🌲 Best Motorhome Stops – West Coast South Island

From Hokitika up to Franz Josef and Punakaiki, this rugged coastal route is a camper’s dream—rainforest meets glacier, with dramatic cliffs, wild beaches, and mountain solitude. Here’s your go-to list of campsites and stops along the way.

🚐 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

Punakaiki Beach Camp – Punakaiki

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$30pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, toilets, hot showers, laundry, BBQ areas, dump station
• Why it’s great: A perfect base for the Pancake Rocks and blowhole walks—with beachfront access and lush greenery all around.
• Tips: Book ahead in summer; coastal sites offer brilliant sunset views.

Lake Brunner Holiday Park – Moana (near Greymouth)

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: ~$25pp
• Facilities: Powered/non-powered sites, cabins, toilets, hot showers, laundry, playground, dump station
• Why it’s great: Lakeside retreat with fishing, boating, and swims—ideal peaceful stop between Hokitika and Arthur’s Pass.
• Tips: Try a dunk after the dusty road; sites are shaded and popular with families.

Franz Josef TOP 10 Holiday Park – Franz Josef

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$35pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, kitchen, laundry, hot shower blocs, playground, Wi‑Fi, dump station
• Why it’s great: A full-service hub for glacier hikers—close to town with Himalayan-style amenities.
• Tips: Book early in peak months; shout for powered sites morningside for EV recharge.

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.

🌳 DOC Campsites with Basic Facilities

Otto MacDonald’s Creek Campsite – South of Franz Josef

• Type: DOC campsite | Cost: ~$15pp
• Facilities: Long-drop toilets, picnic tables, stream water to boil
• Why it’s great: Rustic riverside setting with bush-lined campsites—glacial river access and birdlife.
• Tips: Gravel access; arrive early for flat spots.

Lake Mahinapua Campsite – South of Hokitika

• Type: DOC site | Cost: ~$15pp
• Facilities: Long-drop toilets, water tap, lakeside track access
• Why it’s great: Calm lake location under native bush canopy—great for a kayak night-stop.
• Tips: No power—use nearby holiday parks for amenities bottom-line.

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)

Fox River (near Fox Glacier)

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Basic grassy pad, river access
• Why it’s great: Ideal for glacier seekers—close to town but peaceful by a fast-flowing river.
• Tips: Civilised up to 3 nights max; bring a mat or stabiliser for uneven spots.

Bakers Creek (near Ross)

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Long-drop toilets, picnic area
• Why it’s great: Quiet creek-side rest beneath beech forest—great stop between Greymouth and Hokitika.
• Tips: Parking area gives shade; day-use only during busy river festivals.

Nelson Creek (West Coast)

• Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Basic carpark, stream access
• Why it’s great: A handy mid-route escape with forest track access—perfect for a short pause.
• Tips: Bring mosquito repellent in summer; flat spots are popular with DOC trampers.

🧰 Essential Motorhome Services & Stops

Service	Locations & Notes
Dump Stations	Franz Josef TOP 10; Punakaiki Holiday Park; Lake Brunner; Hokitika TOP 10 or town station
Public Toilets	Hokitika, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Fox Glacier village
Supermarkets/Laundry	Hokitika Countdown; Franz Josef village supplies; Moana Holiday Park laundry
Fuel + Cafés	Hokitika café strip; Punakaiki pancake stops; Franz Josef visitor services

💡 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