Destinations
5 best Kaikoura camping grounds
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Ready for a Kaikoura camping trip? This slice of South Island coastline offers the perfect getaway with abundant wildlife, including a colony of fur seals and plenty of sperm whales!
Take off on stunning seaside walks, tuck into a plate of delicious crayfish, and enjoy views of snow-capped mountains. There are few areas, even in New Zealand, that boast so much natural wonder!
Get comfortable during your stay with our ultimate guide to the best Kaikoura camping grounds. Our list includes price, location, features, nearby attractions and more.
Best Kaikoura campsites: 5 spots you can’t miss
1. Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park
34 Beach Road, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand | From $45 per night
For the ultimate Kaikoura camping experience, you can’t go wrong with Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park. Here, you can soak up the mountain vistas on mother nature’s doorstep.
Take off on a whale watching tour or plan a once-in-a-lifetime dolphin encounter. You can also stroll the Peninsula Walk for incredible views, or hit the water for some kayaking fun and a chance to spot the local seals!
There’s plenty to do around the park as well, with a heated swimming pool, games room, bike and go-kart hire and a big adventure playground. You’ll also have access to a communal kitchen and bathroom, laundry facilities and more.
2. Alpine Pacific Motels & Holiday Park Kaikoura
69 Beach Road, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand | From $26 per person per night
The mountain meets this sea at this incredible Kaikoura camping spot. Alpine Holiday Park Kaikoura is the perfect natural wonderland, where you can watch the whales swim, dive in with the dolphins, spot the albatrosses and even visit the New Zealand fur seal colony.
Spend your days on one of the many coastal walks around the area, or take off on adventure mountain biking, fishing, diving and more. Need a break from the outdoors? Head to Kaikoura’s West End for their award-winning Kaikoura Museum, with plenty of impressive collections to check out.
Back at the campsite, enjoy toilets, outdoor BBQ areas, indoor and outdoor dining areas, large communal TV room, hot tubs, heated swimming pool, showers, trampoline, bike hire, and much more.
3. Kaikoura Peketa Beach Holiday Park
665 SH 1 (7kms South of Township), Peketa Beach, Kaikōura 7374, New Zealand | From $20 per night
Settle in for some beachfront Kaikoura camping at Kaikoura Peketa Beach Holiday Park. Here, you can wake up to breathtaking mountain views every morning, and enjoy an incredible sunset each evening. It’s the perfect spot away from the hustle and bustle of town, while still being close enough to all the action.
Head out on the water during the day to get up and close to the marine life. If you’d prefer to have your feet on land, head off on one of the many hikes, enjoy a round of golf, or take a tour around the area’s Māori sites.
There’s plenty of activities to enjoy back at the park, too. Challenge the kids to a round of mini golf, take a ride on the flying fox, enjoy beach volleyball, visit the playground and brave the BMX track.
4. Donegal Campervan Park
Schoolhouse Road, Kaikoura Flat, Kaikōura 7371, New Zealand | From $20 per night
Following on from the Irish theme at Donegal Hotel, this Kaikoura camping ground is full of charm. Pull up and park on the spacious grounds, and enjoy easy access to the onsite bar and restaurant.
During the day, there are lots of adventures to be had nearby. Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura runs boat tours where you can swim and watch the dolphins, or get up close with the albatrosses. Meanwhile, Kaikoura Kayaks can take you on a guided eco tour across the bay. Or head into the sky with Kaikoura Helicopters for some once-in-a-lifetime vantage points of this spectacular region.
This Kaikoura campsite has plenty of facilities, including running water, toilets, a large restaurant and bar, and open fire.
5. The Point Campsite
85 Fyffe Quay Kaikōura New Zealand | Email to book
The Point Campsite is a Kaikoura camping spot set on a family-run farm. They offer a beautiful back-to-basics camping experience, with spacious sites that overlook the mountains and ocean.
Get up close to their Drysdale Ram and let him eat out of your hands, and during August and January, you can even hold and feed one of their pet lambs (an exciting experience for little campers)! You can also join them for one of their sheep shearing shows for a true Kiwi experience.
For a tasty bite to eat, check out the Kaikoura Seafood BBQ shack, which is nearby on Jimmy Armers Beach. You can also pay a visit to the Kaikoura Peninsula Seal Colony, or take a stroll on the Peninsula Walkway.
The campsite itself is basic with no powered sites and no toilet blocks. However, you will find a beach across the road for swimming, lots of hills to climb and some top stargazing spots.
Hire a van for your Kaikoura camping trip
Whether you’re heading off on a weekend trip from Christchurch or lucky enough to be enjoying a longer holiday on the South Island, Kaikoura is an ideal coastal destination. Sort out campervan hire in Canterbury and set off on a road trip through beaches, forests, mountains, museums and more! With our list of the best Kaikoura camping grounds, you’re guaranteed a beautiful adventure.
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