🚐 Best Motorhome Stops – Kaikōura to Christchurch & Banks Peninsula

This scenic route offers coastal charm, thermal escapes, alpine vibes, and plenty of freedom-friendly camping before setting sail for Akaroa or heading south.

🚐 Need a Campervan for Your Journey?

Looking to explore Aotearoa – New Zealand by road? Start by comparing motorhome options with Motorhome Republic. It’s a simple way to find the best fit for your travel style — whether you’re after a cosy van for two or a fully equipped home on wheels.

🏨 Paid Holiday Parks with Full Facilities

Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park – Hanmer Springs

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$28pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, hot tubs, playground, laundry, kitchen, Wi‑Fi, dump station 
• Why it’s great: A well-appointed alpine resort town base—perfect after your road to Kaikōura, with thermal pools, biking trails, and mountain views.
• Tips: Book ahead for private wood‑fired hot tubs; family fun zone is a winner.

Tasman Holiday Park – Christchurch/South Brighton

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$30pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, toilets, showers, laundry, kitchen, Wi‑Fi, playground, dump station 
• Why it’s great: Family-friendly and just 20 minutes from Christchurch CBD, this seaside park is a great final stop before heading south.

Rakaia River Holiday Park – Rakaia

• Type: Riverside holiday park | Cost: ~$25pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, toilets, showers, laundry, dump station
• Why it’s great: Tranquil riverside setting with easy bridge access en route to Christchurch—a quiet and green stopover.

Akaroa TOP 10 Holiday Park – Akaroa

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$32pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, toilets/shower, laundry, kitchen, playground, dump station
• Why it’s great: Ideal base for exploring the French-influenced harbour village and surrounding bays—full facilities and charm included.

Ready to book your campground? Most campervan sites in Aotearoa – New Zealand are bookable directly through the holiday park’s website or apps like CamperMate and Rankers. If you’re looking for cabins or motel-style units instead, many of these can be booked via Booking.com or Tripadvisor
And don’t forget Travel Insurance that covers campervan trips — especially handy if you’re carrying gear or heading remote.

🚐 Freedom Camping (Self-Contained Only)

Hanmer Springs River Reserve

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets, river access, shaded parking
• Why it’s great: Scenic overnight stop on the river edge—peaceful and close to town amenities.

Naval Point – Lyttelton Harbour

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets, water tap, boat ramp
• Why it’s great: Coastal reserve with harbour views—a great base before heading into Christchurch.

Robinsons Bay – Banks Peninsula

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets, small carpark
• Why it’s great: Quiet bay with beach access—a rare seaside free-spot near Akaroa.

🌳 DOC Campsites with Basic Facilities

Lake Pearson (Moana Rua) Campsite – Craigieburn Forest Park

• Type: DOC standard campsite | Cost: ~$15pp 
• Facilities: 25 non-powered sites, toilets, lake access, hiking trails
• Why it’s great: Lakeside escape in the mountains—spectacular alpine backdrop just 90 minutes from Christchurch.
• Tips: Booking required; access via gravel but manageable for most motorhomes.

Godley Head (Awaroa) DOC Campsite – Christchurch

• Type: DOC campsite | Cost: Free
• Facilities: 25 unpowered tent sites, toilets, scenic walking tracks 
• Why it’s great: Mountain meets sea—historic WWII battery site, panoramic ocean views, and walking trails just outside the city.
• Tips: Book in advance and bring your own water.

Note: DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites may require bookings depending on the season. Always check site details, availability, and current conditions at the Official DOC Camping page.

🧰 Essential Services & Stops

Service	Locations & Notes
Dump Stations	On-site at Hanmer TOP 10, Tasman Christchurch, Rakaia River, Akaroa TOP 10
Public Toilets	Hanmer, Christchurch city, Lyttelton (Naval Point), Akaroa township
Supermarkets	Hanmer Springs; Christchurch CBD & suburbs; Akaroa small store
Fuel, Cafés & Laundries	Hanmer village; Christchurch suburbs; café in Rakaia; laundry at parks