Destinations
5 best Murchison camping grounds
)
If you truly want to explore the best New Zealand has to offer, then a Murchison camping trip is your answer. This small town in the Tasman region of the South Island is surrounded by two stunning National Parks: Kahurangi National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park.
Meanwhile, the historic town marks the entrance to the drive down to Buller Gorge, where you can truly let your adventurous side loose with white water rafting, jet boating, ziplines and more!
Here’s your guide to the best Murchison camping grounds, including price, location, features, nearby attractions and more. Get planning with our top recommendations below.
Best Murchison camping sites: 5 spots you can’t miss
1. Riverside Holiday Park
19 Riverview Road, Murchison 7077, New Zealand | From $15 per person, per night
This Murchison camping site is located on 40 acres directly on the Buller River and is just a 10 minute walk into the centre of town. Check out the local museum to steep yourself in the history of the area, including their coal mining heritage and the effects of the 1929 earthquake.
For an outdoor adventure, head to the Kahikatea Walkway, where you can view the majestic kahikatea and rimu trees, while also stopping to spot the birdlife around. Visit the stunning Maruia Falls, or enjoy a day trip to Lake Rotoroa. Right next to the park, you will also find the Murchison Golf Course!
There’s plenty of fun waiting at the holiday park itself, with a playground and jumping pillow, as well as a swimming hole that’s the perfect spot to take a dip in the warmer months. The park is also dog friendly, as long as they are kept on a lead. There are five kitchens, barbecues, four ablution blocks and free unlimited Wifi.
Book now
2. Murchison Motorhome Park
2596 Kawatiri-Murchison Hwy, SH6, Murchison 7077, New Zealand | From $22 per adult, per night
This rural Murchison camping ground is set next to the peaceful Buller River. It is the perfect place to enjoy some swimming and fishing or explore the surrounding walking tracks. You can enjoy direct access to Buller River for a refreshing dip or wander down the riverside walkway.
Nearby, you can satisfy your thrill seeking side with some incredible jet boating and white water rafting or New Zealand’s longest Swing Bridge! Or venture into the two National Parks: Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes.
The campsite is also well-equipped with plenty of fun for your stay. Enjoying the Chip and Putt golf course, Pentangue, volleyball and large outdoors checkers. There’s also a kitchen, bathroom, laundry and even fresh produce, including fresh eggs and vegetables, which are grown onsite.
3. Kiwi Park Motels and Holiday Park
170 Fairfax Street, Murchison 7007, New Zealand | From $39 per night
The Kiwi Park Motels and Holiday Park is a lovely countryside Murchison camping experience. Set up camp on a spacious property and explore their stunning and peaceful gardens. Plus, there’s farm animals onsite that you can wander over and visit during your stay!
Soak up the gorgeous mountain views as you wake each morning, with just a short walk into town. Whether you’re hoping to get out and fish or mountain bike, or discover a little gold mining history, there’s plenty to do around the area. You can even enjoy day trips to Maruia Springs, Blenheim, Nelson and more!
4. Owen River Campground
Owen River 7073, New Zealand | From $10 per person
If you love adventuring out on the water, then this is the perfect Murchison camping spot for you. The Owen River Campground borders the Buller River, with access to trout fishing, kayaking and white water rafting.
Just a few minutes down the road, you will find the Owen River Tavern, where you can grab a delicious bite to eat! Then drive 15 minutes into the historic town of Murchison, take a 20 minute drive for stunning views at Hope Saddle Lookout, or drive down the Buller Gorge to experience all kinds of outdoor adventures!
Owen River Campground offers plenty of onsite facilities during your stay, such as toilets, hot showers, washing and drying amenities and more.
Book now
5. Lyell Camping Ground - Buller Gorge
Inangahua 7895, New Zealand | From $10 per person, per night
Just a 30-minute drive from the centre of Murchison, Lyell Camping Ground is the ideal spot to base yourself to explore this gold rush town. During your stay, you can also travel even further to explore the gold working settlements of Gibbstown, Zalatown and 8 Mile.
There are plenty of walking tracks in the area for you to get out and explore. Walk the battery and then take a different loop back to the campsite, covering as much ground as possible, or even take a stroll across New Zealand's longest swing bridge! Just a few minutes away, you can head off white river rafting, or ziplining and let your adventurous side loose. The famous Old Ghost Road mountain bike trail is also right on your doorstep.
This campsite offers up 18 non-powered sites with access to a BBQ, flush toilets and water from a tap. Dogs are also welcome, however need to be kept on a leash at all times.
Hire a van for your Murchison camping trip
Ready to satisfy your thirst for adventure? Then a Murchison camping trip is on the cards! From bushwalks, cafes and museums to jet boating, white river rafting and ziplining, there’s something for everyone in this slice of paradise. Simply sort out campervan hire in Tasman and head to your favourite Murchison camping spots for the ultimate adventure.
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.