and back. The panoramic views are worth the effort!

If you’d like a break from camp cooking, visit the Cable Bay Cafe, located right next to the campground. They make delicious homemade bagel sandwiches and the setting is lovely.

One more note: if you have a kayak or paddleboard, bring it with you! Cable Bay is a fantastic place for a paddle.

19. The Barn Cabins & Camp

If you’re after a wonderful place to camp near Abel Tasman National Park, head to the Barn Cabins & Camp in Marahau. You’ll have hiking and kayaking opportunities right at your doorstep!

This well-run campground is located in a prime position at the entrance to Abel Tasman National Park. There’s an awesome community vibe here with lots of special touches that make it a top-notch place to park your van or pitch your tent.

From camp, you can easily access all that Abel Tasman National Park has to offer. 

For a great day hike on the Abel Tasman Track, book a water taxi to Anchorage Bay and then walk back to Marahau at your leisure. Cleopatra’s Pool or Te Pukatea Bay are great additions if you’d like to extend your hike.

Or explore the national park in a kayak—you can book a guided kayak tour or hire kayaks to take out on your own. 

20. Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

The Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park is a lovely spot for beachfront camping in Golden Bay.

Golden Bay has a lot to offer visitors, and this holiday park is in an excellent location for exploring the area.

Park up your campervan, pitch your tent, or book one of the ocean-view camping cabins, and let your beach holiday begin!

I recommend posting up here for a couple of nights so you can really make the most of your surroundings.

Nearby, you can hire kayaks at Tata Beach, hike to Wainui Falls, enjoy the jungly Grove Scenic Reserve Walk, see Pupu Springs, and visit the artsy town of Takaka (I highly recommend Wholemeal Cafe!).

21. Wharariki Beach Holiday Park

If you like off-the-beaten-path places, getting off-grid (aka no WiFi or cell service), and don’t mind basic amenities, then you might love camping at the Wharariki Beach Holiday Park as much as I do.

Wharariki Beach feels like it’s on the edge of the world, and getting to camp right near it is pretty special. 

The Wharariki Beach Holiday Park is not fancy, and it gets mixed reviews online that you should take with a grain of salt. It’s remote out this way, and I feel grateful that there’s a campground here in the first place. 

But anyways…the reason you should camp here is to be within walking distance of the epic Wharariki Beach, which has made its appearance on many a Windows 10 user’s screensaver. 

The walk to Wharariki Beach takes about 20 minutes over an idyllic, sheep-dotted farmland path, and the beach is next-level gorgeous: windswept, wild, and vast. 

In late summer/early autumn, you can usually spot baby seal pups playing in the tide pools, and they’re even cuter than you can imagine! Do keep your distance, though—a zoom lens comes in handy for getting photos without getting close.

When you camp at this holiday park, it makes it so easy to visit Wharariki Beach around sunset for views (and photos) you’ll never forget. Try to time your visit with clear weather and a low tide for the best experience. And pack a windbreaker.

Before heading to this campground, be prepared to drive down a gravel road for a while (it should be no problem even for 2WD vehicles) and have all of the food/drinks/camping/cooking gear you need, as there are no shops nearby.

22. Gentle Annie Camping Ground

About 45 minutes north of Westport lies a special campground: Gentle Annie. 

This is a spacious, family-run campground set between the Mokihinui River and a beautiful, driftwood-strewn beach.

The campground itself has heaps to do—you can go for a beach walk, have a driftwood beach bonfire, go fishing, swim in the ocean or river, or walk the Gentle Annie Point Maze. Look for Hector’s dolphins in the sea and stargaze at night.

You can also use the campground as a base for some great day trips in the northern West Coast. Head to the nearby Charming Creek Walkway, or drive north to the start of the Heaphy Track to do a day walk to Scott’s Beach. The Oparara Arches near Karamea are yet another amazing day trip from here.

Or do absolutely nothing but enjoy your beautiful and serene surroundings!

The campground has heaps of campervan and tent sites, and they also have some great cabins and holiday homes, too. My partner & I love staying in the “Cheeky Weka” camping cabin, which is affordable and perfect for a couple.

23. Punakaiki Beach Camp

Punakaiki is one of the top places to explore on the South Island’s wild West Coast, and the Punakaiki Beach Camp is an awesome spot to base yourself from.

The campground is set between dramatic limestone cliffs and a stunning beach, and it’s surrounded by subtropical forest. 

With such a beautiful setting, you might have a hard time prying yourself away from camp! 

If you can get yourself to leave the campground, though, there’s a whole lot to do in the area. 

Visit the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes (high tide is best); walk to Truman Beach (low tide is best); and walk the jungly Pororari River Track.

In addition to camping sites, the campground has fantastic little camping cabins (and holiday homes). I love their Riverside Cabins, which are great for solo travellers and couples.

24. Ross Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

Located about 20 km south of Hokitika, the Ross Beach Top 10 Holiday Park makes for a perfect stop along a West Coast road trip. 

You’ll get to camp just steps away from a driftwood-strewn beach, which is ideal for making an evening beach bonfire while you watch the sunset. 

At night, you can listen to the waves crash as you sleep in your van or tent.

You can often spot seals and Hector’s dolphins from the beach, too—it’s really a magic spot. 

As for the campground itself, it has some of the nicest holiday park facilities I’ve ever seen, and everything is spotlessly clean.

The campervan sites here tend to have greenery around them to provide a bit of privacy. There’s also plenty of space for tents on the sprawling lawns.

If you’re up for a bit of a splurge, though, I highly recommend booking one of the amazing camping pods at this campground. They’re made from converted shipping containers and are just SO neat! The Sunset Studio even has an outdoor bathtub, and let me tell you: it’s glorious for a stargazing soak.

To top things off, the staff at the Ross Beach Top 10 are really friendly and accommodating—you’ll feel so welcome here! I love, love this campground.

25. Okarito Campground

The friendly, community-run Ōkārito Campground is such a hidden West Coast gem.

Ōkārito is just 28 km north of the busy tourist hub of Franz Josef, but it feels a world away. 

There are more birds than humans who reside in this wee settlement—and speaking of, it’s a bird-watcher’s paradise!

The campground is simple but has everything you’d need for a comfortable camping experience. Just make sure to bring all of the food and drinks you need, because the closest supermarket is in Franz Josef.

From camp, you can walk to the Ōkārito Trig (and add on the 3-Mile Pack Track if it’s low tide and you want a hike). Go kayaking in the lagoon (hire kayaks from Ōkārito Kayaks). Visit the boat shed for some fascinating history about the area. Have a driftwood beach bonfire while watching the sunset. 

It really doesn’t get much better than this!

Do take care to cover up with insect repellent and/or loose clothing, as the sandflies can sometimes be prolific here. Should you forget yours, you can purchase some from the Ōkārito Sandfly Repellent honesty stall (it’s all-natural and so nice!). 

26. Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park

The Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park is a large campground surrounded by mountain views and clear, open skies—it’s also the perfect place to camp if you want to explore Glacier Country!

There are heaps of campsites here, plus some really great little cabins. For a couple, I recommend the self-contained studio units—they’re so cosy and have everything you need, including a kitchenette and private bathroom. 

While the facilities here are great, the #1 reason I like this campground is its proximity to Lake Matheson, an absolute highlight of the West Coast.

From the campground, it’ll take you under 10 minutes to drive to the Lake Matheson carpark—this is really the closest place to camp near the walk! (There is a DOC Campsite called Gillespie’s Beach also close by, but I find the sandflies there to be unbearable).

Lake Matheson is best visited on a calm, clear day in the morning or evening when the picturesque lake reflects the surrounding mountains like a mirror.

There are plenty of other things to do near this campground, too. You can splash out on a glacier helicopter tour, walk the Minnehaha Glow Worm track at night, or hike to the Fox Glacier South Side Walkway to view the glacier from afar.

Franz Josef is just a 30-minute drive away if you’d like to explore around there as well.

27. Peketa Campground

Camp next to a stunning Kaikōura surf beach at the Peketā Campground.

This is the only beachfront campground in Kaikōura, and it’s a goodie.

The campground offers beautiful views of the ocean and mountains that Kaikōura is known for, and the beach is just steps away. This spot makes for a great weekend trip from Christchurch or a wonderful stop along a larger South Island road trip.

This is a chilled-out, old-school kind of camping ground, and I mean that in the best way possible. The incredible setting makes it feel special and destination-worthy.

You might not want to leave the beach, but if you do, it’s just a 7-minute drive from here to the seaside town of Kaikōura, where you’ll find plenty to do (and a supermarket to stock up on camping food & drinks). 

When camping around Kaikōura, don’t miss heading out to the epic Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, where you’ll encounter seals & panoramic coastal views. I also highly recommend popping into the Middlehurst Station farm shop in town to pick up handmade sausages and other gourmet supplies for a super yum, locally-sourced camping dinner.

28. Akaroa Top 10 Holiday Park

Views, views, views—that’s what you’ll get at the Akaroa Top 10 Holiday Park! 

This campground sits up on a hill overlooking the stunning Akaroa Harbour, and lots of the campsites here have seriously epic views.

If you’re travelling in a campervan or motorhome, I recommend splurging on one of the sites with harbour views. You won’t regret it one bit when you’re sipping your evening drink while overlooking the sunset, or when you wake up to the most incredible views in the morning light.

The facilities at this holiday park are kept to high standards, so expect clean and tidy bathrooms and a spotless camp kitchen.

Besides the views, my other favorite aspect of this campground is the fact that you can walk right into the Akaroa township via a (steep) trail that starts right at camp. The location is just so good for exploring Akaroa at your leisure!

29. Lake’s Edge Holiday Park

The Lake’s Edge Holiday Park is the only camping ground in the town of Tekapo (aside from the members-only NZMCA Park), and it’s in a lovely waterfront location along the shores of turquoise-blue Lake Tekapo. 

The holiday park offers awesome lake views and it takes just a couple of minutes to walk down to the lake from camp. 

I love to bring my camp chair and book down to the lake here—the water is so unbelievably blue, and it’s such a serene spot. If it’s lupin season, you’ll find lots of lupin patches around, too. 

From camp, it’s just a 10-15 minute walk to the Tekapo township in one direction, and the Tekapo Hot Pools in the other direction. You can set up camp and walk to pretty much everything around town.

If you’re up for a bigger walk, hike up the Mount John Walkway and grab a coffee on the trail’s summit at the scenic Astro Cafe before heading back to camp. 

I like to stay in camping cabins here, but the campsites are nice as well, particularly for campervans. The campsites pretty much all have lake views, and the facilities at the campground are modern & clean.

Make sure to peek outside of your tent or van at night to gaze up at the stars—Tekapo is a part of a Dark Sky Reserve, and the stargazing is incredible on a clear night! 

30. Glentanner

If you’re heading to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and want a fully-equipped campground with amenities like hot showers, then Glentanner is your best choice. 

Glentanner is just 18 km from the entrance to the national park. It’s set along the shores of electric-blue Lake Pukaki in a beautiful and peaceful setting. 

On a clear day, you’ll get views of Aoraki Mount Cook right from camp.

If you’re camping in a tent or are after an unpowered site for your van, I recommend picking one of the sites closer to the campground entrance. These sites are unpowered & farther from the amenities block, but they have a wild, less manicured feel to them—plus incredible mountain views.

31. Hampshire Holiday Parks – Glendhu Bay (formerly the Glendhu Bay Motor Camp)

The Hampshire Holiday Park in Glendhu Bay is the only lakefront campground in Wānaka, and it’s in a pretty amazing spot.

This campground is located a 15-minute drive from the Wānaka town centre, close to hiking trails and just steps away from the sparkling water at Glendhu Bay.

I will be honest here and say that I avoid this campground during peak season (26 December through Waitangi weekend), because it becomes absolutely packed, and I just don’t enjoy camping in crowded spots. If you visit during the rest of the year, though, you should have a more mellow experience.

The facilities at this campground are somewhat basic, and the sites aren’t exactly private, but the waterfront, mountain-view location is really special. 

If you have a kayak or SUP, bring them along—this is one of the best paddling locations around Wānaka! It’s also an amazing spot for a swim on a sunny day.

From camp, you can take short drives to hike Roy’s Peak or the Diamond Lake/Rocky Lookout Tracks, or drive further afield to my favourite day hike around Wānaka: the Rob Roy Glacier Track. 

32. Driftaway Campground

Driftaway is the creme de la creme of Queenstown campgrounds. 

This modern campground is located on the sunny Frankton arm, right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. 

Choose from campervan or tent campsites, or beautiful camping cabins—all with gorgeous lake views.

It’s a 10-minute drive from the campground into the Queenstown township, a 10-minute drive to the Frankton shops (where the best grocery stores/supermarkets are), and less than a 10-minute drive to/from the Queenstown airport. 

Basically, this campground is in a great spot! 

The facilities at Driftaway are really quite amazing. They have the nicest camp kitchen and bathrooms I’ve ever experienced at a campground (there are even hair straighteners in the women’s bathroom, I kid you not 😂). 

If you’re looking for a spotless, comfortable campground in Queenstown, this will be the perfect place for you. 

Tip: walk from camp to the Queenstown Marina for brunch at the Boat Shed or a craft beer at Altitude. You can also catch the water taxi from the marina to whisk you away to town.

33. Mossburn Country Park

The Mossburn Country Park is located in such a handy spot along the drive between Queenstown and Te Anau/Milford Sound. 

This spacious, family-run campground has park-like grounds and immaculate facilities.

And to top things off, there are friendly farm animals you can feed, including alpacas, goats and cows. 

One other thing I love about this campground is the price; the last time I stayed here, it was $40 for 2 adults, which is honestly a steal compared to other holiday parks around Queenstown and Te Anau. 

I can also highly recommend their cosy camping cabins, which are a great deal!

34. Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels

The cute lakefront town of Te Anau is the gateway to Milford Sound & Fiordland National Park. 

It’s a great place to post up camp and explore the surrounding area. 

And the Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park is an awesome spot for camping in Te Anau.

This is a spacious campground in a peaceful lakefront location just 1.5 km from town, so you can easily walk or drive to the supermarkets & restaurants in Te Anau.

It’s also just a short walk from camp to beautiful Lake Te Anau. I love walking down from my campsite to the Marakura Wharf for sunset—it’s a stunning spot for golden hour photography.

Right next to the campground, you’ll find Ivon Wilson Park, which has a great disc golf course (so pack your discs if you’re keen to play!).

Use this campground as a base to take off on all sorts of adventures. Drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound, do a day hike on the Kepler Track, and/or consider booking a glow worm tour or a Doubtful Sound cruise. 

There is SO much to do around Te Anau, so you certainly won’t get bored when camping here! 

Tip: if you’re tent camping, the sites towards the front of the campground might seem tempting because they’re closest to the lake. But they’re also closest to the road, which means some road noise at night! I prefer heading to the sites in the back of the campground for a quieter, more secluded feel.

35. Curio Bay Campground

At the Curio Bay Campground, you’ll get to camp right between two of the Catlins’ most amazing natural attractions: Curio Bay and Porpoise Bay.

The facilities at this campground are somewhat basic, but the location is second to none. 

You might be wondering why these bays are worth a visit, so here goes!

At Porpoise Bay, you’ll get a chance to spot rare Hector’s dolphins—these tiny dolphins are playful and just so cute. You can watch them surf in the waves and jump out of the water. 

The best secret, though, is that you can also go swimming at Porpoise Bay (bring a wetsuit; it’s freezing), and the dolphins may come right up to check you out. Please, please make sure to not approach the dolphins and keep a respectful distance—but let me tell you, this will be an experience to remember!

The other bay right by camp—Curio Bay—is home to a petrified forest AND yellow-eyed penguins. Your best chance of spotting a penguin is at dawn and dusk, so camping right nearby gives you the easiest way to accomplish this. 

From camp, you can wander over to the penguin-viewing area in the morning with a coffee in hand, or head over before sundown with another beverage of choice. Make sure to bring some binoculars with you, too, as they’re really helpful for spotting the penguins as they march in or out of the ocean.

Note that this campground gets hit hard with wind, so if blustery weather is in the forecast, you might want to head somewhere else and return to this one another day.

36. Newhaven Holiday Park

At Newhaven Holiday Park, you get to camp right by a wild Catlins beach—Surat Bay—with the chance to see rare New Zealand sea lions.

This family-run holiday park has such a lovely feel to it. There are cosy little cabins and some awesome spots to park a campervan or pitch a tent—site #1, in particular, is a primo ocean-view camping spot!

From camp, it takes just a minute to walk to beautiful Surat Bay Beach, a 3 km stretch of sand. 

The beach here is easiest to walk on at low tide, but beware of those sea lions—they’re territorial and can give beach-goers quite the scare! If you spot any sea lions, give them a wide berth.

This campground also makes a good base for exploring some Catlins destinations a bit further afield, including Nugget Point & the Jack’s Blowhole Track.

37. Moeraki Village Holiday Park

The Moeraki Village Holiday Park sits perched above the charming fishing village of Moeraki. 

You get beautiful ocean views from this campground, and it’s well-placed for exploring the surrounding area.

Set up camp and walk into town for fresh seafood, or venture further afield to see wildlife & explore the coastline.

Drive to the Moeraki Boulders Beach to see the iconic dinosaur-egg-shaped boulders that emerge out of the sand (low tide is best). And don’t miss a visit to the nearby Katiki Point Lighthouse, where you’ll have the chance to spot seals and yellow-eyed penguins!

For your camp dinner, I highly recommend picking up takeaways from Fishwife, where you can try local crayfish or the freshest fish & chips (get the blue cod if it’s available).

If you want to post up for a while and visit even more of the area, you could easily day trip to Oamaru from here (it’s just 35 minutes north).

Best South Island Free Campsites

38. Lake Camp

Lake Camp is an epic, off-the-beaten-path camping destination in the Canterbury Region.

Located in the beautiful Hakatere Conservation Park in Ashburton Lakes, the mountain views here will blow you away.

To get to this spot, you’ll need to drive on a gravel road for a while but I haven’t had any issues (even in a 2WD van). Camping is permitted on the northern & eastern sides of Lake Camp, where you’ll find toilets and rubbish facilities. 

This camping spot is a great place to rest your head after exploring within the park. Mount Sunday is a must-see: it was the filming location for Edoras in the Lord of the Rings, and it’s stunning! 

39. Lake Poaka

If you’re after a free camping spot near Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, head to Lake Poaka.

This campsite has basic facilities (non-flush toilets only) but it’s in a convenient spot near Twizel, just a 45-minute drive from Mount Cook National Park. 

You’ll have views of the surrounding mountains and there’s lots of space to spread out (unless you’re camping around Christmas/New Year’s time, in which case it’ll be packed like everywhere else!).

To access this campsite, you do have to drive on a gravel road for a few minutes, but I’ve never had any issues.

I like this spot for a camping option on the drive from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo (or vice versa).

40. Warrington Domain Freedom Camping

Located 30 minutes north of Dunedin near beautiful Blueskin Bay, Warrington Domain is an awesome place to camp if you like being by the ocean.

While most freedom camping spots in NZ are for self-contained campervans only, this campground lets all campers stay here, whether you’re in a tent, a non-self-contained vehicle, or a self-contained van. You just need to follow the signage and camp in the correct designated area. 

Because this spot is free, and because it’s in an awesome location, it does fill up quite quickly—especially in the summer months. So to avoid disappointment, try to get there earlier in the day and have a backup plan in case the campsite is full.

For a nearby adventure, I recommend visiting Doctor’s Point & Canoe Beach (at low tide) and then pop into Arc Brewing Co for a craft beer afterwards (they’re open Friday-Sunday).

I also love visiting Karitane Beach (12 km north of camp) & the awesome Orokonui Ecosanctuary (12 km south of camp).

Tips for Camping in the South Island

• Helpful apps: the Campermate app & Rankers app are both fantastic (and free) resources. The Campermate app is super handy for finding toilets, drinking water & dump stations. Both apps have helpful campsite reviews from other campers.
  
  
• Google maps: It may sound obvious, but Google Maps is a lifesaver when camping in New Zealand (or even just road-tripping in general)! Before you head out to a South Island campsite or other destination, plug your destination into Google Maps and then download the offline version of the map. That way, if you lose service or don’t have enough data on your phone, you can still access directions.
  
  
• Be prepared: Some of these campsites are located in remote locations. Always make sure you have plenty of drinking water and food with you before heading to camp, as there often won’t be a supermarket nearby. Also check the weather report before heading out (I use Metservice), and avoid places that have an impending weather warning.
  
  
• Sandflies: These are a camper’s nemesis! Sandflies are often awful along the West Coast & near Milford Sound, so make sure to have insect repellent with you.
  
  
• Booking campsites: Unless you’re travelling during peak season (26 December through the first two weeks of January) or a holiday weekend, you shouldn’t have to book most campsites far in advance. Usually, you can get away with booking a site the night before (or day of) if it’s not peak season. Free campsites are first-come, first served.

Want more camping adventures in New Zealand?

• Heading to the North Island, too? Then check out my guide to the best campsites in the North Island!
  
  I also have extensive guides to the best campgrounds in Northland and the best Coromandel campgrounds (the latter are best experienced via a Coromandel road trip!).
  
  
  
• After a South Island campervan itinerary to hit up lots of these spots? Here are some of my road trip itineraries to help you plan:
  • A road trip itinerary from Christchurch to Queenstown
  • A drive from Picton to Queenstown via the West Coast
  • Or this epic 3-week South Island campervan itinerary

Thanks for reading my guide to camping in the South Island!

I truly hope it’s helped you plan your next camping trip.

As always, please leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback for me, and I’ll reply as soon as I can (and if there’s a slight delay, it’s probably because I’m out camping! 😎)