Destinations
Best DoC campsites NZ: complete freedom camping guide
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There’s no better way to explore New Zealand than surrounding yourself in the wilderness and sleeping under the stars. If you’re looking for places to rest your head, while you relax back and enjoy some incredible views, it’s time to put together your very own bucket list of the best DoC campsites.
With over 200 camping grounds managed by the Department of Conservation dotted across the country, you can experience all that New Zealand has to offer. Plus, these camping grounds are favoured for their beautiful, affordable and relatively remote locations, valuing stripped-back simplicity and stunning scenery over sophisticated amenities. Experience the benefits for yourself with our list of the best DoC campsites below!
Best DoC campsites in New Zealand: 7 spots you can’t miss
1. Cascade Creek Campsite
Te Anau 9679, New Zealand | Adults: $15 per night, Child (5-17 years): $7.50 per night, Infant (0-4 years): Free
Located in Fiordland National Park, this is the perfect place to base yourself on the South Island as you pay a visit to the region of the fjords at the South-Western tip of this island.
At this DoC campsite, you can settle back and enjoy the incredible view of the mountains before you. If you feel up to a little adventure, enjoy a spot of fishing, take off on a walk or enjoy a picnic.
You can enjoy basic facilities at this site, including toilets, BBQ and picnic tablets.
And if you’re looking for South Island road trip ideas, there are so many places just waiting for you to explore - you’re only limited by the time you have on the road. Simply sort out campervan hire on the South Islandand get going.
2. Port Jackson Camping Ground
Port Jackson Road, Port Jackson, Coromandel 3584, New Zealand | Adults: $15 per night, Child (5-17 years): $7.50 per night, Infant (0-4 years): Free
If you’ve sorted out campervan hire in Coromandel, then it’s time to make a beeline for this stunning spot - easily one of the best DoC campsites on the North Island. Sitting right at the top of the Coromandel is this slice of paradise, with so much to keep you busy. It’s a great place to base yourself for a North Island road trip.
Enjoy swimming in the clear waters, settle back for a spot of fishing, or head off on a diving adventure. There’s also plenty of coastal walks for you to take up the headlands. At the Eastern end of the campsite you can head on the Muriwai Coastal Walk that will lead you up the headland and offer some incredible coastal views.
Once again, the facilities are basic, but all you need for a nice stay. You will find cold showers and non-flush toilets, along with shelter for cooking.
3. Homestead Campsite
Hawkdun Runs Road, St Bathans 9386, New Zealand | Free
It’s back to basic with this secluded campsite in Central Otago. Sort out campervan hire on the South Island and get your hiking shoes on and ready for adventure. This campsite is ideal for mountain biking, fishing and tramping your way through the nearby St Bathans and Hawkdun Ranges.
There is no booking required for this site, rather it works on a first come, first served basis. Simply make your way down the gravel road into the campsite. Here, you will find very basic facilities, consisting of non-flush toilets.
4. Holdsworth Campsite
Mount Holdsworth Road, Carterton 5791, New Zealand | Adults: $8 per night, Child (5-17 years): $4 per night, Infant (0-4 years): Free
One of the best DoC campsites in the Tararua Forest Park region, you’ll find this adventure-lovers’ spot right beneath the ranges.
Sort out campervan hire in Wellington and hit the road! Once you arrive, you can enjoy plenty of walks in the area, fishing, and swimming nearby. The campground itself acts as the perfect spot to set off on many adventures around the area.
You’re treated to flush toilets at this campsite (yay!), along with shelter for cooking. There’s up to 150 non-powered sites for use, yet with all the space, it can feel like there’s no one around.
5. Hawdon Shelter Campground
171, Arthur's Pass Village 7580, New Zealand | Adults: $8 per night, Child (5-17 years): $4 per night, Infant (0-4 years): Free
Once you work out campervan hire in Canterbury, it’s time to take to the roads to check out one of the best DoC campsites on the lower reaches of the Hawdon Valley.
This huge campsite is just a couple of hours from Christchurch, down a secluded gravel road. You’ll find yourself surrounded by mountains and alpine forests just waiting to be explored on foot. It’s just a short drive from Arthur’s Pass National Park, or a little further to Otira Viaduct Lookout for some amazing views.
At the site, you’re treated to non-flush toilets and shelter for cooking, but not much else.
6. Putangirua Pinnacles Campsite
1341 Cape Palliser Road, Featherston 5772, New Zealand | Adults: $8 per night, Child (5-17 years): $4 per night, Infant (0-4 years): Free
Situated next to the Putangirua Stream, you can settle back and enjoy sweeping views of Cook Strait, with a pebble beach right across the road. Sort out yourcampervan hire in Wellington and you’re ready to hit the open road!
This campsite is the perfect base to trek across to the Putangirua Pinnacles, or you can jump in your campervan and drive to the seal colony near Cape Palliser lighthouse. You can even visit the famous Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve from ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’.
At the campsite, you can enjoy flush toilets and water from the stream for your stay.
7. Kohaihai Conservation Campsite
Kohaihai Road, West Coast 7073, New Zealand | Adults: $8 per night, Child (5-17 years): $4 per night, Infant (0-4 years): Free
Located in the stunning Nikau Forest, this campsite is right on the Kohaihai River mouth, with plenty of activities to keep you entertained! Try a spot of whitewater kayaking, enjoy some windsurfing, or simply slip into the water and enjoy a swim. You can even venture to the nearby Scotts Beach.
This campsite treats you to flush toilets and a BBQ, offering a little extra luxury for your day.
Hire a van for your New Zealand camping trip
Equipped with our round up of the best DoC campsites in New Zealand, you really will be spoilt for choice on your getaway. DoC campsites are in some of the most beautiful locations around the country - in national parks, right next to lakes, or amongst stunning walking trails!
Need some route inspiration for your holiday? Start planning one of the best New Zealand road trips today before picking your favourite campervan rental to take you there.
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