Destinations
7 best Lake Pukaki camping grounds
)
Keen to set your sights on the most stunning lakes in the world? Well, you won't find many much prettier than Lake Pukaki. Located at the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin, this glacial body of water stretches for 179 square kilometres. Spend your days in its icy shallows, exploring the spectacular nearby lookouts, or using it as a base to access the Southern Alps and Mount Cook National Park.
Here’s your guide to the top Lake Pukaki camping grounds. Our list includes price, location, features, nearby attractions and more, so that you can plan the perfect lakeside getaway.
Best campsites near Lake Pukaki: 7 spots you can’t miss
1. No More Pines, Lake Pukaki Freedom Camping
Tekapo, New Zealand | Free
Ready to try your hand at freedom camping in Lake Pukaki? If you’re after a Lake Pukaki camping ground that sits right on the stunning shore, then it doesn’t get much better than this. This freedom camping spot offers up some spectacular views of the area and is ideal for self-contained campervans.
Camping near Lake Pukaki is an experience like no other. Wake up each morning and be greeted by the stunning blue waters of Lake Pukaki, before taking off on one of the many walks right on your doorstep. You can even enjoy a dip in the fresh waters as you soak up the views.
This Lake Pukaki camping ground has no facilities, which is why you need to be in a self-contained campervan to stay here. It’s run by Mackenzie District Council and operates on a first come, first serve basis.
Lastly, while permitted at the time of writing, it’s always best to double check that you are still allowed to freedom camp here before you set up camp. It’s important to respect freedom camping guidelines, which include leaving no trace or litter and more.
2. Jan’s Beach
Hayman Road, Pukaki, New Zealand | Free
When it comes to camping at Lake Pukaki, freedom camping is a popular option and ideal for campervan drivers. If you’re on the hunt for a secluded location where you’ll feel like you’re in your own slice of heaven, then this Lake Pukaki camping ground is for you.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to day-time adventures. Wander out of your campervan and straight into the the fresh – correction: extremely fresh – water for a morning dip. Take a hike to the Lake Pukaki View Point for whistle-worthy views, and if you’re after some good grub, you can also make your way down to Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop for delicious seafood.
When it comes to freedom camping at Lake Pukaki, it’s important to always check that they allow visitors at the site and what the requirements are. Learn more about freedom camping and what you can expect here. There are no facilities at this location, and it’s only open to self-contained campervans on a first come, first served basis. Again, always check that you're permitted to freedom camp here before you settle in.
3. Lake Wardel Campsite
Tekapo-Twizel Road, Pukaki 7999, New Zealand | Free
This camping ground is a large reserve right by Lake Pukaki on which you’re allowed to freedom camp with a self-contained campervan. It’s like a little slice of heaven.
The site is shaded by pine trees and a great place to get back to nature. It’s named after the nearby lake, but it’s extremely small. It’s well worth making the 10-minute walk down the road to check out the breathtaking Lake Pukaki, with a stop at Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop for a bite to eat as you go. Again, there are no facilities at this campsite, so be sure to check that freedom camping is still allowed.
4. Lake Poaka Campsite
Tekapo-Twizel Road, Pukaki 7999, New Zealand | Free
Situated by a smaller lake just 15 minutes south of Lake Pukaki, this DOC campsite has all you need for a comfortable stay. It’s the perfect spot to base yourself to explore the area by day, and settle in for some quiet downtime by night.
This camping ground sits right on Lake Poaka, where you can spend your days exploring Ruataniwha Conservation Park, with its rugged mountains, dense forests and running rivers. Head over to Lake Pukaki for sweeping views on the Pyukai Kettle Bowl Track, or Markers Bay Track.
This camping ground near Lake Pukaki has 30 non-powered sites. It's a basic but beautiful campsite, where you'll find a drop toilet and water from a stream.
Pro tip: We recommend getting your hands on a DOC Campsite Pass, which gives you access to their DOC conservation campsites around New Zealand (with some exclusions).
5. Lake Middleton Campsite
1589 Lake Ohau Road, Lake Ōhau 9412, New Zealand | From $10 per person, per night
If you’re willing to stay a little further away from Pukaki, Lake Middleton Camping Ground is well worth the trip. This DOC camping ground is a 30-minute drive from Lake Pukaki, but makes a great base for hiking and mountain biking. Explore the nearby area, including Lake Ōhau Track, which offers great views of Ben Ohau Peak and Lake Ōhau, or venture to Lake Pukaki for some more incredible walking tracks.
This campsite operates on a first come, first served basis and has limited facilities, including boat launching, a dump station, flush toilets and water from a tap.
6. Lake Benmore Camping Ground – Oahu C
Glenbrook 7999, New Zealand | From $30 per night
This Lake Benmore camping ground offers a natural lake-front spot, where you can relax back or get out on the water and enjoy fishing and watersports. It's only 35 minutes away from Lake Pukaki, so you can still enjoy all the sights.
Enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you tackle one of the many walking and biking tracks, or head out on the water for some boating and fishing adventures. Then you can use this Lake Pukaki camping ground as a base to explore the great lake, heading off on Pukaki Kettle Bowl Track or Markers Bay Track, or making your way to St Peter’s Lookout.
Looking for the best camping Lake Pukaki has to offer? This campsite has plenty of facilities with tapped water, toilets, dump station, and a three-lane boat ramp and jetty. Ohau C opens on the third weekend of September each year and closes over the last weekend of April. The camping ground is still open in the off season, just without facilities.
7. Glentanner Park Centre
3388 Mount Cook Road, Glentanner 7999, New Zealand | From $25 per night
This Lake Pukaki camping ground is the only fully equipped campground and campervan park in the area, making it the perfect spot for those who like to a little luxury with their exploration. It’s located right on Lake Pukaki and just 18km from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
Be sure to pop your hiking boots on and venture to Peter’s Lookout, or head to NZ Alpine Lavender Farm, which is the largest organic lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere. In the winter months, you can head to Aoraki Mount Cook for ice climbing, skiing, hiking and more.
This Lake Pukaki Camping Spot has 60 powered campervan sites nestled in the native bush. You'll have all the facilities you need – hot showers, WiFi, barbecues and a shared kitchen, dining and lounge.
Hire a van for your Lake Pukaki camping trip
Ready to check out the best campsites near Lake Pukaki? Bring your camera and get ready to take a dip in its stunning blue waters after you set up camp at one of our favourite Lake Pukaki camping grounds above.
Simply sort out campervan hire on the South Island and plan a road trip from top to bottom, making sure these crystal blue waters are on your to do list. Whatever your price point or preferences, there’s a campervan, motorhome or caravan to hire with Camplify.
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.
Sign up if you want to join our beloved community of van life lovers and receive our most recent news and offers.