🌊 Best Motorhome Stops – Otago Coast & The Catlins

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

🚐 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

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 Booking.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