Banks Peninsula campgrounds: 7 best coastal spots

Last updated: November 2025

Camping on the Banks Peninsula means rolling hills, turquoise inlets and quaint villages. Set on the east coast of the South Island, this volcanic peninsula features two large harbours along with many smaller bays to explore. Just over an hour’s drive from Christchurch, it’s the perfect destination for a weekend break (but you’ll definitely want to stay for longer).

And with our list of the best campgrounds on the Banks Peninsula, you’ll have the ultimate base for your Canterbury adventure. Read to learn the price, location, features and nearby attractions for each campsite.

Banks Peninsula campgrounds: 7 spots you can’t miss

1. Pigeon Bay Camping Ground

• 74 Wharf Road, Pigeon Bay 7583, New Zealand

• Price: $20/night (for up to 2 people), plus $10 per additional adult.

• Website: pigeonbaycamp.co.nz

Offering basic facilities for a great price, this is one of the best value-for-money campgrounds on the Banks Peninsula. You won’t find showers, a kitchen, or power here, but site fees are excellent value. It’s a true, back-to-basics camping experience to get you back into nature!

Explore Nearby: Head 20 minutes down the road and check out Onawe Peninsula, which has a great walking track that takes less than an hour with stunning views at the end.

2. Okains Bay Campground

• 1357 Okains Bay Road, Okains Bay 7583, New Zealand

• Price: From $30/night (unpowered site, 2 adults).

• Website: okainsbaycamp.co.nz

The Okains Bay Camping Ground is located in the serene Okains Bay on the Banks Peninsula. It’s the ideal family-friendly camping right on the beach, with plenty of kid-friendly activities on hand.

Amenities: Make use of their kitchens, toilets, washing facilities, and showers. There’s even plenty of fun for the kids with two flying foxes, a climbing frame, swings, and a slide. Explore Nearby: Head to the Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum or take off on the Little Okains Walk for incredible views.

3. Duvauchelle Holiday Park

• 19 Seafield Road, Duvauchelle 7581, New Zealand

• Price: From ~$43/night (non-powered sites, 2 people).

• Website: duvauchelleholidaypark.co.nz

Sitting on the water’s edge in Duvauchelle, this holiday park offers incredible views of the harbour.

Explore Nearby: Play golf at nearby Akaroa Golf Club’s 18-hole course, or pay a visit to Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory for some delicious morsels.

Amenities: You will find two ablution blocks with toilets and timer-operated showers, a dump station, a fully equipped kitchen and TV room, two tennis courts, and a big adventure playground.

4. Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park

• 96 Morgans Road, Akaroa 7542, New Zealand

• Price: Non-powered sites from $45 per night (Low Season).

• Website: akaroatop10.co.nz

This is one of the best campgrounds on the Banks Peninsula for families, with a beautiful view of the French-style village of Akaroa.

Explore Nearby: Spend your days dining at one of the many restaurants, browsing the local arts and crafts shops, or enjoying water activities on the harbour, such as swimming with the dolphins or sailing.

Amenities: Splash about in their heated swimming pool, check out the TV and games room, head to the toddler playroom, or cook up a storm on the gas barbecue. They have a well-equipped camp kitchen, toilets, and showers.

5. Little River Campground

• 287 Okuti Valley Road, Little River 7591, New Zealand

• Price: $25/adult, $10 for kids (3-14yrs).

• Website: Little River Campground

This stunning campground is only open during the warmer months and is the gateway to the Banks Peninsula.

Amenities: The facilities at this campground are next level, featuring hot showers, an outdoor kitchen, BBQ, laundry, and their seasonal herb garden. For fun, there are Scary Slippery Slides, a giant swing, and a playground with a trampoline.

Explore Nearby: Little River has lots of beaches nearby perfect for taking a dip and surfing. You can take off on one of the many bike trails or walk the sights.

6. Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite

• 2 Godley Head Road, Sumner, Christchurch, New Zealand

• Price: Adult (18+) $18 per night, Child (5–17yrs) $9 per night.

• Website: DOC Booking Site

If you’re searching for a campground that’s a little bit different, then camp in the middle of a WWII defence battery site! Bookings are essential for this Department of Conservation (DOC) site.

Explore Nearby: Explore the WWII coastal defence battery site, enjoy incredible ocean views, and scenic walks. A mountain bike track takes you to the main road, where you can jump on the Anaconda Track and head to Taylors Mistake beach.

Amenities: The site has flush toilets and water from a tap available.

7. Orton Bradley Park Camping

• Marine Drive, Charteris Bay 8971, New Zealand

• Price: From $36/night (unpowered, 2 people).

• Website: ortonbradley.nz

Enjoy self-contained camping in your van during their summer season at Orton Bradley Park. Surround yourself with 650 hectares of bush walking tracks to discover.

Amenities: The facilities are basic with toilets on site, but during the summer season, hot showers, a full kitchen (with fridge/freezers, toasters, and kettles), and an electric BBQ are available.

Explore Nearby: There are more than 25km of tracks, with safe water holes and streams you can stop off at for a peaceful swim nearby.

Hire a van for your Banks Peninsula camping trip

With so many amazing experiences on offer, Banks Peninsula should be at the top of your New Zealand bucket list. Immerse yourself in nature and history by day, and sleep under the stars at some of the best campgrounds on the Banks Peninsula by night!

But first, sort out campervan hire in Christchurch with Camplify. And if you need some places to stay along the way, check out these campgrounds near Christchurch.

Why Camplify?

We are proud to be New Zealand’s fastest-growing private caravan, campervan and motorhome sharing community. When you hire a van through our platform, it comes with lots of advantages:

• Comprehensive hire insurance

• Nationwide AA roadside assistance

• 24/7 customer support

• All members are verified

By hiring with Camplify, you are also helping local families who share their van on our platform and supporting many local companies across New Zealand in addition to ours. So we are very grateful to you.