🌲 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.

🏨 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 Trip.com or Tripadvisor
And don’t forget Travel Insurance that covers campervan trips especially handy if you’re carrying gear or heading remote.

Affiliate Note: This post contains trusted partner links (including Trip.com, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and other travel services we personally use). If you book through them, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Tohu Travellers.

🌳 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

Why Book Your Campervan with Motorhome Republic?

With dozens of trusted rental brands in one place, Motorhome Republic makes it easy to compare, choose and book the right campervan for your Aotearoa – New Zealand adventure. From budget-friendly options to premium motorhomes, you’ll find something that suits your travel style and trip length.

We love recommending them because their booking process is simple, their customer service is excellent and they work with top suppliers across the country. Whether you’re picking up in Auckland, Christchurch or somewhere in between — it’s a hassle-free way to get on the road faster.

“Booking was easy, support was great and we got the perfect camper for our road trip. It was exactly what we hoped for.”
— Feedback from a Motorhome Republic customer

🌿Looking for more travel inspiration?

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