🚐 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.

🏨 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 Trip.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