The Best Motorhome Campsites in the South Island of New Zealand

With its wide open roads, awe-inspiring landscapes and picturesque towns that are perfect to stop and pause for coffee, the South Island feels like it was made for campervan travel. Finding the perfect spot to park up for the night is the key to unlocking this experience. But with so many options, where do you start? From secluded Department of Conservation (DOC) campgrounds to vibrant beachfront holiday parks, you’re spoiled for choice where you can stay.

From the golden beachside camp in Tōtaranui, the famous Pelorus Bridge in Marlborough, the blissful isolation of Ōkārito and the classic Kiwi camp at Gentle Annie, we’ve journeyed from coast to coast to bring you our guide to the South Island's best campsites to help you plan your road trip. 

Whether you’re seeking a luxury holiday park or a remote DOC campground, this list is your ticket to New Zealand’s most scenic parking spots.

Wharariki Beach Holiday Park: Gateway to Golden Bay's wildest coast

• Location: Golden Bay, Nelson/Tasman

• Type: Holiday Park

• Best for: Coastal exploration, sunsets, and visiting the iconic Archway Islands

If you’re chasing wild beauty and off-the-grid charm, Wharariki Beach Holiday Park is hard to beat. Tucked into the far northwest corner of the South Island, about two hours from Tākaka, this remote spot offers a real back-to-nature experience. 

The nearby beach, with its sculpted dunes and iconic Archway Islands, is a 20-minute walk from your campsite. Baby seals are regulars while phone reception isn’t — and that’s exactly the point. 

As the day winds down, west-facing views make for brilliant sunsets. On a clear night, the stargazing is just as impressive.

There are six powered and unpowered sites available for motorhomes at Wharariki Beach, along with a shared kitchen and basic facilities. There is no dump station for campervans or waste disposal facilities.

Totaranui Campground: Golden sands in the heart of Abel Tasman

• Location: Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson/Tasman

• Type: DOC campsite

• Best for: Beachfront living, walking tracks, and kayaking adventures

At the northern end of Abel Tasman National Park is Tōtaranui Campground, which feels like a world of its own. Surrounded by native bush and just steps from a golden sand beach, this spacious DOC campsite is a favourite for campervan travellers who want to stay close to nature.

There’s a laid-back, beachy rhythm to this place. Mornings often start with a swim, while evenings tend to wind down around a driftwood fire or a quiet walk along the coast. The facilities are simple but well-maintained, with toilets, cold showers, drinking water and a dump station. Sites are unpowered and bookings are essential over summer.

Pelorus Bridge Campground: Riverside serenity in Marlborough

• Location: Marlborough

• Type: DOC campsite

• Best For: Riverside relaxation, native forest walks, and swimming in crystal-clear water

Pelorus Bridge Campground is a peaceful riverside spot surrounded by native forest, located about halfway between Blenheim and Nelson. It’s one of those campsites where you stop for one night and end up staying three — especially if you’ve packed your swimming gear and a good book. The water here runs clear and cool, perfect for a refreshing mid-afternoon swim or a lazy float downstream. You’ll find walking tracks nearby and some of the best birdsong you’ll hear on the road.

If you’re lucky, you may even spot or hear New Zealand’s endangered native bat fluttering at dusk.

The campground is well-equipped for campervans, with a mix of powered and unpowered sites, hot showers, kitchen shelters and a café just a short walk away. Booking is required.

Kōhaihai Campsite: Where the road ends and wilderness begins

• Location: Karamea, West Coast (Kahurangi National Park)

• Type: DOC campsite

• Best For: A true end-of-the-road feeling, hiking, and nikau palm forests

Sitting at the edge of Kahurangi National Park, at the beginning of the Heaphy Track, you’ll find the peacefully remote Kōhaihai Campsite. Just pull up to a free space at this relaxing DOC-run location and watch the nikau palms swaying overhead as you listen to the roar of the Tasman Sea beyond the beach. 

Kōhaihai is an ideal base for coastal walks, bird spotting and settling in with the river as your backdrop — though the local sandflies may keep you moving. Since there is no power, it’s well-suited to self-contained campervans and motorhomes.

Gentle Annie's Campground: A coastal escape on the West Coast

• Location: Mokihinui, West Coast

• Type: Commercial campground

• Best For: A unique eco-sanctuary vibe, river mouth views, and delicious wood-fired pizzas

For scenic beachfront camping in the South Island of NZ, the way it was done a generation ago, choose to stop and watch the world drift away at Gentle Annie. Widely considered one of the top-rated motorhome parks in the South Island, there’s something about Gentle Annie Campground that captures the quiet magic of the West Coast.

The kahawai-full Mokihinui River lies on one side and the open sea on the other, along with native bush, big skies and that restorative West Coast scenery you don’t forget in a hurry. Campsites, both powered and unpowered, are set among trees and gardens, with plenty of space and privacy. An inviting café on site serves coffee, local pies and tasty treats, and also offers the opportunity to make your own wood-fired pizzas.

Facilities include hot showers and a store, but the most unique feature are the wood-fired hot tubs that you can book for a soak under the stars. 

Punakaiki Beach Camp: At the heart of the Pancake Rocks

• Location: Punakaiki, West Coast

• Type: Commercial campground

• Best For: Exploring the Pancake Rocks, dramatic sunsets and West Coast atmosphere

Perched on the edge of the Tasman Sea in the middle of the wild West Coast is Punakaiki Beach Camp. The campground is fully serviced, with powered and unpowered sites, bathrooms and hot showers, communal kitchen facilities and a dump station.

It’s a short walk to the beach and the iconic Punakaiki Pancake Rocks,  a perfect base to soak up the views as the sun dips behind the limestone stacks. Spend your day exploring coastal tracks or watching the surf roll in, then drift off to the sound of waves and wind through the trees.

Ōkārito Campground: Tranquillity beside NZ's largest estuary

• Location: Ōkārito, West Coast

• Type: DOC campsite

• Best for: Unmatched serenity, birdwatching (especially kōtuku/white heron), and kayaking

Just a short ferry ride from the tiny township of Ōkārito is Ōkārito Campground, a wildlife-lover’s dream that’s framed by lush rainforest and the wider Tasman Sea. Tūī and fantail flit among podocarp trees, and the lagoon often hosts rare kōtuku (white heron). It’s a peaceful, self-contained haven built for slow, mindful stays.

You’ll find unpowered campervan sites here, along with hot showers, toilets, a laundry. It’s all simple and low-key, just the way it should be. Spend your time walking or biking the lagoon trail, paddling out as the sun goes down, then settling in by a beach fire to round the day off.

Lake Pukaki Freedom Camping: Front Row Seats to Aoraki

• Location: Lake Pukaki, Mackenzie Basin

• Type: Freedom camping

• Best for: World-class views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, incredible photo opportunities, and a true sense of freedom

Parked right beside the surreal, glacier-fed waters of Lake Pukaki,  the Pines freedom camping site delivers one of the best views in the country, without costing you a cent. With Aoraki Mount Cook perfectly framed across the lake, it’s one of the most scenic lakeside campsites in the South Island.

On a still morning, the reflections are almost mirror-like. Come evening, the skies turn pink and orange with stars that feel close enough to touch. It’s a peaceful, spacious camping location that feels a world away from the crowds. There’s no power or showers here, but there are long drop toilets. Aim to arrive early on clear days as the best spots fill very quickly.

Lakes Edge Holiday Park: Prime Position in Tekapo

• Location: Lake Tekapo

• Type: Holiday park

• Best for: Unobstructed lake and mountain views, stargazing and proximity to Tekapo township

Set right on Lake Tekapo’s shoreline is Lakes Edge Holiday Park,  surrounded by picture-perfect South Island views. Snow-capped peaks rise behind the turquoise glacial lake, and the whole area sits within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, making it as spectacular by night as it is by day.

Lakes Edge is a peaceful base for walking, stargazing or simply taking in the scenery. The park is well set up for motorhomes with modern facilities and the option of powered and unpowered sites.

Driftaway Queenstown: Luxury camping with a view

• Location: Queenstown

• Type: Holiday park

• Best for: Five-star views, premium facilities, and easy access to Queenstown's attractions

Driftaway Queenstown looks out over Lake Wakatipu, with The Remarkables rising in the background and Queenstown just down the road. Spend the day exploring local trails or shopping in town, then wind things down in the local hot tub — perhaps with a glass of Queenstown’s famously good pinot noir.

The recreational vehicle sites are contemporary, spacious and well laid out. Clean showers, a fully equipped kitchen, a dump station and a few extra touches make it feel more like a boutique stay than your average campground.

Kingston Lake Camp: Wakatipu views without the crowds

• Location: Kingston, Lake Wakatipu

• Type: Freedom campsite

• Best for: Expansive lake views, a budget-friendly Queenstown base, and stargazing

Most people love Kingston Lake Camp because there’s not much to it. It’s simple, scenic and wonderfully quiet, sitting right on the southern edge of Lake Wakatipu. With mountains behind and lake water out front, it’s easy to lose track of time in a place like this.

Kingston Lake is a freedom camping site with space for 50 motorhomes. This is as rustic as it gets, with no power, flushable toilets or showers—just wide-open space, golden light in the evenings, and plenty of fresh air.

Purakaunui Bay Campsite: Rugged coastal beauty in the Catlins

• Location: The Catlins, Southland

• Type: DOC campsite

• Best for: Dramatic coastal scenery, surfing, and sea lion spotting

A sweeping beach and cascading waterfall backdrop gives Pūrākaunui Bay a cinematic quality. The Pūrākaunui Bay Campsite sits just above the sand, framed by native forest and offering an idyllic base for surfing, swimming or exploring the nearby wetlands and wildlife.

The sites are unpowered with only non-flush toilets, basic water and roomy grassy space. It’s a quiet, scenic haven — perfect if you’re a daydreamer, reader, stargazer or just happy to enjoy the sound of waves and birds. Pull in late afternoon, stay the night and head home feeling refreshed and de-stressed.

Tips for motorhome camping in the South Island

A little preparation goes a long way towards ensuring you enjoy a relaxing South Island road trip.

Before picking up your motorhome hire, understand the benefits of arriving early at campsites, the regulations around freedom camping and the diverse range of camping options available to you.

Knowing these details in advance will help you make the most of your adventure. 

Arrive early at your camping spot

If you’re travelling during summer or over a NZ school holiday period, it’s wise to book ahead — especially for popular areas like Queenstown, Fiordland and Abel Tasman. Almost all South Island holiday parks and commercial campgrounds offer online bookings. 

Some DOC campgrounds in the South Island are non-bookable and fill up on a first-come, first-served basis, while others need to be booked online in advance. Check if your preferred DOC campsites are available to avoid disappointment. Freedom camping sites always operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early at your location to secure your spot, especially during the busy summer season.

Responsible freedom camping in New Zealand

Freedom camping in New Zealand is defined as overnight camping on public land that’s not a campground or holiday park. It’s a popular option for certified self-contained motorhomes. Being self-contained means your motorhome has its own toilet, fresh water, and holding tanks for all your wastewater. However, where you can and can’t park varies by different cities and councils. If you're planning to explore the South Island, make sure you know what’s allowed and what’s not. Always check local council websites for up-to-date information on permitted locations and any specific restrictions.

For more information, see our guide to freedom camping in New Zealand.

Understand the variety of campsites

The cost of camping in the South Island depends on the type of site and facilities offered. The main types of campsites available include DOC campsites, freedom campsites for self-contained vehicles and commercial holiday parks.

DOC campsites are generally the most affordable. Some are basic and even free, while others vary in cost and offer facilities like hot showers, flushing toilets and shared kitchens.

Commercial holiday parks usually cost more, but they also provide the most comfort. You’ll often get:

• A powered site

• Bathrooms with hot showers

• Laundry facilities

• Playgrounds, communal lounges and WiFi

Keep your costs low with our tips for saving money on your campervan rental.

If you’re ready to start planning your NZ motorhome holiday, take a look at our South Island road trip itineraries.