Best Campgrounds in Canterbury

Camping in Canterbury is one of the best ways to experience the region’s wild landscapes, welcoming towns and dramatic contrasts. From the Pacific coastline to the Southern Alps, this part of Aotearoa – New Zealand offers everything from well-equipped holiday parks to back-to-nature DOC sites and freedom camping spots by the sea. Whether you’re travelling in a campervan, pitching a tent or just chasing the open road, Canterbury has a place for you.

🌊 Kaikōura – Coastal Camping by the Mountains

Kaikōura is famous for its whales, dolphins and dramatic mountain-meets-sea backdrop. Camping here means you can wake to the sound of waves, then head out on a wildlife tour before relaxing by the water at sunset.

• Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park – Family-friendly with powered sites and cabins, close to town.
• Alpine Pacific Holiday Park – Known for its hot tubs and spa pools, with mountain and sea views.
• Pohowera, South Bay – Freedom Camping – A beachfront spot for self-contained vehicles.
• Jimmy Armers Beach – Freedom Camping – Popular oceanfront park-up with stunning sunrise views.
• Puhi Puhi Campsite (DOC) – A bushy riverside DOC site, about 12 km north of Kaikōura.

🌿 Hanmer Springs – Alpine Soaks & Starry Nights

Hanmer Springs is an alpine village where relaxation and adventure meet. Famous for its hot pools, it’s also a gateway to forests, trails and big sky camping.

• Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park – A well-equipped park close to the pools, ideal for families.
• Pines Holiday Park – Friendly and budget-friendly with plenty of shade.
• Hanmer Springs River Reserve – Freedom Camping – Riverside self-contained spot, a short walk into town.
• War Memorial Hall Carpark – Freedom Camping – Central, handy overnight stop for self-contained campers.
• Acheron Accommodation House Campsite (DOC) – 26 km north of Hanmer, historic and peaceful.

🌆 Christchurch – Gateway to Camping in Canterbury

As the largest city in the South Island, Christchurch makes a great starting point for camping trips. You can stay by the coast, close to the city or out on the Banks Peninsula with clifftop views.

• South Brighton Holiday Park – Laid-back and near the beach.
• Riverlands Holiday Park – Affordable and convenient, close to the airport.
• Broadpark Road – Freedom Camping – A coastal stop for self-contained vehicles.
• Thomson Park Marine Parade – Freedom Camping – Beachfront spot with limited spaces.
• Godley Head Campsite (DOC) – Clifftop site with epic views and WWII history.

🏞️ Arthur’s Pass & Surrounds – Alpine Camping Adventures

Arthur’s Pass National Park delivers towering peaks, waterfalls, and winding alpine roads. Camping here puts you in the middle of the Southern Alps, while nearby Lake Coleridge and Springfield offer quieter overnight options.

• Andrews Shelter Campsite (DOC) – A grassy site popular with trampers, surrounded by forest.
• Avalanche Creek Shelter Campsite (DOC) – Central, small site in the village with basic facilities.
• Aitkens Rest Area – Freedom Camping – A roadside self-contained stop with alpine views.
• Lake Coleridge – A tranquil lake area, known for fishing and quiet park-ups.
• Springfield – Gateway town with basic services, a handy stop before the pass.

🌌 Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki – Stargazing & Turquoise Lakes

Camping around Tekapo and Pukaki means turquoise waters, lupins in bloom and skies alive with stars. This is Mackenzie country at its finest.

• Lakes Edge Holiday Park (Tekapo) – Prime lakeside location with powered sites and cabins.
• Lake Alexandrina & Lake McGregor Camps – Freedom Camping – Rustic campgrounds on spring-fed lakes.
• Sawdon / Edwards Stream – Freedom Camping – Basic riverside spot for self-contained vans.
• Lake Pukaki Carpark – Freedom Camping – Iconic free stop with views of Aoraki.
• Lake Poaka Campsite (DOC) – Quiet lakeside DOC site about 60 km from Aoraki.

🎣 Twizel & Omarama – Canals, Fishing & Alpine Quiet

Twizel and Omarama are surrounded by wide skies, canals, and mountain lakes. They’re favourites for fishing, gliding and soaking in hot tubs.

• Twizel Holiday Park – Central with powered sites, cabins and good facilities.
• Omarama TOP 10 Holiday Park – A well-run park with modern facilities and easy town access.
• Round Bush Reserve Campsite (DOC, Lake Ōhau) – Sheltered DOC site on the edge of Lake Ōhau.
• Lake Ruataniwha (West End) – Freedom Camping – Lakeside self-contained stop, popular for kayaking and fishing.
• Lake Ōhau – Freedom Camping – Remote, wild and unforgettable.

🌊 Timaru – Coastal Charm & Caroline Bay

Timaru is a relaxed coastal town known for Caroline Bay, botanic gardens and penguin colonies. It’s a convenient stop on the road south with a good mix of options.

• Glenmark Holiday Park – Affordable and family-friendly.
• Timaru TOP 10 Holiday Park – Close to Caroline Bay with full facilities.
• Milford Lagoon – Freedom Camping – North of town, with birdlife and ocean views.
• Galletlys Road – Freedom Camping – South of town, a simple overnight spot.
• Peel Forest Campsite (DOC) – Native bush setting with tracks and river access.

🏔️ Aoraki / Mount Cook – Camping Beneath the Cloud Piercer

Camping in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is unforgettable. With towering peaks, glaciers, and endless stars, it’s alpine camping at its best.

• Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park – Modern amenities and comfort for travellers.
• Glentanner Holiday Park – Just outside the park entrance with powered sites and cabins.
• White Horse Hill Campsite (DOC) – The main campsite in the park, beneath Aoraki itself.
• Lake Poaka Campsite (DOC) – About 60 km from Aoraki, peaceful and scenic.
• Peter’s Lookout – Freedom Camping – Overnight stop with panoramic views of Lake Pukaki and Aoraki.

✨ Final Thoughts

Camping in Canterbury brings you closer to the land — whether it’s waking up to whales in Kaikōura, soaking in Hanmer Springs, stargazing in Tekapo or pitching a tent beneath Aoraki. With its wide range of holiday parks, DOC sites, and freedom camping spots, this region has something for everyone.

These are just some of the highlights but there are plenty more to explore. From Akaroa & Banks Peninsula to Ashburton, Geraldine and Lake Coleridge, Canterbury is filled with campgrounds that make every journey memorable.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
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• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
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