Best Motorhome Stops – Otago Coast & The Catlins – Wild Shores & Southern Charm

This wild southern stretch—from Dunedin down through the Catlins to Bluff—offers rich coastal experiences, hidden DOC retreats, and peaceful freedom campsites.

🏨 Paid Holiday Parks with Full Amenities

Catlins Newhaven Holiday Park – Surat Bay

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$45pp
• Facilities: Powered sites, cabins, shared kitchens, hot showers, beachfront, laundry, dump station
• Why it’s great: Right on serene Surat Bay—wildlife sightings are common, and nearby gems like Curio Bay and Cathedral Caves await 
• Tips: Gravel sites near the beach avoid late-night damp; sea lion visits at dusk are magical.

Invercargill Holiday Park (Gum Tree Farm)

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: ~$30pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, bathrooms, laundry, playground, dump station
• Why it’s great: Friendly farm-like setting perfect before catching the ferry or heading north—close to Bluff and Oreti Beach.
• Tips: Ideal for families after beach and Catlins adventures.

Clutha Gold Camping & Motels – Lawrence

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: ~$25pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, laundry, kitchen, dump station
• Why it’s great: Inland, but charmingly historic—good halfway stop with heritage trails and local cafes nearby.

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)

Robinsons Bay – Banks Peninsula

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets, carpark
• Why it’s great: Secluded coastal gem with clean beach access and calm evenings—excellent for a sunset or sunrise stay.
• Tips: Bring water and be careful on narrow access roads.

Purakaunui Bay – Catlins Coast

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Basic toilets
• Why it’s great: Popular with photographers and wildlife lovers—boasts Paua diving, penguin sightings, and wild surf .

Jack’s Bay Reserve – The Catlins

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables
• Why it’s great: Dramatic rocky blowhole views at Jack’s Blowhole—dramatic coastal beauty off the beaten track .

🌲 DOC Campsites with Basic Facilities

Hinahina Reserve Campsite – Owaka River

• Type: DOC campsite | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets, grassy riverside site .
• Why it’s great: A quiet riverside stop near Papatowai and Curio Bay—ideal for a peaceful night before exploring the Catlins.

Lake Wilkie Campsite – Near Papatowai

• Type: DOC campsite | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets, short forest walk to reflective lake .
• Why it’s great: Enchanting mossy lake setting under the bush canopy—magical with morning mist.

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	At Catlins Newhaven, Invercargill Holiday Park, Lawrence Campground
Public Toilets	Owaka township, Purakaunui Falls carpark
Laundry & Supplies	Holiday parks; small grocery at Owaka
Fuel & Cafés	Owaka, Invercargill, and along the Southern Scenic Route

💡 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