Destinations
Best West Coast campsites NZ: ultimate camping guide
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The West Coast is one of New Zealand’s most stunning regions to explore with world-famous glaciers, spectacular scenery and rich culture. Explore the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, take a scenic drive down The Great Coast Roa or immerse yourself in some mining history. With so much to see and do, you’ll need to find the perfect spot to lay your head at the end of each busy day! Get your trip sorted with our guide to the best West Coast campsites.
Best campsites on the West Coast: 7 spots you can’t miss
1. Kohaihai Campsite
Kohaihai Road, West Coast, New Zealand | Adult: $8 per night, Child (5-17 years): $4 per night, Infant (0-4 years): Free
Just a short drive from Oparara Basin and Box Canyon Cave, Kohaihai Campsite is the perfect place to settle down and enjoy some of the magical scenery surrounding you.
Set right on the gorgeous Nikau Forest and on the Kohaihai River mouth, you are spoilt for options when it comes to scenic walks you can embark on to really soak up the views. Located in the Kahurangi National Park, there’s plenty to see and do.
Feeling active? You can also experience whitewater kayaking, windsurfing, or swimming at the nearby Scotts Beach. It’s a great place to unwind in the untouched nature and enjoy some solitude.
2. Gentle Annie Campsite
298 De Malmanches Road, Mokihinui 7891, New Zealand | Adult: $19 per night, Child: $10
Located just 10km from the Old Ghost Road mountain biking and walking track, Gentle Annie is an ideal spot to base yourself to explore the many scenic attractions of the Northern Buller Region.
You can spend a couple of nights exploring everything this West Coast campsite has on offer, with just a quick drive to Oparara Valley, or head south to Charming Creek Walkway and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
At the campsite, you can enjoy hot showers, a basic kitsch, sinks with water, washing machine, pizza oven and toilets. There’s even a playground for little ones!
3. Goldsborough Campsite
Stafford Loop Road, Kumara 7882, New Zealand | Adult: $8 per night, Child (5-17 years): $4 per night, Infant (0-4 years): free
If you’re looking to brush up on a little local history, then this is the perfect West Coast campsite for you. It’s nice and secluded and is actually on the site of an old gold mining town. Even better, you can try your luck fossicking in the nearby creek. Who knows what you might come across!
If you’re looking for something new to explore, you can also take off on one of the nearby walking or cycling tracks through the Kumara area.
While this campsite is fairly basic, you can still enjoy flush toilets and water from a tap to make your stay more enjoyable. Note there are no showers.
4. Punakaiki Beach Camp
5 Owen Street, Punakaiki, New Zealand | Adult: $20, Children $10
Nestled between the beach, the Pororari river and the National Park, Punakaiki Beach Camp is the ideal place to sit back, relax and really soak up the wilderness around you. Just a 15-minute walk from the famous Pancake Rocks, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the area.
With 30 powered sites to choose from, there’s lots of space to set up your campervan, with hot showers and a kitchen available for your use. There’s even more space when it comes to unpowered sites and setting up your campervan in a spot of your choosing!
Once you’re ready to get out and explore, enjoy paddle boarding, check out the Pororari River loop, head off on the Truman Track or take a pleasant stroll on the Lagoon Walk.
Book now.
5. Lake Ianthe Matahi Campsite
3062 State Highway, Harihari 7884, New Zealand | Adult: $8 per night, Child (5-17 years): $4 per night, Infant (0-4 years): free
Located in the Harihari area of the West Coast region, Lake Ianthe Matahi is one of the best West Coast campsites. Set up camp beside a beautiful forest-lined freshwater lake. Then enjoy some boating, take off trout fishing, or simply splash into the freshwater and cool down after a long hike.
There’s also plenty of attractions just a short drive away, including the Harihari Coastal Walkway, or set off on the West Coast Wilderness Trail for some spectacular sites. You can visit the West Coast Treetop Walk & Cafe, indulging in a bite to eat are some amazing views. Or head inland to the Hokita Gorge.
Back at the campsite you’ll find all the amenities you need with a sheltered cooking spot, non-flush toilets (bring the paper!) and water from the tap.
6. Hans Bay - Lake Kaniere Camping Area
Lake Kaniere Road, Kaniere, Kokatahi 7881 North Island****| Adult: $8 per night, Child (5-17 years): $4 per night, Infant (0-4 years): free
You’ll find this amazing West Coast campsite nestled beside the stunning Lake Kaniere, offering up an array of water activities to keep the whole tribe entertained. There’s a jetty onsite, so you can take the boat out to explore the area, or even sit back and enjoy a spot of fishing. If you’re feeling more adventurous, dive in for a splash!
There’s plenty to see and do around the campsite, too. Head off for a hike on the Lake Kaniere Walkway track, or head the other direction and check out the beautiful Dorothy Falls. If you venture further inland, you will find the Otira Viaduct Lookout and Arthur’s Pass Walking track. If you’re seeking water, then head over Sunset Point and Glow Worm Dell.
The campsite is equipped with everything you need offering up a shelter for cooking, flush toilets (bonus) and running water.
7. Gillespies Beach
Westland National Park 7886, New Zealand | Prices start from $36 per night
This campsite is situated on Gillespies Beach near an old mining settlement and a seal colony. You can hike the numerous tracks to take a look at the historic suction and bucket dredges, and also pay a visit to Galway Beach.
Fox Glacier is just a short trip away, where you can visit the lookout and marvel at some incredible views of the glacier valley. Or make your way to Reflection Island nearby, which is the perfect scenic spot to take a walk and enjoy the panoramas with a picnic.
At this West Coast campsite, you will find shelter for cooking, non-flush toilets and tap water.
Hire a van for your West Coast camping trip
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The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.