Destinations
Beautiful New Zealand camping sites: 8 top destinations
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When you think about travelling in New Zealand, does your mind autopilot to a campervan adventure? Have you ever dreamed of falling asleep to the sound of the ocean or waking to the sun breaking behind New Zealand's tallest mountains?
A campervan trip in New Zealand gives you unlimited freedom and a home on wheels. You can camp in the most beautiful locations and wake up to breathtakingly iconic scenes right on your doorstep with a campervan. We have compiled a list of 8 beautiful camping sites in New Zealand that should be at the forefront of your mind when embarking on your Aotearoa road trip adventure.
Beautiful destinations for camping in New Zealand
1. The Barn, Abel Tasman National Park
Think of tropical paradise, white sandy beaches, and clear blue waters, and yes, you are still in New Zealand, not some faraway island in the pacific. Abel Tasman National Park is a haven for relaxation, adventure, and mind-blowing views.
The Barn is the perfect place to park up for the duration of your stay in the Abel Tasman. Conveniently located at the end of the Abel Tasman Track and the start of the National Park, you could be closer to this fantastic paradise if you tried. Listen to the native birds, explore on foot or paddle in a kayak and sleep under the stars overlooking the pacific ocean. Bliss.
Be sure to book in advance; this is a popular spot all year round and especially in summer.
Powered and unpowered sites are available.
They are located moments away from the ocean, walking tracks, and kayak hire.
2. The Camp, Lake Hawea
You will find everything you need for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay at [The Camp in Lake Hawea](https://thecamp.co.nz/# carousel_65910123_775) near Wanaka. Nestled on the shores of one of New Zealand's most picturesque lakes is a campsite that will bring you back to nature, yet still allows you to be close to the action, with the quaint town of Wanaka only 15 minutes away. A quintessential kiwi camping experience, The Camp offers a selection of private, sheltered camping areas, powered and unpowered sites, cabins, and even safari tents for the intrepid among us.
Visit the summertime for lakeside hangs and the chance to fully relax in the surroundings.
Powered and unpowered sites are available.
Close to local hiking trails and water sports activities.
3. Shelly Beach, The Coromandel
How does waking up to the sound of the ocean on the shore make you feel? Shelly Beach is one of the few places left on the north island of New Zealand where you can camp right on the beach. Perfect for locals and tourists looking to connect with a bit of beachside therapy. Go back to basics or hook up to the power and spend your time enjoying the serenity of the coromandel away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
TOP 10 Holiday Park Shelly Beach is filled with all the amenities you need for a relaxing and fulfilled stay.
Camp right on the beach, watch the sunrise and sunset from the comfort of your van.
Power, unpowered, and varied accommodation options are available.
4. Milford Sound Lodge, Fiordland
There is something truly magical about waking up in a rainforest, especially the Fiordland National Park rainforest. Nestled in the deep south of New Zealand, you will find Milford Sound; a place that will leave you speechless from the moment you arrive. Towering mountains, unmissable sunsets, and enough adventure to have you coming back time after time. The Milford Sound Lodge is the only accommodation option in Milford Sound, and their rainforest campervan park is the ultimate retreat after a day of exploring in the national park.
Powered and unpowered sites are available, including access to a brand new kitchen, lounge, and shower block facility.
A chance to fully immerse yourself in the new Zealand wilderness surrounded by native bush and wildlife.
Iconic Milford Sound cruise and kayak adventure is a stone's throw away from the lodge, with free shuttle transfers.
Find a van in the Southland region.
5. Hot Water Beach Holiday Park, The Coromandel
This is a place that needs to be seen to be believed. Hot Water Beach is a bucket list experience for all that travel around the north island of New Zealand. Grab a spade and your crew and head out at low tide. Find the right pot, usually where other folks congregate and dig down. You can create your own thermal hot pool on the beach right here in the coromandel. Sip a beer and watch the sun go down as you bubble away in geothermal goodness.
Facilities with powered and unpowered sites are available at Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Bring your spade for hot pool digging, or hire one from the small town.
Tick off other Coromandel hot spots like the Cathedral Coves, a popular NZ folk location, and tourist hot spot, as well as Lost Spring Geothermal Spa and The Pinnacles for the more adventurous.
Find a van in the Waikato region.
6. Camp Waipu Cove, Northland
A short two-hour drive north of Auckland will lead you to pristine waters and unspoiled lush New Zealand natural goodness. Park up and explore the area with the Mangawhai Cliff Walk, Waipu Caves, and plenty of waterfalls on your doorstep. The caves are famous for glow worms, so grab your head torches and head for a family glow worm adventure as soon as the sunsets. Watch as these magical creatures illuminate the night sky and lead the way through the caves.
Large communal kitchens and free barbeque areas are on-site at Camp Waipu Cove.
Powered and unpowered sites are available.
Only a few minutes' walk from the local beach, perfect for an early morning coffee on the beach.
Find a van in the Northland region.
7. Driftaway, Queenstown
Driftaway Queenstown is a convenient location in Frankton, the central hub away from the CBD yet close to the action. Nestled on the shores of Lake Whakatipu, this brand spanking new and ideally located campground will have you soaking up all that Queenstown mountain magic in no time. Brand new facilities include a vast kitchen block with uninterrupted views from the balcony. They have a shower block for adults with hairdryers and GHD hair stylers, a kid's park, a shower room, and a fenced area to keep them safe. The perfect base when exploring the adrenaline capital of the world.
Unpowered, hardstanding, grass and powered pitches are available for everyone and every vehicle type.
Brand new facilities, kitchen, laundry, and communal areas.
Close to the lake, town, and Queenstown adrenaline action.
8. Punakaiki Beach Camp, Punakaiki
Fall asleep to the sweet sound of the ocean waves crashing on the shore and wake to incredible views. Towering limestone cliffs shelter this cove making it the perfect place for surfers and adventure folk. The west coast is wild, unpredictable, and untamed, pulling you into its mystery and magic the moment you arrive. Explore the famous Pancake Rocks a short drive away and grab a stack of pancakes for breakfast from the local café. It is fair to say that this campsite is one of the most picturesque on the south island.
Punakaiki Beach Camp is a short drive from hiking trails, Pancake Rocks, and the Paparoa National Park.
Unpowered and powered sites available.
Be sure to book in advance, the tiny township is popular in high season, and you don't want to miss a night or two on the west coast of New Zealand.
Find a van on the South Island’s west coast.
Hire a van and explore New Zealand
There you have it. Eight beautiful camping sites peppered around New Zealand just for you. Now, all there’s left to do is find a home on wheels in your local area and hit the road.
Explore motorhomes, campervans, and caravans for hire in New Zealand and get planning for your next road trip.
The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.