Best holiday parks and campgrounds near Christchurch

Settled between the magnificent Southern Alps and glistening Pacific Ocean, Christchurch is a road trip starting point for all sorts of exciting outdoor experiences. Not sure where to set up camp? We’ve done the research for you so that you can get a taste of van life at its finest.

Last updated: October 2024

Nestled between the majestic Southern Alps and the glistening Pacific Ocean, Christchurch serves as an ideal starting point for thrilling outdoor adventures. For those seeking the perfect campervan adventure, Camplify offers a unique solution. As a peer-to-peer campervan rental platform, we connect you with local van owners, allowing you to rent distinctive vehicles right in your neighbourhood. Here's how it works.

If you're planning a road trip starting in Christchurch but unsure where to set up camp, we've got you covered. Read on to explore some of the best holiday parks and campgrounds near Christchurch.

10 best holiday parks and campgrounds near Christchurch

1. Amberley Beach Campground

Pegasus Bay 46km from Christchurch

Photo credit: Scoro via Wikimedia Commons (See full licence).

Close to Christchurch, Amberley Beach Campground is a great starting point for a road trip into North Canterbury or a final stopover before flying home the next day. This laidback town is full of countryside charm, with heaps of welcoming farms, vineyards, cafes and craft shops. Make the most of your rural stay with some horse riding, fly fishing or wine tasting. Afterwards, head to the Amberley Beach golf course for a round by panoramic views of the ocean.

From there, Amberley Beach Campground is only a few minutes down the road, boasting two large openings scattered with trees right by the sand. This beach is ideal for walks, cycles and surfing - The fun breaks are suitable for all levels. So set up camp by the shore and relish in the first or last night of your van life adventure.

Features: Powered and unpowered sites, bathroom facilities, a playground and tennis court

Price per night: Powered sites from $20, unpowered sites from $15

Website: www.hurunui.govt.nz

2. Akaroa Top 10 Holiday Park

Banks Peninsula 80km from Christchurch

Photo credit: @edwardmanson via Unsplash.com

Tucked away in the crater of an extinct volcano, Akaroa is the only village in New Zealand with French heritage (which can still be seen in its rose-draped cottages and romantic street names). The Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park is just a 15-minute stroll away, down a countryside walking trail.

Here, you can camp on the coast of Akaroa harbour, keeping an eye out for Hector's dolphins - The tiniest and rarest in the world! For spectacular views of the peninsula, drive along the coast to nearby Flea Bay: Home to the largest little penguin colony on mainland New Zealand.

Alternatively, hit the water with some sea kayaks or paddle boards and explore the sea on a cruise or jet boat. By the end of the day, you’ll have fallen in love with this seaside getaway.

Features: Powered and unpowered sites, BBQs, kitchen and bathroom facilities, a TV/games room, WiFi, and a swimming pool

Price per night: Powered sites from $55, unpowered sites from $45

Website: www.akaroa-holidaypark.co.nz

Check out some more of the best campgrounds on the Banks Peninsula.

3. Okains Bay Camping Ground

Banks Peninsula 85km from Christchurch

Photo credit: Mark Chung via Wikimedia Commons (See full licence).

For a Banks Peninsula camping trip that’s slightly more off the beaten track, head for Okains Bay Camping Ground. One of the most remote campgrounds near Christchurch, you’ll be surrounded by a weave of gentle, protected inlets and vast, open bays. Explore this rugged coastline, taking your pick of secluded beaches for a private picnic or swim.

Don’t forget to keep watch for Hector's dolphins, fur seals, white-flippered penguins and flocks of seabirds - This region is a haven for native wildlife. And for a dose of local history, check out the Okains Bay Māori and Colonial Museum. Then head back to camp for a peaceful night under the starry sky.

Features: Unpowered sites, kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities, a playground for the kids

Price per night: From $15

Website: www.okainsbaycamp.co.nz

4. Lake Pearson Campsite

Craigieburn Forest Park 115km from Christchurch

Photo credit: Simon Curtis via Department of Conservation (See full licence).

Lake Pearson (or Moana Rua, as the locals call it) is an hourglass-shaped lake bordered by willow trees and the towering Purple Hill mountain. The picturesque campground sits on its northwestern shore, so you can while away the day with some canoeing, kayaking, swimming and fishing. This is also a particularly awesome campsite for bird lovers - Lake Pearson’s wildlife refuge offers a safe habitat for the southern crested grebe, a very rare bird species under threat of extinction. So sit back, relax and take the time to truly unwind in the beauty of nature.

Features: Unpowered sites, bathroom facilities and some unbeatable bird watching

Price per night: $15 per adults, $7.50 per child

Website: www.doc.govt.nz

5. Slab Hut Creek Campsite

Victoria Forest Park 260km from Christchurch

Photo credit: Gordon Roberts via Department of Conservation (See full licence).

If you’re feeling lucky, drive straight for Slab Hut Creek reserve. At this little campsite, you are legally permitted to pan for gold in the nearby river and even take home any treasure with you! Burrowed deep within Victoria Forest Park, you can also wander throughout the many walking and cycling trails, some of which date back to the old mining days - Keep an eye out for historical relics scattered throughout the regenerated beech forest. This camping spot lets you release your inner explorer, refuelling with some wood-fired pizza between adventures.

Features: Unpowered sites, bathroom facilities and a BBQ with a pizza oven

Price per night: $10 per adult, $5 per child

Website: www.doc.govt.nz

6. Klondyke Corner Campsite

Arthur’s Pass National Park

140km from Christchurch

Another one of our favourite campgrounds near Christchurch, follow State Highway 73 to reach Klondyke Corner Campsite. Hands down one of New Zealand’s most picturesque routes, this winding road takes you straight through the quaint village and stunning scenery of Arthur’s Pass National Park.

Klondyke Corner Campsite rests by the confluence of the Bealey and Waimakariri Rivers, nestled within mountain beech forest. As well as the nearby fishing and swimming spots, it’s the perfect launch pad for a day of hiking.

Explore the Bealey Valley track, which meanders through trees to the base of Mount Rolleston. As the region is known for its rich birdlife, you'll probably encounter the hilariously inquisitive kia, New Zealand’s famed alpine parrot. Try not to take it back to camp!

Features: Unpowered sites, sheltered cooking area and bathroom facilities

Price per night: $10 per adult, $5 per child

Website: www.doc.govt.nz

7. Jackson's Retreat Alpine Holiday Park

Arthur’s Pass National Park

180km from Christchurch

Photo credit: @lastly via Unsplash.com

To get to Jackson’s Retreat Alpine Holiday Park, you’ll drive right through Arthur's Pass, which reaches heights of over 900 m! Set in lush forest, Jackson’s Retreat Alpine Holiday Park overlooks the mighty Taramakau River against a backdrop of the snowy Southern Alps.

The West Coast is renowned for its whitebait, salmon and brown trout fishing, so grab a rod and head to nearby Lake Brunner. For even more thrills, hob aboard a jet boat to explore the Taramakau River in rapid time. This holiday park is also a great winter camping spot, only a 30-minute drive from the slopes of Temple Basin. And when night falls, you can embark on the magical Glow Worm Waterfall track straight from your campsite.

Features: Powered and unpowered sites, kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities, WiFi, a playground, BBQs and free adult bike hire

Price per night: Powered site from $55, unpowered site from $50

Website: www.jacksonsretreat.co.nz

8. Lake Tekapo Holiday Park

Lake Tekapo

228km from Christchurch

Photo credit: @tokeller via Unsplash.com

Sitting on the shores of Lake Tekapo, this holiday park boasts outstanding views over the azure waters to distant peaks. But this beautiful camping spot isn’t just easy on the eyes; it offers endless entertainment for all ages.

In summer, you’ll enjoy all sorts of exciting water sports and activities, including fishing, jet boating, water skiing, wakeboarding and swimming. And there’s just as much fun to be had on land - The vast Mackenzie Basin offers horse trekking, hiking and mountain biking. When winter sets in, go skiing or snowboarding at the Roundhill Ski Field, which is only 40 minutes away by car. Closer to camp, you’ll find ice skating and snow tubing! Whatever you get up to, soothe your muscles in the hot pools at Tekapo Springs that evening.

Features: Powered and unpowered sites, kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities, a playground, bike hire, WiFi and BBQs

Price per night: Powered sites approx. $60, unpowered sites approx. $55

Website: www.laketekapo-accommodation.co.nz

9. Peketa Beach Holiday Park

Kaikoura Coast

170km from Christchurch

Photo credit: @timmarshall via Unsplash.com

Last but not least, the Kaikoura coast offers incredible scenery with wildlife to match. And Peketa Beach Holiday Park is the area’s only beachside holiday park.

Kaikoura is famous for its abundant marine life and there are almost as many ways to check it out. Jump on a whale watching flight, dive with dolphins or kayak by blue penguins. You can even swim with playful fur seals in the shallows off Kaikoura Peninsula!

If you’d rather stay dry, there are heaps of activities where the mountains greet the sea. Wander down the secluded walking trail on Kaikoura’s hidden coastline or take in the relaxing scents at Lavendyl Lavender Farm as you overlook sparkling ocean beneath the slopes of Mount Fyffe. All of this, only a short drive from camp.

Features: Powered and unpowered sites, sheltered BBQ and dining area, bathroom and laundry facilities, WiFi, a playground and fishing supply hire (So pretty much everything)

Price per night: Powered sites from $25 per adult and $12 per child, unpowered sites from $20 per adults and $12 per child

Website: www.kaikourapeketabeach.co.nz

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Feature Image Photo Credit: P. Stalder via Wikimedia Commons (See full licence).