🌄 Best Motorhome Stops – Tekapo to Wanaka

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This stunning stretch offers lakeside beauty, alpine vistas, and serene bush retreats. Here’s a curated mix of 3 paid parks, 2 DOC campsites, and 3 freedom camping spots to get your journey started from Lake Tekapo toward Wanaka.

🚐 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 Amenities

Lakes Edge Holiday Park – Lake ƌhau

  • Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$25pp
  • Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, hot showers, laundry, kitchen, Wi‑Fi, dump station
  • Why it’s great: Lakeside peace with mountain backdrops—ideal off-grid comfort and fresh trout fishing access.
  • Tips: Expect colder nights—book powered sites for extra warmth.

Omarama TOP 10 Holiday Park – Omarama

  • Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$28pp
  • Facilities: Powered sites, cabins, kitchen, laundry, playground, Wi‑Fi, dump station
  • Why it’s great: Family-friendly base near the Clay Cliffs and Alps 2 Ocean bike trail 
  • Tips: Water taps may freeze in winter—fill up early afternoon.

Camp Lake Hāwea – Hāwea Lake

  • Type: Holiday park | Cost: ~$28pp
  • Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, showers, laundry, dump station, playground
  • Why it’s great: Lakeside calm, hot pool access, family-friendly atmosphere, and close to Wanaka attractions.
  • Tips: Book lakeside powered sites for the best experience.

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.

Affiliate Note: This post contains trusted partner links (including Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and other travel services we personally use). If you book through them, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Tohu Travellers.

🌳 DOC Campsites – Rustic & Scenic

Cameron Flat Campsite – Mount Aspiring National Park

  • Type: DOC campsite | Cost: $15pp
  • Facilities: Long-drop toilets, river access, bush surrounds
  • Why it’s great: Peaceful forest setting at the entrance to a beautiful bush walk—great for a quiet recharge.
  • Tips: Gravel access; suitable for agile motorhomes. No power.

White Horse Hill Campsite – Aoraki / Mt Cook Visitor

  • Type: DOC campsite | Cost: $15pp
  • Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, trailhead access
  • Why it’s great: Stunning alpine backdrop—perfect base for Hooker Valley or Mueller Hut walkers.
  • Tips: High elevation = cold nights. Bring warm bedding and book ahead.

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.

🚐 Freedom Camping (Self-Contained Only)

Lake PĆ«kaki Carpark (The Pines)

  • Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
  • Facilities: Toilets, waste bins, stunning lake access
  • Why it’s great: Iconic turquoise lake with Aoraki reflections—freedom camping legend at its best .
  • Tips: Self-contained only; arrive early for prime-view parking; check for wind .

Lake ƌhau Carpark

  • Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
  • Facilities: Toilets, roadside parking
  • Why it’s great: Quiet alpine lake with mountain views—peaceful spot for evening relaxation.
  • Tips: Park in designated bays; frost can settle early.

Lake Middleton Reserve

  • Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
  • Facilities: Toilets, lakeside access
  • Why it’s great: Small lake near Omarama—great for a quiet night on the water’s edge.
  • Tips: Stay tidy; pack out everything.

🧰 Essential Services & Stops

ServiceLocations & Notes
Dump StationsOmarama TOP 10; Lakes Edge HP; Camp Lake Hāwea
Public ToiletsLake PĆ«kaki carpark; Lake ƌhau; Lake Middleton
Supermarkets & LaundryOmarama shop; Wanaka supermarkets; laundries at holiday parks
Fuel & CafésOmarama, Twizel, Hāwea township, Wanaka

💡 Travel Tips from Locals

  • Carry cash for honesty box campsites
  • Always check local council freedom camping rules
  • Use CamperMate or Rankers for up-to-date site reviews
  • Stock up on essentials before heading into remote areas
  • Book DOC sites early in peak season via their Website

Mā roto hoki kia ora ka pai te kƍrero

When refreshed, the conversation will be agreeable