9 off-the-beaten-track campgrounds in New Zealand

Road tripping around New Zealand is a dream come true. A country dedicated to tourist locations, long winding roads, and enough iconic locations to keep you entertained for months on end. It’s no secret that New Zealand is a hot spot for road trippers and with a network of freedom campsites dotted around, it is easier to get off the beaten track than one may think.

Freedom camping is exactly what it sounds like. In dedicated spots around the country, you are free… yes free to pull up and stay for you guessed it, free. Some may be basic, some come with fancy long-drop toilets, and most come with views that make you question why you didn't embark on a road trip sooner.

If there is one thing that New Zealand does well, it’s camping. They do it so well that we had to hit the road and test some of these epics off-the-beaten-track campsites for ourselves, it’s a tough job we know, but someone has to do it.

Stunning views, incredible locations, and Instagram-worthy shots that will make your fans follow in your footsteps. Read on for 9 off-the-beaten-track campsites you must visit while road tripping around the land of the long white cloud.

9 of our favourite off-the-beaten-track campsites

1. Mavora Lakes – Fiordland National Park

Get back to basics and embark on a journey into Lord of the Rings territory. This impressive landscape of mountains, wild forests and lakes is part of Fiordland National Park. Just an hour and a half from the quaint township of Te Anau you'll find the secluded serenity of Mavora, a place to hike, camp, fish, and bike until your heart's content.

• Easy access for 2WD and campervans

• Designated camp spots with BBQ’s and public access toilets

• Access by a 37km gravel road

2. Gentle Annie seaside accommodation

Yes, this place is as sweet as it sounds. Gentle Annie is just 50km north of Westport or on your way down south after leaving the tropical paradise of the Abel Tasman National Park. This is New Zealand at its finest. Think lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and unspoiled vistas for you to enjoy.

Gentle Annie is the perfect base to stop, relax and recharge your batteries. You will find sheltered, private camping pitches set amongst the beautiful grounds. This family-run property is a delight and a place that you might visit more than once in your lifetime, it’s that good!

• Be sure to book in advance, these hidden gems get snapped up quickly

• Powered and unpowered sites available

• The campground is moments away from the Mokihinui river and ocean

3. Maitai Bay Campsite – Karikari peninsula, Northland

Karikari Peninsula's Maitai Bay lies about 44km northeast of Kaitaia. Travel just 2km down a gravel track and you will land in paradise. A campground with the ocean on its doorstep nestled between beautiful Pohutukawa trees.

Explore the local walking tracks, swim in the warm northland ocean waters, or simply relax at one of New Zealand’s most beautiful oceanside campgrounds.

• This campground is operated by the Department of Conservation

• Before departing be sure to check in with DOC to check availability & access

• Spend your days basking in New Zealand sunshine & don’t forget your sunscreen and bug repellent

4. Gillespies Beach – West Coast

Not only is Gillespie’s Beach Campsite on the rugged and remote West Coast of the South Island it is also one of the smallest camping grounds you will find. With just 8 places to park your head at night, it bodes well to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

$8 a night will reward you with views of the ocean and the southern alps in one glance and the remote feels will have you travelling back in time to what New Zealand must have felt like in the ice age! This campground is remote, wild, unpredictable, and for the keen adventure folk only.

• Be sure to check the road conditions and weather forecast before departing

• Stock up, you might not see another soul, and most definitely no shops on route

• First come first served, so get in quick

5. Okarito – West Coast

Blink and you will miss it. We are talking about the turn-off to the tiny settlement of Okarito on the West Coast. Distracted by ancient glaciers and sweeping lakes, many tootle right on by this idyllic spot. Home to only 30 permanent residents, this coastal hideaway was once a booming gold mining town.

Now you will find the classic kiwi batch, Donovan's store, and a campground that backs right onto the Tasman sea. Choose to kick back and relax or explore the local bush walks around the lagoon.

• Access for all campervans

• Simple but comfortable campground

• First come first served and payment of $15pp on arrival

6. Diamond Lake – Paradise

We know New Zealand is paradise but did you know there is a place actually named Paradise? 45 minutes from Queenstown you will find Glenorchy, just an extra ten minutes will lead you and your trusty steed to the gates of Paradise.

A popular Lord of the Rings filming location and one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the whole of Aotearoa. Park up for the night on the shores of Diamond Lake, teetering on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park, and explore the area.

• This area is perfect for keen hikers, fishermen, and kayakers

• Department of conservation operated so be sure to pay your fees

• Prepare for gravel roads and uneven surfaces on the route

7. Pūrākaunui Bay – Southland

All of New Zealand's finest locations lie at the end of gravel roads and this one takes the cake. Pūrākaunui Bay is part of the southern scenic route. A tourist drive that encompasses five regions and a whole lotta goodness. Head through The Catlin’s and prepare for what could be one of New Zealand's finest campgrounds.

The stunning cliffs that surround the beach make you feel like you have entered another world and with the ocean right on your van doorstep, you don’t have to go far to feel relaxed in these parts. Take short beach walks, surf the break or watch out for the New Zealand fur seals who frequent the beach.

8. Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) – Northland

Welcome to the winterless north. There is beauty peppered around this little country but there is something quite magical about the Northland region. This place may be popular with many but don’t expect luxury. At just $13 a night, you will return to basics and get off the beaten track.

If sand in your toes and salt in your hair is your absolute jam then make sure a visit to Spirits bay is high on the North Island road trip itinerary. Stock up your campervan and hit the road less travelled, you are in for a treat in this tropical paradise.

• 45 non-powered sites

• First come first served so get in quick

• Don’t forget to stock up on all essentials before leaving the closest town of Kaitaia

9. Moke Lake

Queenstown is world-renowned for its adventure activities, fast paced lifestyle, and distinct seasons. But did you know tucked in the foothills of the mountains, down a long windy road and perched right next to one of Queenstown's hidden lakes is a campsite like no other.

No phone signal, no sign of life (apart from fellow adventure seekers), and 360-degree mountains surrounding you and your tiny home on wheels. Moke Lake is a short 30-minute drive from downtown Queenstown.

Here you will find one of the most picture-perfect lakes, short hikes, and nature's playground for you to soak up for days on end. Skip the hustle and bustle of Queenstown life and head here, we promise you won't regret it.

• This campground is owned by the department of conservation so fees apply

• You will find basic amenities but be sure to stock up on food

• Bring your paddle board and kayaks or jump on a horse riding tour with the folk at Ben Lomond station

Hire a van for your New Zealand camping trip

Does hitting the road less travelled sound like your kind of holiday? Search for a campervan rental in your local area and start packing. It’s time to go on an adventure!