🌄 Best Motorhome Stops in Queenstown

🎯 From our past stays and countless recommendations—from friends to happy travellers—it’s incredibly difficult to choose the best of Queenstown’s huge selection of campsites. But here’s a starter set: a mix of paid parks with full amenities, scenic freedom spots, and classic DOC campsite experiences. There’s a whole lot more out there—happy to expand the list later!

🏨 Paid Holiday Parks with Full Facilities

Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park – Queenstown

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$35pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, kitchen, laundry, hot showers, playground, dump station, Wi‑Fi
• Why it’s great: Close to downtown, with family-friendly facilities and easy access to Gondola, bike trails, central shops & eateries .
• Tips: Reserve early for powered lakeside spots; loyal returning guests love the playground.

Park Creek Holiday Park – Frankton (airport end)

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$28pp
• Facilities: Powered sites, kitchen, laundry, bathrooms, hot showers, Wi‑Fi, dump station
• Why it’s great: A quiet base just minutes from the airport and lakeside cycle trails—still easy to skip into town.
• Tips: Ideal for early flights or post-glacier arrivals.

Shotover Country Holiday Park – Arthurs Point

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$30pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, toilets, hot showers, laundry, playground, BBQ, Wi‑Fi, dump station
• Why it’s great: Calm riverside location beside Shotover River with beautiful mountain views and close to rafting and walking trails.
• Tips: Great for couples and families seeking quiet and comfort.

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)

Frankton Arm Riverside Reserve

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets nearby, shaded grassy spots
• Why it’s great: Lovely lakeside location with views across Wakatipu and quick access to Frankton shops and trailheads.
• Tips: Arrive early to grab a flat spot. Still tidy at night.

Kelvin Heights Reserve

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets, boat-launch area
• Why it’s great: Prime lakefront, cycle-trail link, and sunrise views—great for early-morning paddling or quiet u-shaped repose.
• Tips: Stay in designated bays and be prepared for occasional road noise.

Henley Motorhome Park (lake north)

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Donation appreciated
• Facilities: Toilets, water tap
• Why it’s great: Small, lake-edge site in a peaceful setting just north of Queenstown’s “Henley” rowing course.
• Tips: A popular locals’ spot with voluntary koha.

🌳 DOC Campsites with Basic Facilities

Moke Lake Campsite – DOC

• Type: DOC campsite | Cost: ~$15pp
• Facilities: Long-drop toilets, picnic tables, lake access, tramping tracks
• Why it’s great: Stunning alpine setting with endless stars, kayaking, biking tracks, and dive-in mountain reflections.
• Tips: Gravel drive—best for agile motorhomes. Book ahead over summer weekends.

Roys Peak Trail Carpark (near Wanaka)

• Type: DOC access/reserve | Cost: Free (carpark only)
• Facilities: Toilets, trailhead access
• Why it’s great: Launch point for iconic Roys Peak hike and well-maintained carpark—perfect for early starts.
• Tips: Stay locked down; no overnight parking allowed at trail monitoring times.

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.

🧩 Quick Comparison Chart

Type	Site	Notes
Paid	Queenstown TOP 10	Right by CBD
	Park Creek	Quiet, FM access
	Shotover Country	Riverside & rafting access
Freedom	Frankton Arm	Lakeside, close to trails
	Kelvin Heights	Sunrise lakefront
	Henley Motorhome Park	Donation-based, local gem
DOC	Moke Lake	Alpine setting
	Roys Peak	Ride big hike startpoint

💡 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