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7 best camping grounds in Canterbury

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7 best camping grounds in Canterbury

24th February 2022•Camplify Team

If vast open grassy plains, snow-capped mountain vistas interspersed with crystal clear lakes sounds like your idea of heaven, then it’s time to discover the best camping grounds in Canterbury.

Located on New Zealand's South Island, Canterbury should be at the top of your holiday wishlist. While Christchurch is at its centre, there is so much more to this region than city-based green spaces and an edgy arts scene. Take in the sights made famous as Middle Earth in the Lord Of The Rings or simply enjoy the bountiful farm-to-table food and delicious wine produced in its world-renowned valleys.

Check out our ultimate guide to the best camping grounds in Canterbury below and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime South Island adventure!

Best camping grounds in Canterbury: 7 spots you can’t miss1. Wooded Gully Campsite

Summit track to Mt. Thomas, accessible via Wooded Gully Campground. Image Credit: Michal Klajban. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en.

Point Pleasant 7903, New Zealand | Adult: $8 per night, Child (5-17 years): $4 per night, Infant (0-4 years): free

Located within Mt Thomas Forest Conservation Park, around one hour from Christchurch, the Wooded Gully Campsite is ideal for those seeking to escape into nature. With just 50 non-powered sites available, Wooded Gully is all about being back to basics - though there are flushing toilets and freshwater accessible on-site.

Offering a mix of basic to more challenging trails to explore, it is perfect for campers of all ages. Enjoy an easy one-hour nature walk with children on the Kereru Track or attempt the more challenging Mt Thomas Summit at three-and-a-half hours return.

If hiking doesn't appeal, simply sit back and relax amongst the trees and enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with being off-grid.

2. Rakaia Gorge Camping Ground

Rakaia Gorge Bridge, looking towards Mount Hutt and the Rakaia Gorge Camping Ground. Image Credit: Greg O'Beirne. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en.

6686 Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road, Mount Hutt 7782, New Zealand | Adult: $10 per night

Rakaia Gorge Camping Ground is nestled in the shadow of Mount Hutt and the perfect spot for anyone keen on fishing and jet boating. Open from October to April, this immaculate camping ground in Canterbury offers sweeping views over the bright blue river and a number of great facilities.

Enjoy hot showers, an onsite kitchen where you can set up your gas cooker and even laundry tubs for washing on the road. While the site is unpowered and has minimal mobile reception, this just makes it easier to enjoy the tranquillity of nature in this pristine location.

Adventure out and experience the historical and geologically significant Rakaia Gorge Walkway, take in the breathtaking views at the lookout or if you’re a thrillseeker take a spin on the Discovery Jet and get your adrenaline pumping.

3. Little River Campground

287 Okuti Valley Road, Little River 7591, New Zealand | Adult: $20 per night, Child (3-14 years): $10 per night, Infant (0-3 years) $5 per night ($5 extra daily for power)

Marketed as the ‘classic kiwi campground’, Little River Campground is one of our favourite camping grounds in Canterbury. Just one hour from Christchurch, it still offers a complete escape from daily life. Choose from powered or unpowered campsites with a wealth of activities to choose from.

Enjoy swinging from the crazy giant swing located in a 200-year-old Matai tree, feed the local eels, splash in the crystal clear waters of the river or set the kids loose in the on-site playground.

If nature trails are more your thing, this location is the perfect spot to explore the Banks Peninsula and the huge amount of flora and fauna it contains.

When your day is done, enjoy a hot meal with herbs from the seasonal garden, a hot shower and fresh laundry thanks to the well thought out facilities.

4. Lake Ruataniwha Campground

Mount Cook, Mount Cook National Park.

[53 Freda Du Faur Ave, Twizel 7901, New Zealand](https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU962AU962&tbs=lf:1,lf_ui:1&tbm=lcl&sxsrf=APq-WBvU9S7l1ExIjKrWc5-UP2X-kutFgg:1645068427664&q=lake+ruataniwha+campground&rflfq=1&num=10&rldimm=1627054202658141052# rlfi=hd:;si:1627054202658141052;mv:[[-44.093050399999996,170.2183101],[-44.363160199999996,169.7953033]];tbs:lrf:!1m4!1u3!2m2!3m1!1e1!1m4!1u2!2m2!2m1!1e1!1m4!1u16!2m2!16m1!1e1!1m4!1u16!2m2!16m1!1e2!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e16!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:1) | Adult: $22, Children $12 (powered campsite)

If you want to break up your journey through the Canterbury region with a stay at a fully equipped and exceptionally located holiday park, then Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park should not be missed.

Incredibly family-friendly, this park offers everything from powered campsites to lodge and cabin options. Ideally located between Christchurch and Queenstown, this stop is the perfect base for enjoying, cycling, salmon fishing, walking, skiing, kayaking, heli-tours, exploring Mount Cook National Park and so much more.

Facility wise, there are two large kitchens, coin-operated laundries, flushing toilets, hot showers, kids playground, a fully stocked camp kitchen and the option to hire canoes and kayaks on-site.

5. Mt Potts Lodge

Horse riding in the Ashburton Lakes District.

2131 Hakatere Potts Road, Ashburton Lakes 7771, New Zealand | Powered sites from $50 per night

Located within the world-famous Ashburton Lakes District, this unique campsite and former shearers quarters is completely self-sufficient and powered by its own hydroelectric power station. Mt Sunday, the home of the Edoras in the Lord Of The Rings Trilogy is located on the property and is just a 5-minute drive from the main compound.

Enjoy trout fishing, hiking, horse riding, kayaking and even ice skating during the winter, there is no end of outdoor recreational opportunities to be enjoyed. As a working property, there are also numerous animals to interact with including the resident Scottish Highland bull.

As far as facilities, for powered campsites flushing toilets are available along with access to fresh water and an on-request laundry service, however, no showers are available to campers.

6. Alpine Pacific - Kaikōura

The Alpine Pacific Trail, 10 minutes walk from The Alpine Pacific Campground.

69 Beach Road, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand | Powered sites: from $54 per night

Alpine Pacific Holiday Park is one of our favourite camping grounds in Canterbury. The delightful seaside town of Kaikoura offers access to one of the most incredible marine environments in the world. Whale watch, swim with dolphins, enjoy albatross, mix up coastal and mountain walks or simply sit back and enjoy the vast and expansive views of the Kaikouras.

An ideal stop for those wanting to be a little less remote and with some of the creature comforts from home, the Alpine Pacific is within walking distance from town and features hot tubs, a pool, and great kitchen and bathroom facilities.

7. Godley Head Campsite - Christchurch

Sunset over Godley Head Campground.

2 Godley Head Road, Sumner, Christchurch | Adult: $15 per night, Child (5-17 years): $7.50 per night, Infant (0-4 years): free

A truly unique experience, this campsite is located within a WWII defence battery site that offers much historical interest alongside unmatched ocean views and bracing coastal walks. Delve into New Zealand’s wartime history, go mountain biking, swimming, surfing, fishing or perhaps head into the nearby town of Sumner to sample the fresh local produce.

As an exposed campsite on a jutting promontory, this Canterbury camping ground can be challenging during windy or stormy weather. All sites are unpowered with access to flushing toilets and bookings are essential due to the limited number of sites.

Hire a van for your Canterbury camping trip

Now that you know the best camping grounds in Canterbury, it’s time to travel and see everything the region has to offer. Organise campervan hire in Canterbury and take a tour of its sweeping ocean vistas, vast mountain ranges and crystal clear lakes.

Need more inspiration? Find the top places to stay close to the city with our guide to the best campgrounds near Christchurch.

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