Destinations
Best Southland camping grounds
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In the mood for a Southland camping trip? The Southland region is one of the most underrated areas in New Zealand. Peppered with activity, epic beach breaks, and even a rainforest it has something for every type of traveller.
Camping in New Zealand is a popular pastime among locals and visitors alike and Southland has an abundance of places to pull up and rest your head. Fiordland, Te Anau, Colac Bac or The Catlins ring a bell? If not, it is time to plan your next adventure escape on the South Island of New Zealand.
If you are looking for a remote camping holiday, an escape to nature, or a chill beach break Southland has it all. We share seven of our favourite Southland camping grounds below for the ultimate escape.
Best Southland camping spots: 7 places to sleep under the stars
1. Milford Sound Lodge
Let's start with an escape in the rainforest. Fiordland National Park covers 1.2 hectares of pure natural beauty. The Rainforest Campervan Park at Milford Sound Lodge is the Southland camping destination for disconnecting from the real world and nestling into the silence.
Milford Sound Lodge offers the only campervan site in Milford Sound, with powered sites and full guest amenities it’s the place to be for the ultimate escape.
2. Monkey Island
We love it down here and you will too. This Southland camping spot is cool, quirky, unpredictable, and beautiful. Unfortunately, no monkeys to be found but there is a neat little island that you can access at low tide.
Free campsites, ocean views, and quality surf. This long uncrowded beach also leads to a place called Gemstone Beach, go there and explore, we promise it’s worth it.
3. Mackay Creek
This scenic campsite is situated in northern Fiordland along the Milford Road. This quiet campsite offers uninterrupted views of the Eglinton Valley and pure solitude for that off-the-beaten-track adventure.
Bring your fishing rod for a spot of fly fishing, explore the short walks nearby, or head out into the bush for a multi-night adventure. First come, first served and fully self-contained vehicles only.
4. Mavora Lakes
Located deep in Fiordland National Park. Mavora Lakes is the true Lord of the Rings country. With 60 non-powered sites and good facilities, this off-the-beaten-track location is for the backcountry enthusiast among us.
Mavora is a popular Southland camping ground for families with day walks, fishing, boating, and more. Take a 4wd vehicle for the ultimate adventure.
5. Bluff Camping Ground
Southland camping at its finest. For all the Kai Moana (seafood) lovers out there, Bluff is your ideal location. With Bluff oysters, crayfish, and enough snapper to keep you busy cooking for days, this seaside escape should be on your list.
If you are keen on a day or overnight trip, hop over to New Zealand’s third island, Stewart Island is the tropical paradise that should be on every traveller's list.
6. Colac Bay Tavern & Holiday Park
Another understated, underrated, and quite frankly incredible place in the whole of Aotearoa. Another freedom site with the ocean on your doorstep.
Colac Bay is a surfer's dream. Home to point breaks and the popular Tree’s surfing area you could be lost in an ocean paradise for days down here. Colac Bay is a 45 minute drive from Invercargill, the closest city and Riverton is the neighbouring fishing village, we recommend popping in for a good fish and chip takeaway.
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7. Curio Bay camping
Does swimming with wild dolphins at sunrise sound like a bit of you? Curio Bay offers a unique coastal environment with a campground nestled between the flax.
Wake up listening to the waves crash on the rocks, and keep an eye out for sea lion friends who frequent the area. Short walks, beach hangs and late-night penguin spotting are on the cards here.
Hire a van for your Southland camping trip
New Zealand is built for road tripping and Southland is calling your name. Prepare for mountains, lakes, ocean, hikes, and long gravel roads that lead to the dreamiest hidden campsites. Keen to check out the vans in the local area and hit the road? Discover vans for hire in the Southland today.
For more travel inspo, check out our guide to the best Catlins camping grounds!
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