The Ultimate Campervanning Experience, New Zealand Campsites

Exploring New Zealand by campervan is an unforgettable adventure, and our two-week journey with Epic Campers was nothing short of amazing. Having a self-contained campervan allowed us to experience the freedom of staying at some of the most breathtaking campsites, including several free overnight spots designated for self-contained vehicles.

If you're planning a campervanning trip through New Zealand, here are some of the stunning locations we stayed at

Top Campervan Campsites in New Zealand

1. Deer Flat Campsite – $15 NZD per person, per night

A Beautiful campsite with a stream running directly through. Perfect for going for a swim in the cold water. It is quite fast flowing in places but there are many shallow spots to just sit and cool off

2. Lake Clearwater Campsite – Free

Located very close to Mount Sunday this is the perfect spot to stay if your on a Lord Of the Rings Sightseeing trip. With clean toilets and rubbish disposal this was a nice little spot to stay. Depending on the time of year you might want to take a dip in the lake.

3. Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking – Free (self-contained only)

   with one of the best views in New Zealand you can see Mt. Cook reflected in the still waters of Lake Pukaki in the morning. You might want to be quite early as the flat spots with a good view of the lake get filled up pretty fast.

   
   

   

   
   

4. Mt. Cook White Horse Hill Campground – $18 NZD per person, per night

   If you're in the mood for a few hikes White Horse Hill is the place to go. Hooker Valley track is a steady walk to the base of Mt. Cook that only takes three hours to return its a great little hike. If you're feeling more adventurous then Muller Hut Route is a difficult and steep trail all the way up to an altitude of 1800m

   
   

   

   
   

5. Albert Town Campground – $11 NZD per person, per night

   A nice quiet camp ground with good washing and toilet facilities located near Wanaka. Not too much to say about it but its just a good all round camp site

   
   

   

   
   

6. Lake Tekapo - Lake McGregor Campervan Site – $10 NZD per person, per night

   A quiet campsite with great facilities and places to hang a solar shower. There is almost no light pollution in this campsite so it is the perfect place for Astro photography or stargazing.

   
   

   

   
   

7. Lake Opuha Picnic Area & Camping – Free (self-contained only)

   A small campsite two hours away from Christ Church its a good spot to stop off if you're in-between locations. It has flushing toilets and good views but its not advised to swim in the lake.

   
   

   

   
   

8. Kingston Lake Campsite – Free (self-contained only)

   A good free location but it can often get crowded and there are very few flat spots to set up your campervan.

   
   

   

   
   

Why Choose a Self-Contained Campervan?

Many of these campsites have limited facilities, especially the free camping spots. A self-contained campervan gives you the flexibility to stay at these remote and scenic locations while ensuring you have access to essential amenities like water storage, waste disposal, and a toilet.

Have questions about campervanning in New Zealand? Drop them in the comments! Happy travels!

If you want to know more about our trip to New Zealand check out our Instagram