6 best campgrounds on the South Island

Well-known for its sweeping lakes, incredible glaciers and rugged mountains, the South Island of New Zealand is a truly unique camping destination. A campervan is the best way to soak up as much scenery as possible during your trip, with the added benefit of a place to lay your head after a long day exploring!

With our list of the 6 best camping spots on the South Island, you can find the perfect spot to park up your van each night of your road trip. With so many incredible places to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to our top picks - all you have to do is book your favourite!

Best camping grounds on the South Island: 6 beautiful places to park overnight on your road trip

1. Pelorus Bridge Campground

Address: 5949 State Highway 6, RD2, Rai Valley 7192, New Zealand | Price per night: from $20

Start your trip at one of the best camping spots on the South Island. Pelorus Bridge Campgroundis a DOC campsite and is one of those hidden gems you’ll be so glad you came across. Camp right on the banks of the Te Hoiere/Pelorus River, where you can walk, swim, fish, kayak and so much more.

At this site, you will find 40 non-powered tent sites, alongside 14 powered sites to cater for all your needs. They also have plenty of facilities for you to make use of during your stay. Enjoy hot showers, a communal kitchen with gas stoves, and a cafe and shop onsite for your camping needs.

Located in the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, there are plenty of walks nearby for you to choose from to see the area. You can relax and enjoy the forest and river and even stop for a swim to cool off along the way - a perfect outing for the whole family to enjoy. And for all you fans of The Hobbit, this area was used as one of the film locations for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

2. Ashley Gorge Kiwi Holiday Park

Address: 697 Ashley Gorge Road, Oxford 7495, New Zealand | Price per night: from $19

Ashley Gorge Holiday Park is conveniently located just a 40-minute drive from Christchurch, at the bottom of the Southern Alps. Set up camp and visit nearby Ashley River, the perfect spot for some swimming, with shallow areas and deeper swimming holes to suit all ages. You can even bring a tube and glide down the flowing water!

There’s plenty of walks to take as well during your stay. Head up to one of their lookouts for some great views, or take off on the Giants Walk to discover the Redwoods. Grab a mountain bike and take off on one of the many trails, enjoy some kayaking, bring out your adventurous side with some rafting or settle back and enjoy a spot of fishing.

With more than 12 acres of camping area, there’s plenty of space for you to camp out. You can also make use of their kitchen/dining room and outdoor BBQ area.

3. White Horse Hill Campsite

Address: Mount Cook National Park, 227 Hooker Valley Road, Canterbury, 7999, New Zealand | Price per night: from $15

White Horse Hill Campsite is located in the Mt Cook National Park, making it a great area for avid walkers who are keen to check out the trails. The campsite is right at the bottom of the mountain, so each day you can take a new trail and make your way to the top for some spectacular views.

If it’s hot showers you’re looking for, then you’ll have to make the 2.5km trek to the public shelter in the village to enjoy them.

The best thing you can do at the end of each long day is sit outside beneath the stars enjoying a cuppa with friends. It’s a view you will never get sick of.

4. Glendhu Bay Motorcamp

Address: 1127 Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road, Glendhu Bay, 9382, New Zealand | Price per night: $19

Glendhu Bay Motorcamp is just a 10-minute drive from Wanaka, making it the ideal spot to base yourself for a night or two while travelling the South Island. During the warmer months, you can take off and explore Roys Peak and Diamond Lake walks. They are also on the road to Mt Aspiring National Park where you can walk the Rob Roy Glacier Track. Don’t forget to make the drive to the Wanaka Tree, which sits alone in the water and is a great spot to grab a photo!

In the cooler months, dig out those skis and enjoy some winter sports. The two spots to be are Treble Cone ski field and Cardrona ski field, where you can hit up the slopes.

During your stay, make the most of their many facilities, including showers, toilets, playground, laundry, BBQ area, and even a hot tub in the winter months.

5. Pohara Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Address: 809 Abel Tasman Drive Takaka | Price per night: $50

If you’re ready to soak up the golden rays and feel the sand between your toes, then head to Pohara Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. Located a 90-minute drive from Nelson, the drive takes you over Marble Mountain for some incredible views along the way.

There’s plenty of fun to be had during your stay. You can make use of the kid’s playground, along with the kids club during the holiday season. There’s also a BBQ area, communal kitchen and bathroom, laundry, and TV room with SKY.

There’s also so much to explore in the surrounding area. Check out the Te Waikoropupū Springs and enjoy a leisurely walk to the clear, freshwater spring. Head to Rawhiti Cave to feast your eyes on some stalactites, or head straight to Pohara Beach, where you can spend the way splashing in the water and soaking up the sun.

1. Marble Hill Campsite

Address: 1721323/7"S, State Highway 5, Mangakakahi, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand | Price per night: from $8

Marble Hill Campsite is one of the best camping spots on the South Island, located just off Start Highway 7 in Lewis Pass. There are natural hot pools on both sides of Lewis Pass that can be used, including the Maruia Springs Thermal Resort hot pools which are just 10 minutes down the road.

There are also lots of walks nearby. Start by exploring Lewis Pass with the Alpine Nature Walk, which is bursting with some amazing scenery. You can also head to Sluice Box Gorge or take the Lake Daniell Track to stretch your legs, which is a great track for those with young kids.

The site itself is well equipped with a BBQ, toilets and showers.

Hire a van and discover the best camping spots on the South Island

After sorting out campervan hire on the South Island, you’re ready to see its beautiful wilderness up close. With our handy guide to the six best camping spots on the South Island, you can rest easy each night in one of the many amazing campervan sites around the island!

Still looking for the perfect route? We’ve got some incredible South Island road trip ideas like this10 day south island new zealand road tripto give you all the travel inspiration you need!

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