🌄 Best Motorhome Stops – Tekapo to Wanaka

This stunning stretch offers lakeside beauty, alpine vistas, and serene bush retreats. Here’s a curated mix of 3 paid parks, 2 DOC campsites, and 3 freedom camping spots to get your journey started from Lake Tekapo toward Wanaka.

🏨 Paid Holiday Parks with Full Amenities

Lakes Edge Holiday Park – Lake Ōhau

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$25pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, hot showers, laundry, kitchen, Wi‑Fi, dump station
• Why it’s great: Lakeside peace with mountain backdrops—ideal off-grid comfort and fresh trout fishing access.
• Tips: Expect colder nights—book powered sites for extra warmth.

Omarama TOP 10 Holiday Park – Omarama

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$28pp
• Facilities: Powered sites, cabins, kitchen, laundry, playground, Wi‑Fi, dump station
• Why it’s great: Family-friendly base near the Clay Cliffs and Alps 2 Ocean bike trail 
• Tips: Water taps may freeze in winter—fill up early afternoon.

Camp Lake Hāwea – Hāwea Lake

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: ~$28pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, showers, laundry, dump station, playground
• Why it’s great: Lakeside calm, hot pool access, family-friendly atmosphere, and close to Wanaka attractions.
• Tips: Book lakeside powered sites for the best experience.

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.

🌳 DOC Campsites – Rustic & Scenic

Cameron Flat Campsite – Mount Aspiring National Park

• Type: DOC campsite | Cost: $15pp
• Facilities: Long-drop toilets, river access, bush surrounds
• Why it’s great: Peaceful forest setting at the entrance to a beautiful bush walk—great for a quiet recharge.
• Tips: Gravel access; suitable for agile motorhomes. No power.

White Horse Hill Campsite – Aoraki / Mt Cook Visitor

• Type: DOC campsite | Cost: $15pp
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, trailhead access
• Why it’s great: Stunning alpine backdrop—perfect base for Hooker Valley or Mueller Hut walkers.
• Tips: High elevation = cold nights. Bring warm bedding and book ahead.

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.

🚐 Freedom Camping (Self-Contained Only)

Lake Pūkaki Carpark (The Pines)

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets, waste bins, stunning lake access
• Why it’s great: Iconic turquoise lake with Aoraki reflections—freedom camping legend at its best .
• Tips: Self-contained only; arrive early for prime-view parking; check for wind .

Lake Ōhau Carpark

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets, roadside parking
• Why it’s great: Quiet alpine lake with mountain views—peaceful spot for evening relaxation.
• Tips: Park in designated bays; frost can settle early.

Lake Middleton Reserve

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets, lakeside access
• Why it’s great: Small lake near Omarama—great for a quiet night on the water’s edge.
• Tips: Stay tidy; pack out everything.

🧰 Essential Services & Stops

Service	Locations & Notes
Dump Stations	Omarama TOP 10; Lakes Edge HP; Camp Lake Hāwea
Public Toilets	Lake Pūkaki carpark; Lake Ōhau; Lake Middleton
Supermarkets & Laundry	Omarama shop; Wanaka supermarkets; laundries at holiday parks
Fuel & Cafés	Omarama, Twizel, Hāwea township, Wanaka

💡 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