Best Camping Spots In & Around Christchurch

Christchurch offers camping that suits every style of traveller. Whether you prefer a rugged coastal freedom site, a DOC campground with history and wildlife or a holiday park with family-friendly facilities, you’ll find something here. These Best Camping Spots in Christchurch make it easy to explore the city while staying close to nature.

🚐 Thomson Park Marine Parade – Freedom Camping

This coastal freedom camping spot sits just across from Thomson Park, giving travellers easy access to open green spaces and the beach. It’s within the Christchurch Coastal Restricted Zone, which means stays are limited, but it’s an excellent option for certified self-contained vehicles looking for a budget-friendly overnight stop.

The area feels relaxed yet convenient with a balance of beachside quiet and proximity to the city. The rules require campers to move every two nights, which helps keep the flow of travellers fair. For those travelling in vans, it’s a chance to park up close to the sea and enjoy the coastal atmosphere without leaving Christchurch behind.

• Certified vehicles only
• Maximum 4 nights per 30 days, with a move required every 2 nights
• Close to the beach and coastal walking tracks

🏞️ Godley Head DOC Campsite

Perched high on the Port Hills above Sumner, the Godley Head DOC Campsite is a favourite for those who love combining scenery with history. The road leading up is winding and narrow, but once you arrive, you’re rewarded with dramatic ocean views and a sense of being far from the city bustle.

The site is close to a network of walking and biking tracks and it also houses the remains of a World War II coastal defence battery. Exploring the old bunkers and gun emplacements adds a fascinating layer to the visit. With wildlife nearby and a caretaker on site, it’s a place where nature, history and recreation come together in a uniquely Christchurch way.

• Bookings required
• Popular with mountain bikers and hikers
• Caretaker on site for support
• Narrow, winding access road – take care

🐦 Lake Pearson (Moana Rua) DOC Campsite

The Lake Pearson DOC Campsite is set in the wide open spaces of the Waimakariri Basin, about 35km from Arthur’s Pass. Here you’ll find an alpine lake surrounded by mountains, offering an atmosphere that feels remote and peaceful. The reflections on the lake at dawn and dusk create moments that are hard to forget.

It’s a simple standard campsite but what it lacks in facilities it makes up for in its natural setting. Bird watchers come to see the many species that call the lake home, while anglers enjoy fishing in the cool alpine waters. The weather can change quickly and in winter snow often makes the access road difficult, but that sense of challenge adds to the site’s charm.

• Bookings required
• No dogs allowed
• Road access can be tricky in winter due to snow
• A true back-to-nature experience

🎣 Rakaia River Holiday Park

On the south side of the mighty Rakaia River Bridge, this holiday park blends comfort with outdoor adventure. It’s particularly popular with anglers, as the river is famous for salmon fishing. With a small fishing gear shop on site, it’s easy to pick up essentials before heading to the riverbanks.

The park also caters to families and groups with a swimming pool, pizza oven and secure off-leash area for dogs. There’s plenty of space for both tents and campervans and the surrounding landscape has a relaxed, country feel. Close to local shops and a hotel, it’s a place where you can enjoy the outdoors while still having conveniences nearby.

• Kitchen, BBQ, pizza oven and swimming pool
• Small on-site fishing gear shop and pétanque area
• Secure off-leash dog park for pets
• Dump station available for guests only

🌊 South Brighton Holiday Park

Located near the estuary and beach, South Brighton Holiday Park is a laid-back option for those who prefer a quieter coastal base. It has a welcoming feel and is close enough to the water for evening strolls, morning swims or simply enjoying the fresh sea breeze.

Facilities are well-kept with kitchens and BBQ areas, making it easy to cook and relax. The park has clear pet policies, so it’s best to check ahead if you’re travelling with animals. What stands out most is the balance between convenience and nature — you’re still within easy reach of Christchurch city, but you get the slower rhythm of a seaside holiday.

• Kitchen and BBQ area
• Phone ahead if bringing pets (no cats allowed)
• Laundry available at extra cost

Final Thoughts

These Best Camping Spots in Christchurch highlight the range of options for travellers. From freedom camping by the coast to DOC sites steeped in history or alpine scenery, through to holiday parks with modern facilities, Christchurch offers a base that matches any style of travel. Whether you’re chasing sea views, riverside fishing, or mountain backdrops, camping here gives you a unique way to experience the Garden City.