Top 10 serene campsites near Lake Tekapo for a van holiday

A road trip down New Zealand’s wild South Island isn’t complete without a stopover by one of the country’s most famous lakes. The small town welcomes thousands of visitors each year to its cobalt waters, glistening peaks and natural springs, making it one of the best destinations to swing through in a van.

10. Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park

Although not located right on Lake Tekapo , Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park is a fantastic option if the campsites around Tekapo are full. Situated right on the waterfront of Lake Ruataniwha , almost all the sites in the park have sweeping views across to the Southern Alps. Hike or fish a few minutes walk from your site, or relax as you take in the country air.

9. Lake Benmore Holiday Park

Another campsite that is only a short distance from Lake Tekapo, Lake Benmore Holiday Park is one of the most popular in the region, so you’ll have to get your bookings in early. Right on the shores of Lake Benmore , this quiet and private campsite is a fantastic base to explore the lakes and mountains of the area.

8. Lake McGregor Campsite

Lake McGregor is a small lake located right next to the much larger Lake Tekapo , with the adjoining campsite offering a more wild experience for campers to reconnect with nature. The campsite has basic toilet facilities and running water (not drinking), so make sure you’re prepared before hunkering down in this little slice of heaven.

7. Ohau C. Campsite

Swinging back down to the Lake Benmore region, yet still only a short drive from Lake Tekapo , this cheap and cheerful campsite offers a taste of classic Kiwi camping on the South Island. There’s safe swimming areas during the warmer months, a boat ramp to get out on the water, and all the facilities you’ll need for responsibly dumping waste.

6. Hakatere Conservation Park

Hakatere is a little ways North of Lake Tekapo , encompassing a broad stretch of land through the Canterbury region. There’s a number of free and paid campsites scattered throughout, but our two favourites are Lake Camp , a free site with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains, and Lake Clearwater , a paid spot that has some basic facilities during summer.

5. Pioneer Park Campsite

This campsite is ideal if you’re heading to Lake Tekapo from the Christchurch region , located just near the town of Fairlie in Middle Valley. The campsite is dog-friendly and is a great base from which you can explore the beautiful Canterbury region, with a variety of short hikes setting off nearby.

4. Lake Pukaki Freedom Camping

One of the most naturally gorgeous places on the list, this freedom camping spot right by Lake Pukaki is a short drive from Tekapo , and will leave you with some of the best views you’ll see in New Zealand. As a free site, a spot isn’t guaranteed, but there’s plenty of space to pull up and rest for the night. Who doesn’t want to wake up to Mt Cook in the distance?

3. Mackenzie Waitaki RV Camping

Another fabulously free spot in the heart of Tekapo , this freedom camping spot overlooks the Mackenzie Basin of Lake Tekapo , and is best suited for self-contained vans. The campsite operates on a first come, first served basis, so get in quick for an awesome spot to unwind beneath starry skies.

2. Lake Alexandrina Campground

This no-nonsense campsite could be the best place in Lake Tekapo to lie back and gaze at the Dark Sky Reserve - the Southern Hemisphere’s best spot to look at the night sky. Located just up a hill from the rich waters of Tekapo , there are only basic facilities available, but with views like this that hardly matters, right?

1. Lakes Edge Holiday Park

Coming in at No. 1, Lakes Edge Holiday Park is our favourite spot to explore the incredible countryside around Lake Tekapo. Situated right at the water's edge, you’ll be sure to get a spot where you can wake up to views right out of a fairytale. The Tekapo Springs are right around the corner, where you can relax in heated pools, and a multitude of hikes go along the shore of the lake for you to get those Instagram-worthy shots.

*****Don’t miss out on a visit to Lake Tekapo when you’re hitting the road on the South Island. Check out our epic 8-day road trip itinerary to the South Island, our list of the best lesser known hikes across the country, and top it all off with booking your very own van on Camplify. *****