🌄 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!

🚐 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 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 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)

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