One of the best parts of campervanning around Aotearoa – New Zealand is discovering amazing places to park up for the night. From peaceful lakeside DOC sites to full-facility holiday parks, there’s a campground for every kind of traveller.
But not all campgrounds are created equal. Some are wild and remote, others offer power, hot showers, and a kitchen you’ll be grateful for after days off-grid. This guide will help you find the right campsite for your style, using local knowledge, trusted tools, and a few of our favourites along the way.
Table of Contents
Types of Campgrounds in Aotearoa
New Zealand offers a wide range of campground options, each with different amenities, pricing, and vibes. Here’s a breakdown:
🏕️ DOC (Department of Conservation) Campsites
Managed by the Department of Conservation, these sites are usually located in stunning natural areas—beaches, forests, alpine valleys. Facilities are basic (often just long-drops and water tanks), but the locations are worth it.
- Cost: Free–$25 per night
- First-come, first-served (book online at busy sites)
- No power, but peace and beauty in spades
➡️ Tip: Pay online via the DOC Website, or bring cash if you spot a ranger onsite.
🏡 Holiday Parks
Holiday parks are a great option when you want to recharge—yourself and your camper. They offer powered sites, hot showers, toilets, laundry rooms, and often Wi-Fi.
- Cost: $25–$40 per person per night (varies by season)
- Many have communal kitchens and lounges
- Family-friendly and ideal for bad weather stops
➡️ Tip: Book ahead via Booking.com, or check out the Top 10 Holiday Parks network for consistently reliable stays.
🌿 Freedom Camping Sites
These are low-cost or free sites available to certified self-contained vehicles only. Most are on council-managed or conservation land.
- Quiet, scenic, and minimal facilities
- Must have a certified self-contained camper
- Be respectful—freedom camping is a privilege, not a right
➡️ Tip: Always check signage and local council rules before parking up. Fines for illegal camping are $200+.
Top Apps and Tools to Use
Technology can take the guesswork out of finding the perfect campground. These apps are game-changers for anyone campervanning across NZ:
📲 CamperMate
The most widely used app in the country. Shows freedom camping spots, holiday parks, dump stations, and even toilets.
➡️ Best for: Real-time updates, offline access, and user reviews
📲 Download CamperMate
📲 Rankers NZ
Trusted for verified listings and detailed filters. Great for locating DOC camps and freedom-friendly options.
➡️ Best for: Peace-of-mind and ethical listings
📲 Explore Rankers NZ
📲 Wikicamps NZ
User-driven app with tons of listings and great offline access for off-grid areas.
➡️ Best for: Backup planning when you’re out of range
💡 Bonus: Use Google Maps satellite view to scope out the layout before you arrive.
Booking Tips & Tricks
- 📅 Book early during summer (Dec–Feb), especially at popular holiday parks
- ⏰ Arrive early at DOC sites—best spots go fast
- 💬 Visit i-SITE centres in towns for local insight and help booking nearby sites
- 💰 Alternate between free and paid sites to stretch your budget
➡️ Pro Tip: Some DOC camps and private sites now accept bookings directly through CamperMate or their own websites.
What to Look For in a Great Site
A good campground goes beyond just a flat space to park. Depending on your needs and travel style, keep an eye out for:
- 🚿 Clean toilets and showers (some charge extra—check signs)
- 🛻 Space between sites for privacy
- 🌄 Scenic views—lake, beach, or mountain access
- 🚶 Proximity to walking tracks or local attractions
- 🔌 Power and Wi-Fi if needed
- 🔒 Safety—especially when arriving late or travelling solo
➡️ Tip: Always read recent reviews on CamperMate or Rankers before committing.
Popular Regions & Our Favourite Campgrounds
Here’s a handpicked selection of standout campgrounds across both islands. These are places we’ve stayed, loved, or had consistently great feedback on.
North Island Favourites
- Hot Water Beach Top 10 – Coromandel: Beachside powered sites and short walk to dig your own hot pool
- Waikite Valley Thermal Pools – Rotorua: Stay beside steaming springs with pool access included
- DOC – Lake Waikaremoana (Te Urewera): Remote, raw, and magical—bring your own everything
- Reid’s Farm – Taupō: Free riverside freedom site close to town
- Castlepoint Freedom Camping – Wairarapa: Coastal beauty with lighthouse views and surf vibes
- Whakapapa Holiday Park – Tongariro NP: Great alpine base for hiking adventures
- Little Waipa Reserve Freedom Camping – Waikato: Riverside serenity, ideal for a quiet reset
- Ray’s Rest Freedom Camping – Miranda: Famous beachside freedom camp with unforgettable sunsets
- Evers-Swindell Reserve Freedom Camping– Clive (Hawke’s Bay): Free, shaded, and close to Napier and Hastings
South Island Favourites
- Lake Pukaki Freedom Camp – Canterbury: Iconic views of Aoraki – Mount Cook; cold but unforgettable
- Lake Tekapo Freedom Camping – Canterbury: Starry skies and close to town; arrive early
- Te Anau Top 10 – Fiordland: Excellent pre-Milford base with full facilities
- Golden Bay Holiday Park – Takaka: Laid-back, beachfront, and close to Abel Tasman’s hidden gems
- Purakaunui Bay Campsite – The Catlins: Wild, coastal, and seal-friendly—pure magic
- Papatowai DOC Camp – The Catlins: Peaceful bush camp with toilets and estuary access
➡️ Note: Use CamperMate or Rankers to check availability, seasonal closures, and updated reviews.
Final Thoughts
Finding a great campground is part of the joy of the journey. Whether you love full-facility comfort or remote hideaways, Aotearoa has something for every kind of vanlifer.
Use the tools, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to try something off the beaten path. Sometimes the best stays are the ones you stumble upon unexpectedly.
➡️ Next in the Series: Campervan Travel Tips from Locals – What You Really Need to Know
Hurihia tō aroaro ki te rā, tukuna tō ātārangi kia taka ki muri i a koe
Turn your face toward the sun and the shadows fall behind you