The 49 best RV parks in South Island

For me, the most beautiful campsite in New Zealand! The facilities and rooms are spotlessly clean! The staff are incredibly friendly, helpful and always ready to help. The spot is just awesome, the campsite just a few metres from the Punakaiki beach, with the most beautiful sunset in the country 🥰 Many tracks around the campsite allow you to visit the surrounding area, Pancakes Rocks, Paparoa Track, River Loop Tarck... And above all a kayak/paddle hire service in the campsite which allows you to visit this amazing place on the water! And don't forget the delicious Whitebait patties that you can enjoy at the campsite thanks to Pette's Palace.

🌊 Hidden Gem on the West Coast – Punakaiki Beach Camp We stayed in one of the new self-contained cabins at Punakaiki Beach Camp, and even in the middle of winter — it was cozy, warm, and spotless! Seriously, they’ve thought of everything. The cabin was modern, super clean, and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The campground itself is beautifully maintained, and you can tell the team takes real pride in the place. The staff were super friendly and welcoming — you feel looked after the moment you arrive. And then… the location. Wow. You’ve got epic views, and it’s literally a short stroll to both the beach and the river thanks to the little walkway — it’s the kind of spot that makes you want to slow down and soak it all in. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for a peaceful, scenic stay with everything you need. Will absolutely be back!

I booked a room here on a visit to New Zealand. We prepaid for the visit and arrived a day early. We informed the manager of our situation and camped for the evening which was fine. We informed the manger that we would like to donate our PREPAID cottage for the following day to someone who might not be able to afford the price that we paid. The manager verbally agreed but never got back to us even though he agreed to do it. I think it is most unfortunate and dishonest to take someone's money who faithfully paid and then resell it for full price to another person.

Staff were very helpful. Everything was of a high standard except the toilets. No soap, broken urinal and a strobing light that made me feel ill. Nothing of use in the kitchen unless you ask at the front desk for utensils so bear that in mind. Great location though.

Super near to the beach . Cooling at night . The kitchen and dining area quite small . Everyone is rushing to cook. Got laundary and hot shower but the shower place bit open and no warm thus will have cold air come in . Space of campervan are spacious. Reception very nice person.

The view was insane and the amenities were spacious and always clean. Shoutout to the owner who kindly helped us when our van got stuck in the muddy sand because of a very stupid u turn we tried to push through. Thank you again for your kindness :)

Had an unpowered site. Clean facilities, front desk guy (never caught his name) is super friendly, and great views. WiFi worked nicely where my site was as well. Place was quiet and peaceful vibes all around.

Great campsite with breathtaking views. A good central point for some amazing hikes. Enough toilets to go round (and they are flushing toilets). A decent sized kitchen area with sinks. No electricity here so you won't get lighting on microwaves etc. Bring your own gear. Came here end of March/early April and enough space for everyone (just). Just don't be someone who gets in late or you'll struggle to find a place to set up for the night.

Clean toilets and drinking water available. No showers. Non powered sites. We pre booked but spaces are not allocated or reserved and it filled up pretty quickly and we arrived at the designated 2pm time. It was the Easter school holiday period so it was busy. Easy access to lots of good hiking tracks and the Kea Point walk was awesome and very easy offering great views of the mountains. See photos. You can take a short 1.5km walk to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine centre which has a great cafe bar and restaurant and super clean facilities. The drive in from the turn off is spectacular as well so allow plenty of time to stop at the many pull over points along the way. Visit the salmon shop 800m from the turn off for amazing fresh and frozen salmon.

We spent one night at White Horse Hill Campground and absolutely loved the experience. We booked an unpowered campsite for NZD $50 and it turned out to be one of the most memorable stays of our trip. The campground is set right in the heart of nature, surrounded by majestic mountains and breathtaking views. Waking up here was truly magical, imagine opening your door to see snow-capped peaks and crisp, fresh mountain air. The area is very well-maintained, clean and organized. Despite being unpowered, the campsite was comfortable, peaceful and safe. The starry night sky was another highlight, incredibly clear and beautiful, perfect for stargazing before bedtime. We also appreciated how close the campground is to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park’s walking trails, making it a great base for exploring the area. The parking area was spacious and easy to access as well. Overall, White Horse Hill Campground is the perfect spot for nature lovers and anyone looking to unwind amidst stunning scenery. Highly recommended for a truly scenic, peaceful and unforgettable camping experience in Mount Cook.

Such a beautiful camp spot right at the base of the ice capped mountains. Free toilet and small shelter to shield from the wind. A perfect base camp for day hikes and to experience the strong winds and beautiful scenery.

Great campsite with clean bathrooms and an impressive shared cooking/eating hall. We stayed only one night, and it got quite cold, but everything went well otherwise. Snowy morning to wake up to. Great proximity to walking/hiking tracks.

Large camping grounds, ample parking space. Starting point for about 3 hiling trails - Hooker valley track, Kea point track and Sealy Tarns track. Beautiful place. There is toilets and shelters here

Beautiful campsite! Definitely go there if you’re planning on doing the Mueller hut track or any track in this area tbh. It has a big shelter and quite a few toilets.

Wanted to come and give a shoutout to Julie who went the extra mile for us to accommodate our arrival/departure time. This campground is a natural gem. There are great walks north and south of the campground and the facilities are ample. Do note that the showers are cold, but that was quite a refreshing way to begin the evening! The last 20 minutes or so of the drive here is a winding gravel road through beautiful NZ bushland. The sites are spacious and contain concrete pits for fires. Fantastic spot - thanks again for having us.

A Doc Campsite. Loved it, only stayed one night this time. We are planning to come back. Nice toilets with cold showers. It's right by the beach. Good walking tracks. Magical place to visit. We went in winter so not many in the camp. I hear that it is the biggest Doc Camp in NZ.

Julie, a ranger in the office, was so kind and helpful. When my plans got off track, she was incredible in figuring out plan B with me. After a long few days, I was so extremely grateful to have met her. She’s the exact kind of trail angel you hope for!

Not sure about rooms as just popped in to do some mosquito surveillance...really lovely man chatted with us.. had our lunch watching the waves.. so worth the drive thru...

Fantastic spot to camp. Cold showers and no electricity (bring your own). It is a very windy and treacherous road in, so beware of oncoming vehicles.

Beautiful scenery, plenty of space to camp and beaches to use. Staff are very nice as well.

Although the drive is slightly tricky winding through the mountains followed by a bumpy gravel track it is worth it, the beach, the view all incredible. Clean flushing toilets, water is filtered and drinkable , the showers are cold but all clean.

Amazing campsite with loads of space. We went at the start of March and must have only been around 10-15 vans parked for the night. Really nice walk around the lake and great mirror reflections at sunrise. Toilets are well kept and the rangers put soap out for the sink. You can pay with cash on arrival and I think the rangers can also arrange card payments when they come in the evening. It is around 4km on a gravel track to get there but it was easily doable in our 2 wheel drive van. Highly recommend.

It cost 15 of you wanna camp but is free to spend the day, there’s dry toilets and a kitchen. It is very close to Queenstown and it has an amazing view. Worth it🫶🏼

Beautiful campsite, great service, no complaints at all. Stayed here for one night in amongst the mountains and beside a Lake Moke. Camping cost was $15pp. We put $50 in the payment box at around 8:30pm and in the morning we woke up and found our $5 change on our windscreen. Absolutely made our day, would recommend 100% 👌

The drive close to the lake was almost unpaved and slippery road. The lake was worth the drive. Great place for camping.

Such a magical place to set a tent up and enjoy the wonderful views. Absolutely loved our stay even though it was for a night. Clean kitchen facilities. Mountain views everywhere. You may get a glimpse of the horses. Connect with other campers. Be sure to take a torch at night when going to the long drop toilets.

Of the 4 free camping options you have in the Queenstown vicinity, this is by far the best. Lake is beautiful (especially on a clear day with the reflection of the sun) and incredibly peaceful. Plenty of space and not busy at all in shoulder season. Only downsides is the long bumpy road to it and no signal.

It’s so ridiculous :D you must pay 15$ (1 night, 1 person) for nothing. No flush toilets, no showers, no rubbish bins, no drinking water. (No signal, haha) DOC pass is no valid here :) so for what we must pay? Just for place? Shame.

My wife and I love to camp, but had not been in a few years. Being 'empty nesters' for some time, our daughters having moved to Wellington to study, and the world still seemingly recovering from the pandemic, we simply hadn't gotten around to it. So off I go, into the garage to retrieve our tents, shelters, gas stove and various torches! We wanted to get out of Nelson, but not go too far so the Pelorus camping site was the perfect choice. After 50 minutes drive from Nelson we arrived. Checking in to the camp was simple, the office being the first thing you see when you drive into the site. The managers of the camp are very friendly and helpful. The site we had chosen was excellent. Lots of shelter, nice shade from the hot sun. There are a lot of very well maintained tent sites. While most sites were populated, we still had the impression of privacy and quietness. The kitchen was a good size, providing gas cookers with 4 burners per hob, and sinks with good running hot and cold water. The water is uv treated and is drinkable, and tastes clean and fresh. There is also a variety of cleaning utensils. Do bring your own dish liquid and tea towels. The bathrooms are very clean, albeit a little small (2 shower units and 2-4 toilets per gender) but the water is hot and water pressure is good. There are a number of bush walks scattered around. A nice short 20 minute walk will get you to a beautiful small waterfall, and then another 30 minutes to a more substantial example. Plenty more longer tramps up to the huts. Now the highlight of this camp has to be the pelorus river. With fresh clean water constantly flowing and a convenient arrangement of rocks and beaches, this is one of the best swimming rivers in the country. The water of this river providing good cleansing of your body and spirit. After each swim I came out feeling super refreshed and looking forward to the next adventure! The price was fine at $20 per adult. My advice is to try and book a site by the river, although we stayed in a bushside spot and this had its own benefits like shade and shelter. A great place for families, although I did not see a playground, but the bush makes an awesome natural replacement for swings and slides! So go for it! Get out of the rat race, throw on your jandals and grab a book. It's time to cruise for a bit!

Beautiful spot, especially down by the river. Very clean facilities.

Best DOC Campsite!! Beautiful surroundings and clean facilities. Also the first DOC campsite with showers(1$) and good kitchen facilities. The only downside is that there’s no timer on the showers (stood there with shampoo all over me when the water stopped) and I found them too hot!

Swim in a river and take a hot shower at a doc campground? Cook a dinner in a spacious kitchen and meet many families? This is it..you can also bat- and birdwatch and hike..it is very popular so book in advance

The unicorn of doc sites..... gorgeous sites next to the river and ALL the amenities! Flush toilets, $1 hot hot hot showers for 5 minutes, gas stoves, hot water to wash dishes, rubbish & recycle bins, and some nice walks!

Fantastic Spot, great for swimming, relaxing and enjoying life. The caretakers are awesome always around, the coffee cart serves a mean coffee with a smile and a laugh - Hot showers and gas stoves are available on site and kept nice and clean. Will definitely be back 🤩🤩

Great spot by the river with really nice swimming in summer. Campsites can get very noisy near the kitchen block. Only gas cookers and sinks in the kitchen. I.e. you can't charge a cell phone. No fridges.

We stayed at the lodge for 1 night, and it is absolutely beautiful, the scenery is like no other, the rooms have great amenities and very big comfortable beds. The girl at front desk (I’m so sorry I can’t remember her name) when we checked in was one of the nicest receptionists I have ever encountered, she assisted us with an early check-in to both our rooms and helped organise breakfast to go boxes for us in the morning because we had an early flight. Overall I would recommend the lodge to anyone travelling through Milford Sound.

This place offers an absolutely fantastic experience! The view overlooking the mountains is breathtaking, and the breakfast was one of the best I've ever had. We were also really impressed with their commitment to sustainability in both packaging and food preparation. And seriously, we have yet to find any twice-baked potatoes done better than theirs.

This was such an amazing place to stay, it was absolutely worth the splurge. We stayed at in a Mountain View Chalet, and the view was incredible. The room itself was basic but nice, and all the lodge staff were lovely. All the facilities outside of the room were clean and well maintained.

The lodge was spectacular. Expensive, yes, but I think you get what you pay for. The mountain view room was gorgeous and the heated tiles were so nice. The food at Pio Pio was delicious!! It was so nice being able to have breakfast delivered to our room so we could sit and watch the view in the morning. Staff were also so lovely. We drove to the free parking for our cruise and then walked to the terminal but definitely could have walked all the way from the lodge. Would recommend to anyone wanting a little luxury!!!

One of the best campsites I have ever stayed in! The facilities were next level and always kept super clean. Great communal lounge area and kitchen with heaps of space for all campers. Perfect location for Milford sound tours. 10/10 recommend.

Staying at Milford sound lodge was one of the highlights of our trip. Such a fantastic location, beautiful landscape, spacious and well maintained chalets and what an amazing view from the chalets. Dining at Pio Pio was another great teat with such fine cooking and dishes and the breakfast was also delicious.

10/10 recommend. The rooms are simple yet amazing. The restaurant next door is slightly pricey but so worth it! The views from all rooms were amazing. Definitely book here. 30/ 40 minute walk to dock. Lovely views.

We stayed for 1 night at Lake Edge Holiday Park for NZD $ 106 on a Powered Front Row Site and it was such a pleasant stay. The location is unbeatable — just a 5-minute walk to Tekapo Springs, where you can relax in the hot pools, The views from the park are absolutely beautiful, especially in the morning when the sun rises over Lake Tekapo, truly picture perfect! The facilities at Lake Edge Holiday Park were excellent. Each powered site includes power, dump station access, Wi-Fi, and an 8-minute hot shower. The kitchen area was clean and well-equipped, making it convenient to prepare simple meals. There are toilets and laundry facilities nearby and everything was well-maintained. Families will also love the playground and TV room, great for kids to unwind after a day of exploring. Overall, Lake Edge Holiday Park is a perfect stop for campers or motorhome travelers who want comfort, convenience and great views at a reasonable price. We’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Lake Tekapo — an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure.

Gorgeous campsite, so peaceful and the views were just breathtaking. The staff were so nice and helpful too. Knocked off a star for two reasons; first being that the showers only have 2 temperatures, freezing cold and scalding hot, which was pretty uncomfortable. Second being that the kitchens aren’t well kitted out at all, so if your camper isn’t very well-equipped with cooking utensils etc and you use camp kitchens, I wouldn’t stay here. All in all though, it was an absolutely beautiful place to spend a night

Great location and walking distance to the village. We stayed in a motorhome. Clean bathroom however very cold in there. Showers on timers which is frustrating when showering with young children. Camp kitchen is to small for the amount of people. Sites very clean but not even so there was a slant, could be designed better. View is priceless. Would stay again

We stayed at a powered site and loved our 2 nights there. Stunning location, friendly staff, clean amenities. Trampolines were a big hit with the kids (although hopefully the zips get repaired soon). Recommend making sure you have a long hose for water connection at the site! Would stay here again if we do the trip again in future 👌

First camp site for us who come straight from Christchurch. Dont bother to get the lake view powersite because the lake view is been blocked by trees. Kitchen and shower is small but adequate. Lot of goose and duck roaming around. Some wild rabbit too. Nice place for star glazing but some caravan still on their outdoor light eveb up the whole night. Hard to get help since reception is far away.

Great location. This park is close to most of the tourist attractions. There’s 10 minutes timer for shower, then another 2 minutes to reset the timer. 10 minutes are enough for me to wash my whole body plus hair conditioner. Also, the bathroom is well air-conditioned and warm. The only problem is that there’s no water supply but power supply next to our campsite. We had to drive to the other side of the park to get water.

Had a powered lake view site. It was amazing. The facilities are great and the staff were amazing. They also had great knowledge about where to get some great food and what sites to see.

Fantastic location. We came off season with only two other visitors. Beautiful bay. Wildlife. Scenery. A night sky not to be missed.

Great place to camp, super big with lots of space with ocean view or by the big grassy area. Remember to book before arrival as there is no cell service. No water and no trashbin. Toilet OK. 10$per person should maybe get you more than a long drop toilet

Incredible location for winter camping. Most likely you'll have the whole place to yourself

Beautiful views! $10 per adult per night at this DOC campsite. Toilets has no toilet paper, multiple people were having fires despite a no open fire policy. As another review mentioned, ground is muddy in some spots making many "sites" undesirable or barely accessible

We thought we'd have a quiet weekend away at the beach - off the well trodden tourist trails but this beautiful DoC camping ground was packed, much to our surprise! And it is easy to see why. Plenty of room, toilets and taps - and a stunning beach to explore, surf or fish. Although the gravel access road was quite winding, we had no trouble towing our caravan there and really enjoyed the experience.

Beautiful scenery! One of my all time favourite campgrounds. I last was here six years ago with four flatmates inside a two person tent, this time my girlfriend and I had a much bigger tent and was a massive improvement on the previous sardine like sleeping conditions. Also saw some very cute dogs.

This Campground is a Gem! So much space for many lovely people to camp. You can even go on the hill and have a look over the beach or just camp directly at the beach front. Also the sunrise here is just magical and well worth to wake up early! Only downside is that there is just one toilet block, which can get very crowded in the season. But other than that, would highly recommend!

A very expansive DOC campsite. It's great if you've got a campervan or motorhome as there are plenty of areas to park up. If you're looking for a tent site, you'll need to search around a little more, but there are good sites available. Toilet facilities are well maintained and clean. The river nearby is great for a refreshing dip. Water is from tanks or river nearby, so safest to treat it first, but since it's Milford risk is low. Super cold on a clear night mid March, so be prepared if you're tenting! Overall a gorgeous spot to stay, but very busy in peak season.

Well kept amenities, large area for all size vehicles, Last camp spot before Milford Sound. PRE BOOK accommodation before going further. NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING IN MILFORD only the lodges, and the camping ground. All parking is pay as you park! $40+ for 3hr+

Huge space with several bathrooms. We went on a busy weekend and their were people, campers, cars, tents, everywhere. It was a challenge to find a spot with a little space. When it's a less busy time, I could see it being a nice spot. It's not too bad of a drive from Milford Sound. The staff definitely makes the rounds, so make sure to pay.

Closest campsite to Milford Sound other than the Milford lodge (45 min drive). $15pp for a few smelly drop toilets but I guess that’s what you get at the location. Can pay online or cash in an honesty box. The grounds itself are really spacious and beautiful.

Probably like 3 or 4 bathroom facilities. 2 sheltered huts and rain water (need to boil first) accessibility. A large campsite with lots of campfire pits/spaces. The main thing is the view and location. Lake Gunn 45 min return walk is also right there, so lots to explore and only a short drive to some of the near by hikes. (Key summit - photo uploaded)

Very expensive campsite $18 for Adults and $9 for kid, no rubbish bin, no refill water but toilets well maintenance, big parking area by creek , have too booked online or pay cash , no signal but about 9 km drive up to Milford sound good signal there

Very basic campsite but plenty of room for campers and vans alike. Has toilets dotted around the site. About 45mins drive to Milford Sound so we used it as a overnight stopover coming from Queenstown. Sunset was beautiful.

Creek for young children, sea for older children and adults. Popular surfing spot. Good fishing and beach walks. Clean toilets. Boil only water

Most beautiful spot. The sea is totally healing! No nonsense! Everyone just wants to enjoy the environment and each others company. Very peaceful in every way and one of the only places I know you can have your own fire. Expect others to join your fire in the evening. Great walking great diving great fish great Paua and mucels!

Another beautiful part of NZ and we were blessed with great weather.

Gorgeous

A not so well kept secret anymore but absolutely take the time to go. You can follow the rock formations and see fossilized leaf patterns if you head around to the right side of the bay (south). There is also a blowhole down the left hand side of the beach, quite a bit of crawling and a semi tight fit, go on an outgoing tide or you'll get stuck.

The most beautiful place. Stunning Bay and awesome rock formations to explore. Best camping spot.

We absolutely loved our stay here. Beautiful beach, surf, wildlife and paua.

Honestly, the best place I’ve stayed in terms of location and service. I am so happy! Everyone was so nice and they were able to book all of the activities for me at the reception. The cabin was so clean and organised. Awesome view too 🥰

We stayed at a powered site. The location was great (super close to Skyline, easy walk to town), but it looked like a lot of works was underway - no kids playground, construction fences everywhere, bathroom amenities looked like temporary pods? Sites were very close together too, not much space between a lot of the vans. But, showers were hot and clean, laundry was clean and easy to use, staff were friendly, and the holiday park was mostly quiet up the end we were and was easy to navigate.

We had a very good experience staying at Hampshire in Queenstown. It’s great value for money and super close to the CBD — just a short walk to the Skyline Gondola, Wharf, and the famous Fergburger. Parking is provided, which is a huge plus in Queenstown! The staff were friendly and the check-in and check-out process was smooth and easy. The place was clean, well-maintained, and the interior looked modern and fresh — definitely felt comfortable throughout our stay. A few minor things to note: there’s no microwave, and if you need cooking utensils, they can be hired for NZD 10 with a small deposit. You’ll also need to provide your card for a bond (for any accidental charges). The hot water sometimes took a bit of time to heat up, but not a big issue. As a group of five, we noticed only a few toiletries were provided — we didn’t ask for more, but you probably could if needed. Also, no facial tissues, just toilet paper — not a problem, just something to keep in mind. Overall, everything else was fantastic — location, comfort, and cleanliness all top-notch. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Queenstown!

Good reviews are not based on campervan experience. Basically a car park with amenities in a demountable block. Location is good but plenty of other, more comfortable options around.

Not all powered sites had their own water tap, bathrooms didn’t even have a bench to keep your gear dry while getting changed, and cleaners came at inconvenient times. Bit audacious to be charging $70 minimum per night for sub par facilities. Location is picturesque as expected for Queenstown, but was pretty disappointed in the lack of basic amenities. Definitely room for improvement.

The only good thing is the location, which is right near the center with all the lovely cafes and restaurants. The holiday park itself is a glorified parking lot with zero privacy. Toilets and showers are in temporary buildings - not sure what the idea is here. Didn't like it, wouldn't stay here again.

Been here many times over the years. It used to be great. Location is perfect. But it used to have a great toilet and shower block which is now gone and replaced with a demountable away from the RV sites. The sites are wildly packed now with no privacy between vans. Water isn't available on all sites

This is not a Top 10 Holiday Park! Don’t be fooled by the name. It should be called “Last Resort”. We paid for 2 nights thinking it was part of the Top 10 Holiday Park system. After quickly realizing that it was not based on the number of long-term residents living in their vehicles, we did not spend a night and choose to lose our full payment instead.

This is a great last stopover for anyone who want to return their campervan back to the centres near the airport, as it’s only 6 minutes drive to the centres. And there’s a big petrol station just in front of the park to refuel your petrol, another 2.4km drive to Caltex to refill your LPG tank as well. As for Amenities like toilets, kitchen are decent.

Absolutely amazing, clean, fresh and WOW what a shower. We had our Bengal Cat with us and she walks with us on a lead, she actually enjoyed majority of her stay apart from a lot of dog owners walk there dogs with the lead in their hand. Just a thought.. perhaps people should put the lead on the dog and not have it wrapped around their hand. A little respect for other animal owners wouldn't go astray ☺️

Cool little camp ground. Plenty of room for our large caravan. Great showers and very clean facilities. Easy going and friendly staff. Minimal noise from motorway. Close to food outlets, servo, supermarket and airport.

We booked in other place and when we went there we don’t feel welcoming so I searched in google and I found the holiday park. I called to book. The receptionist was so friendly even on phone. We came here and we came to know we can park the car here also for long days. She explained so well. We are really happy with her friendly service🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

We stayed at North South Holiday Park for one night on our way to Hanmer Springs. My 5-year-old loved the bunk bed, and the larger mattress on the bottom made co-sleeping easy when needed. For the price, the self-contained unit was fantastic — great value and had everything we needed. The only thing to note was that the shower was tricky to get to a comfortable temperature; it was either too hot or too cold, which was a bit difficult with a child. Other than that, everything was great, and the staff member we met on site was warm and friendly.

Really clean toilets and showers, great location when you want to go to the airport. And they had great communication on booking. Com. The room was clean and they left the heater on so when we got there it was nice and warm. Would recommend

Great location, right on the beach. I was camping and the tent sites were really big and easy access to the beach. Friendly staff at check in. Decent kitchen facilities. You have to put dollar coins into the showers for each 6 minutes but it is not worth it - the water is either scalding hot to the point where I could not stand under it or freezing cold, there is no in between

Stayed off season, super quiet and in a great location. Can imagine summer is a whole different thing. What I take issue with is charging for the showers under the pretence of it being for conservation reasons. I don’t doubt that there can be water shortages and it’s worthwhile saving fresh water, sure. However I would imagine there are ways to have timers on the showers if this is the case. Charging for shower facilities after having paid the fee to stay just doesn’t sit well with me.

Awesome camp ground, great area, clean, tidy and absolutely lovely people who run it!!! You will have an amazing stay😊

I stayed at the camp for three months over winter in my motor home wha a beautiful clean modern place check out the winter rates $140 a week friendly helpful staff there's a beautiful beach to walk my dog a camp shop two bar restaurants just over the street and town ten minutes away I caught all sorts of fish at the port thanks for my lovely winter holiday I'll be back for longer next year vern

The experience we had at this destination was excellent. Sea view ocean view. Recommended highly.

Self contained seafront cabins with bbq tables over looking the beach. Basic setup but warm and good views from inside. Too many dog owners with out of control unleashed dogs on the beach spoiled the beach experience

Perfect top 10 site facilities immaculate friendly staff great bar next to park.

The experience was great even before I arrived at the holiday park. The female staff, Stacey, was very helpful with all my queries and assisted me professionally when I wanted to add the booking of a one-bedroom motel to my powered site, so that I could pack my lugguage with ease before flying home from Christchurch. She even made special arrangements to ensure my campervan site could be as close to the motel as possible. Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised to see her at reception office and she patiently ran through all the useful information I needed to know for a wonderful stay at the place. These include free wifi and dvd hire, where the dump station and car wash area are, as well as the locations of communal kitchens and toilets/showers. After that, she even walked me (while I drove my campervan) to my powered site lot and then directed me to where my one-bedroom motel was located. Really excellent service with great passion! The sheltered park set in landscaped grounds is situated just 4km away from Christchurch city centre, which is easily accessible by Bus 80 (Lincoln - Parklands) [~25min] just outside the park along Blenheim Road. Just outside the park, you can find Bakery, Butcher, Fruit & Vegetables, Video Hire, and the extra warehouse mall. If you don't mind walking a bit further, the Westfield Riccarton Mall is about 30 minutes away, or simply use Uber service (~$8) to save time. The one-bedroom motel was much better than I expected. It was clean and spacious. The kitchen was fully equipped. The TV had lots of channels to entertain my kids. The toilet/showers was big and bright. There was a nice balcony to chill when weather is good. My kids loved the children's playground, which had a trampoline! Overall, it was money well spent. Lovely place with lovely staff. Highly recommended to all.

Wow, what a adorable place, a hidden treasure with beautiful garden arrangements, a wide kitchen, a nice Lounge with TV and many books and the cleanest facilities we ever saw in NZ! Perfect for the start or end of any Roadtrip through this beautiful country. If you are at the beginning of your trip, take a look at the leftover-Box from friendly people heading back to their homecountries.

What a great place to stay before leaving NZ. Quite area and well located. Good and very clean facilities - top 👍 A late checkout is available.

The hosts at Amber Kiwi Holiday Park went out of their way to accommodate us. We had to change our bookings several times due to work constraints and they were very helpful in facilitating the changes. Would definitely stay here again! The park is neat and clean and had everything we needed.

Stayed 1 night at this park absolutely fantastic. Very welcome reception upon arriving for our stay. Great showers very clean. Whole facility is very tidy, dump site also has soap, broom & separate hose to wash windscreen, mirrors etc. $42 for 2 people unpowered site less than 5km from the heart of Christchurch didn't consider to be bad value. There is a few vans parked here but that is expected being in town with people staying here before returning vans to the airport & obviously being on holiday.

Beautiful place to stay. Friendly owner. Spotless. It was a wonderful stay.

Amazing park! Very friendly staff. Beautiful rose garden. Extremely clean!

Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking is a popular free freedom camping spot located at the southern end of Lake Pukaki. It is exclusively for self-contained campervans and motorhomes, offering stunning panoramic views of the electric blue lake with Aoraki Mount Cook visible in the distance. The site mainly consists of a large gravel parking area with some uneven ground and limited flat spots. Arriving early is recommended to secure the best location, ideally closer to the lakefront for unobstructed views. The area is spacious and can accommodate many vehicles. Facilities are basic, featuring clean drop toilets located at the lower level of the parking area. There is no drinking water or powered sites, and open fires are prohibited. The location offers easy access to walking and cycling trails, as well as a small beach area where adventurous campers can take a chilly dip in the glacial waters. The spectacular sunrise and sunset views over Lake Pukaki and the surrounding mountains make it a favorite among freedom campers seeking a peaceful, scenic spot close to key South Island attractions. The site scores highly for location and scenery but loses some points due to basic facilities and exposure to wind. It is ideal for self-contained campervan travelers looking for a free, scenic overnight stop near Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo.

Nice free camping ground for self contained vehicle. I guess it was winter period that’s why it wasn’t too crowded. I only saw 6-8 camper vans. Nice quiet and morning has a lake view. There’s toilet in the campsite too but we didn’t visit so I’m not too sure.

Wow! Our favourite Freedom Camping site in all of NZ!!! The views of Mount Cook over Lake Pukaki are absolutely spectacular!!! We pulled in here right on sunset on a clear afternoon and the place was packed with campers and motorhomes. What an absolutely stunning place to park for the night. The i-Site is right nearby so a perfect place to stay before venturing into Mount Cook national park and the beautiful nearby lakes. There’s plenty of space to share so everyone gets a stunning view to fall asleep and wake up to. And it was surprisingly quiet despite the number of vans. This place really blew me away with how beautiful and peaceful it was. Most definitely not to be missed.

Lake Pukaki Overnight Camp is passed Lake Tekapo making our way to Mt Aoraki. We pulled into a massive arid, rough and rocky sloped multi layers freedom camp. We got there pretty early for us about 15:00pm. We were able to secure a prime spot but others soon mussled in. As at the end of the night their was >75 other travelers that we could actually count. Mt Aoraki was looking magnificent with the setting sun glistening of its snow cover face and we were looking forward to seeing him the next day. The night was clear and we had a beautiful clear view of the night sky(No light pollution). You could see the southern cross and the pot. My phone could not do justice to capture the galaxies of stars.

Don't take the steep way in to the upper part of the camping area (first one if you come from lake tekapo) - really deep holes, so super bumby 🙈 the other one who leads you to the toilets and the lower part is way better and you can still drive the hill up to the other campsite parts from there 👍🏻 There a longdrop toilets, but especially in the night the smell was really bad - one of the worst we had on the whole south island 🤢🫣 BUT the amazing night sky ✨️ and the view on lake pukaki were stunning, so I can’t give less then 3stars 😆🥰

Very good Free campground for Self Contained RVs. The view of the lake is amazing. It was just too windy the night we stayed. Plenty of parking. Had an amazing stay!

This place is a must-stay overnight if you’re traveling with a campervan. There are plenty of spaces, and everything comes with a great view. They also have a toilet. This place has no light pollution, which is perfect for seeing the Milky Way on a clear sky during low moon illumination. I stayed there on September 17, 2023..

Overall great. Facilities were kept clean. Location was unbeatable right by the lake. Even had laundry and camp kitchen. Hot showers require tokens which you have to buy from the visitors center. Outside of opening hours you won’t be able to get tokens so plan ahead. The camp kitchen was almost perfect however there was not enough hot water at the sinks to go around during busy periods. Sandflies are present so bring protection.

Nice spot! The camp host was very friendly and the indoor kitchen was a bonus. Only hooks in the showers though, nowhere to put your soap or glasses but the floor :/ I would love to see a layout of the park before choosing which ‘zone’ to spend the night in but I think I only mention this as we stayed on a very windy night in amongst the trees which always make me a little nervous but it is a lovely spot.

Amazing campsite!!! Very spacious and great views. You will not want to leave here... this place and the surrounding are surreal! We had a fantastic stay and are looking forward to come back here.

Very average campground, amenities are well below average and the price is very expensive for what it is. Be aware that none of the sites are flat and also you have to pay to use a shower of which there are only 2 showers for the whole campsite. You would think after paying $50 for a night you would get to shower for free! Lots of sand flies here as well! Only positive is that its on a great location next to the lake!

This campground and its rating has to be a joke. What exactly am I paying for here? A bathroom that anyone can access bc it's right next to the lake parking lot + extra fee for hot shower? A kitchen that only has a gas stove and no other appliances + no sockets to plug anything + no heating + that anyone can access bc it's right next to the lake parking lot? No, it felt like we had to pay the exact same prize as a large camping ground in a big city with lots of amenities just to park our camperan and plug it in. Yes the view is gorgeous but that does not make the price worth it considering how empty the camping ground is. I understand that being government-owned and so close to public facilities might make it hard to provide better service, but then, the price should be at least half of what it is now. I cannot even imagine what people who just go there with a tent for a non-powered site must go through. Hated everything about this place :)

Average campsite, great location, good amenities. However, there is gravel everywhere (under the grass). I sacrificed all my tent pegs and also the grounds are uneven at most spots. So, great for campers, not so much for tents. Scenery is beautiful. But overpriced for $25/night for a non-powered site.

My favourite Lake. It is very easy to get to Lake Rotoiti. With ample parking and space to pitch your tents. This is a haven for boaters. There are boat ramps to load and off load your boats. Sadly, there isn't much shelter. You can jump off the jetty. Water is not that deep so be careful. Toilet facilities are clean and easily assessable. During winter and summer, the view of the mountains varies. During winter there is snow of the mountains. You can see My Roberts from here. Perhaps this view will give you some motivation to climb Mt Roberts. You can also walk around the lake which is like 29km. However, Lake Rotoiti is beautiful. You can bring your own kayaks. Bring bread to feed the eels and ducks.

We stayed here for a few days to recover from the fast-paced life on the road in our van and take a relaxing break. Choosing Tasman Holiday Park was the best decision. They offer everything from unpowered sites to holiday apartments. The site is clean and well-maintained, and there's also a playground with a trampoline and a chess set. The highlight for adults: a barrel sauna, which is even included in the pitch price! Fantastic! You can also book hot tubs, all very private and perfect for couples looking to relax. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful. Together with the family who run the site, you can see that everyone puts their heart and soul into ensuring every guest has a pleasant stay. We had a wonderful rest at this spa campsite and recommend everyone to spend at least one night here. 10/10

We stayed here two nights and had a fantastic time. The queen double room is great: it is spacious, the bed is very good, the shower is good. You can sit outside and inside. There is a table, a microwave and a fridge. The staff is very friendly. It is close to the town center, the waterfront and the RealNZ terminal. The atmosphere on the park is very pleasant. Highly recommended!

We stayed at a powered site. Handy location close to town, lots of kids play areas including a playroom indoors (great for the wet weather we had!). Bathrooms are serviceable but need a deep clean. Half the laundry appliances were out of service or didn’t work properly (eg they ate coins) - the reception staff did note they thought these were getting replaced soon but quite frustrating to have to navigate during our short stay. Staff were very friendly, there were a number of extra amenities on offer (pizza oven, hot tub, etc) and overall it was a good stay.

This was probably the best camp site I've ever been to. They've not only got great amenities and but put the customer first at every turn- creating a really warm atmosphere. FOR EXAMPLE: Staff were super pleasant. When we arrived, I think it was Justine who greeted us at reception. It was discovered that we had booked the wrong site so she happily moved us to a bigger spot that was more suited for our family at no extra cost. Mike, the Manager would walk around giving out free iceblocks on one day, free lollies the next... stopping to give time to anyone who needed it. Their showers do not cost like other campsites I've been to, and there are no timers- just an encouragement from Mike to enjoy the warm water. Everything was kept to a high standard. Highly recommend!

What an amazing holiday park! Really took me back to my favourite holidays as a kid. We had a powered site and it was busy but still felt spacious. Amazing that you can use the sauna included in the pitch fee (my part-Finnish partner was overjoyed!) Kitchens do get a bit crowded but again still manageable. Shelby & her husband at the front desk were so nice and gave us some great tips around the area!

Amazing staff to match an amazing campsite. Quiet during the day but feels alive in the evening. Perfect for families or couples. Ideal layover to or from Milford sound. A perfect campsite, which has every consideration included, from bbq to pizza oven to play area. It's even includes detergent in with the washing machines. We will be coming back.

We had a lovely stay at Te Anau Tasman Holiday Parks. When the road to Milford Sound was closed, we had to extend our stay and they kindly offered us the 3-for-2 nights deal, very thoughtful. The park’s central location is great. Showers are hot and powerful. The only downside was cleanliness: the ladies’ bathroom has a melted hair dryer (?) and leaking taps, so everything is always wet and the kitchen gets very messy after busy times. The washing machines include washing powder, which is convenient, but if you want to use your own detergent (like for wool), there’s only one machine available, so often you have to wait. Overall, a convenient spot with caring staff and a great location.

We stayed here for 2 nights in a motorhome. Very close to town centre, Gondola and shops. Showers very clean and warm. Staff very friendly. Its also very quiet which is great. Camp kitchen doesn't have an oven which I have found is pretty standard as only a couple have had them during our travels. Would recommend.

The location is excellent, direct walk into the city. We were gonna arrive after the reception closing hours, so we emailed them & they responded immediately and put an envelope outside the reception with all the details we needed! Clean facilities, hot showers & beautiful views. The place is well arranged. (We came with a campervan)

This campsite was awesome. Yes the sites are super close together but that wasn’t a problem everyone was respectful. No idea what was going on up there road behind the campsite as that was noisy with drunk people. We were right in between the bathrooms and kitchen. We loved the cooky decorations it felt very Tim Burton world. Bathrooms were great such nice showers. The kitchen/living room was great, apart from the oven which didn’t want to warm up at all. Really nice spaces. Lots of laundry machines. Great location right in town. Minutes walk from the tour pick up spots. 10/10

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Our family of four recently had the pleasure of staying at Queenstown Holiday Park Creeksyde, and we were thoroughly impressed with the experience. The staff were exceptionally professional, friendly, and accommodating, ensuring our stay was comfortable and enjoyable. The room was immaculate, well-maintained, and thoughtfully presented, reflecting the high standards of the property. The location is ideal, situated close to the town centre while still offering a peaceful and relaxing environment. We truly appreciated the attention to detail, outstanding service, and welcoming atmosphere provided by the team. Queenstown Holiday Park Creeksyde is a credit to the beautiful destination of Queenstown, and we highly recommend it to families and travellers seeking quality accommodation with excellent hospitality. Thank you to the entire team for their professionalism and warm service. See You Next Time ❤️🫶🏻

We stayed in the self-contained units for our family holiday and loved every minute of our time there! The units and facilities are very clean, new and well maintained. The staff are very accomodating and helpful with local information. The outdoor area is peaceful and scenic, along with interesting and unique arty sculptures including the BBQ area, which was outstanding. The kids loved exploring the grounds and it was a quick walk into town each day. We will definitely be back next time we are in Queenstown.

Friendly staff, great location! Bathrooms could be slightly cleaner but hard to do when it’s muddy. We had a powered site and it was perfect for what we needed.

Gabrielle and I have had the pleasure of staying in our caravan at Creeksyde on three occasions over the past five years. We cannot speak highly enough of the service provided by the late Tonnie, his wife Erna, family and staff.

We had an incredible time at this holiday park. There wasn’t a single negative thing we could say. The breathtaking views and spotlessly clean facilities made it a truly memorable experience. Amanda’s amazing customer service and friendly, accommodating nature made our stay even better. We’ll definitely be back!

We only stayed one night at this caravan park in our camper van and it was so lovely. They put us in a lovely spot with the most amazing view. The ppl who run the place were there when we arrived and they were super friendly. We had a lovely chat. The place was well maintained and the toilets shower and kitchen was spotless And just a short walk to town I highly recommend

Mandy at check in was so helpful and friendly. Our van site was close to amenities and camp kitchen. There was everything you need and the views were spectacular. A walk to town made it interesting steep but a few seats along the way to rest. A beautiful spot to spend a night or few days.

Great relaxed spot to stay in our unpowered tent (However we were kindly given a powered site so ended up closer to amenities) The modern bathroom facilities are like 'home away from home'. Some of the cleanest we've come across with staff frequently checking/recleaning throughout the day. Akaroa township a 10min direct walk down the hill via trail/steps from camping ground We enjoyed a day walk on one of the well marked trails in the hills above the camp, Curry/'purple walk' ending down in tbe Akaroa Township. The best really big ice-cream from Deep South Ice-cream is recommended after such a walk

Of all the Top Ten caravan Parks we stayed in during our 3 weeks in NZ, this was the only park that limited shower time to 3min. For this reason I would not recommend it. I think you pay enough to determine your own time in the shower and not have the water suddenly go cold.

Such a nice experience, friendly camp ground, and campers, herb garden and lively kitchen. Everyone was curious and it was great to be above the harbour view. Nice walk through the native bush to the settlement.

Great campground. Really good, clean and well maintained facilities. Great, relaxed, amiable and professional owner. Will 100% return when in the area.

The best campsite I stayed at while in New Zealand. Beautiful views of the lake and lakefront access. Staff are lovely and facilities are modern and new. Everything is so clean. They have a laundry room (does cost money), games room, tv lounge, bathroom and showers, and a beautiful kitchen with lake views as well as great dining spaces. There is also a jumping pillow and small play area for kids. Definitely recommend, such a nice and refreshing space for a refresh especially during our long mostly freedom camping trip.

We booked a lake view powered site and had the most amazing view for our time here. There was also a gate where you could easily get to the lake front and walk along it. The staff were nice and checking in and out was easy. The view from the kitchen area was incredible too - if you don’t get a lake view site definitely head up there for your meals. Facilities were really good and clean. Will definitely be back.

The space + park are just gorgeous. Everything is nice and new. The only downside is there is only 1 dump site and 1 bathroom, so if you’re on the far side it’s a short walk. I would stay here again simply for the views!

One of the nicest campsites we've been to in New Zealand. I can't give it 5 stars because check-in for an unpowered site is a bit late, and honestly, it's the first time it's happened to me (I repeat, it's strange only because it's a car park where you leave your van), also because you have to leave your car park at 10am, and telling me that if I want to park earlier I have to pay for an extra night seems rude to me. Otherwise, everything was beautiful, clean, and with a magnificent view.

Great location with wonderful vista across lake. Amenities first class and very clean. Loved the communal kitchen and amenities; perfectly positioned to take advantage of the lake view, with generous sized indoor and outdoor dining areas.

Stayed here on a powered site for a week. After 8 weeks of travelling around NZ, this has to be up there as one of the best overall campgrounds. Pretty much every van site has lake views, the facility hub is basically like a decent hostel. Bathrooms are spacious, heated and cleaned regularly. The kitchen is big, just remember you need to bring all your own plates and utensils etc as they don’t provide (understandable as I’m sure people nick stuff)! Just really nice place and only 400m or so down to the marina and the brewery 🙏

Absolutely beautiful campsite - extremely modern, clean and well kept facilities in a fantastic location surrounded by beautiful scenery and views. Would 100% recommend to anyone visiting Queenstown. Was 10 mins in a taxi or 10 mins on the water taxi (which was beautiful) to Queenstown centre, and Frankton itself was nestled in the beautiful bay with lovely coffee shops and amenities. Thank you to the friendly staff at Driftaway and for allowing us to extend our stay again and again (as we loved it so much!). We came here on our honeymoon and it was the fanciest campsite we have ever stayed on - we would love to come back again!

Great spot near the river and bush and trees. Differing levels of walks to go on, catering to different energies and abilities. Staff very friendly and helpful. Amenties generally a bit tired.

One of the best/nearest holiday park if your plan for overnight before rushing back to city for your flight. Booked this place last minutes while driving all the way from Hokitika and it never disappointed us - cozy, quiet and clean holiday park operate by the couples who stay just right at the entrance of the park. Helpful owner to accept my booking late afternoon and the river back of the park is really plus point to us. Having a short walk there before we rush back to town for last minutes shopping before taking our flight back to home. Highly recommended park for short stay/as well long stay if you're looking a park near to the town and looking for quiet place, far away from busy city life and this is definitely one of the perfect spots you must consider.

Loved this place - had to go to Christchurch early the next day but I decided to stay here because of the tranquillity. The woman at the front desk was so lovely and friendly - I had been solo travelling and I can't express enough how lovely it was to have a friendly face. Absolutely stellar accommodation!

Never stayed but the grounds are stunning and staff kind and friendly. Gorgeous spot right on the gorge with great swimming and white water activities upstream

Amazing location, wonderful facilities and very friendly hosts. Would love to visit again in summer.

Fantastic place for a family camping adventure. Two playgrounds for the kids. Safe. The owners took the kids on a a mini train ride which they loved. The river was great. There is a fairy walk. Some other bigger walks around too. The bird chorus in the morning from the native bush was great.

Trish and staff were amazing. Very helpful and accommodating

Absolutely lovely, 3 adults, 3 going on teenagers, we had campervans, stayed 1 night perfect, loved it that much we cut our south Island trip short and spent the last 4 days there. wonderful helpful staff, They were so generous, receptionist offered me the lounge for my 13yr old granddaughter who is autistic to have her own space, because she was having a bit of an episode...deserves 10 stars..

Great place to stay at. Showers were so good and clean. Good walk tracks and a sort walk to the beach. Staff were friendly and helpful 🙂. We loved our stay

South Brighton Holiday Park is always my go to while staying in Christchurch. The team are all great here, super friendly and helpful. Fantastic amenities, the showers have amazing pressure. A great vibe around the campground, family friendly and safe. Bus stop outside that goes to the city. Beach is about a 10 min walk. Love my stays here!

Stayed Here for 2 nights, super friendly and helpful staff. Good rates with great facilities. Facilities are clean and include toilets, showers, kitchen, laundromat and a dining area, there's also a kids play park and a summer pool. Great spot to be, nice and quiet and not far from anything you need.

This was our first paid campground on our South Island trip, and we were very pleased with our stay. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Before arriving, I sent an email asking about renting hiking poles in Christchurch, and the person I spoke to was very kind and provided great assistance. The facilities were clean and well-maintained, including the kitchen and showers. I highly recommend this place!

We stayed two nights with our kids during the winter school holidays. Powered caravan site. Nice and clean facilities. Very friendly staff.

Friendly service, good extremely clean amenities and services. We came after hours for powered site for our RV and Denise was in extremely kind and accomodating and opened up the holiday park for us.

The owners are very nice, the personal is really helpful and friendly. They are waiting for their customers with muffins and they provide sugestion for a very nice trip on their land, heading a beautiful waterfall and the glowing worms. We are tent people, but a few days was raining cats and dogs so we decided to sleep with roof over our heads. We had a very comfortable hut, the common kitchen and eating area is clean and roomy, the toilet area and showers are clean and in good condition. We recommend Smiths farm warmly.

Great place to stop for an overnight rest, was given food to feed the goats, had a lovely walk to the waterfalls and up the paddock the next morning. Peaceful nights sleep hot shower and did some laundry. Felt safe here as a solo traveller. Thanks Barb Chris and staff 😊

We loved our stay at Smith’s Farm Holiday Park from the moment we rolled in. Booking a powered site for our campervan was easy, but it was Barbara and Chris’s genuine warmth that made our visit truly special. They greeted us with freshly baked homemade muffins and a handful of animal feed, and we spent hours laughing as the resident sheep and pigs ambled over for treats—those lively sheep were an absolute joy! They also handed us a detailed map to a nearby waterfall trail where glowworms light up the night—just a heads-up, it’s a bit of a drive and there are no eateries en route, so stock up on snacks before you head out. The farm’s peaceful remoteness was part of its charm, and we felt completely at ease under Barbara and Chris’s caring hospitality. If you’re passing through, do yourself a favor and support this delightful family-run park—you won’t regret it!

Our large family group stayed here recently and it was fantastic. Barbara and Chris and their team were very accommodating, the kids had a blast on the tramp and feeding the animals, and we loved the walk to the glow worms at night. Great place to stay!

So lovely to have fresh muffins on arrival. We stayed shortly after re-opening after winter. Lovely to bike down to the pub with the dogs and explore the local trails and Anakiwa

Great campervan park- amazing to be welcomed with warm muffins! The kids loved feeding the animals & we enjoyed done lo le walks in the area including the local one to a waterfall!

A must stay! Cute rooms with everything you could need. Cute animals too, fresh banana muffins when you arrive, and best of all, a short walk to a spectacular waterfall and gloworms

We spent a night in the powered site. We travelled one month around NZ and I can affirm this was the best place we stayed. All facilities are very clean and modern, the staff is amazing and the location is just... wonderful. A huge thanks to the staff, who helped us to rearrange the stay and cruise since the road was closed for bad weather, and thanks to Henrique for his educational and interesting guided tour which I highly recommend.

The only Campervan site at milford sound so it is very expensive compared to other town. Check in wasnt the great as staff seem not bothered to answer any queries and provide hand gesture. When ask whether can we get a closer lot nearer to amenities, they just shake their head without any reply. There is kea that stay on our caravan but it is friendly and didnt damage our vehicles. Toilet is clean but lack of shower room. Kitchen is spacious. Most people will need to check out early for cruise as they dont allow us to park after 10am. So we need to find parking near to the jetty. But for thosr who want to have more time explorinf milford sound staying here is great options to let u explore more. If you have more budget can stay at the lodge overlooking mountains and waterfall. Is definitely considered as luxury for Campervan status!

Great campground in Milford sound! Wonderful views upon waking up. Multiple bird visitors through the morning. Easy to get to the sound cruise launch points. Staff was all really nice and facilities were clean and well maintained.

Modern complex with good warm bathroom ensuite facilities. Not your typical military camp holiday park and probably worth the $100 powered camper site when comparing to other establishments around the country charging $50-70 per night. Also has a swish bar with cocktail hours and restaurant. Lots of friendly birdlife around.

Ideal place to stay when visiting Milford sound. Modern facilities, high end restaurant with excellent service. If you are driving a motorhome, make sure you get a spot without overhanging branches. It hadn’t rained for 12 hours, but the irregular dripping was like a chinese water torture.

It was a wonderful site, clean and well managed. The staff were very friendly. The toilets and showers were the nicest facilities I've ever seen on a campsite. There was a torrential dounpour on the night I was there and the whole site flooded, but that's due to the location. Bring some wellies/gumboots

Fantastic Stay at Milford Sound Lodge! We camped here in our Maui van, and it was an incredible experience. The campsite was well-maintained, with stunning views all around. The facilities were clean and convenient, perfect for a comfortable stay. The highlight was the restaurant – the food was delicious, far exceeding our expectations. After a long day of exploring, it was the perfect place to relax and enjoy a great meal. Highly recommend staying here if you're visiting Milford Sound!

Toilets were closed but portaloos available. However they were very used and not pleasant. Location is absolutely beautiful especially on a clear and sunny evening. Lots of space too. Have to drive down a track through private farmland so needed to go slow as there were lots and lots of cows and calves.

Primo camping experience at the west end of Lake Hawea with good fishing and swimming to be had. Will be better when toilets are reopened instead of the portaloos. Also possum poo on top of outside facilities pretty untidy but in terms of communing with nature by a pristine waterway surrounded by jagged mountains this doc campsite is right up there. Come dark, a bushy black tailed critter might just amble right in front of you!

A good place for the Isthmus Peak trail the next day. Road for 6 km unpaved but good, entrance to the camp quite narrow and muddy at the moment. And yes, I even have a 5G cellular. No dogs allowed at least on the way to the camp because of sheeps.

My new favourite place in New Zealand. Great place to wake up. The farmers are lovely as well. Great to see the Sheep cut through in the morning to their next spot. The sheep have the best view!. Toilets are clean and theirs lots of space to move around. Beautiful waterfall on the way out to top off a great spot.

I really want to rate it higher. Cool 15km drive through sheep and cow pastures, with a great beach and stunning views, Kidds Bush doesn't disappoint. There are also a couple of tramping trails connected to the campsite with stellar views. But it's very clear they do not take care of this (likely why it's $10NZD for an adult). The real bathrooms are closed, the faucets don't all work, and the porta-johns are revolting and nearly overflowing. The sandflies weren't overbearing, but numerous (not their fault). If they cleaned these up and got the bathrooms in working order, this is 5 stars all day.

Lots of sandflies around here and the road crosses through paddocks of cows so you may find you have to wait for cows to move. But there are amazing views especially on a nice clear night, sunsets are amazing. Perfect place to skim rocks you can spend hours doing it as a lot of the rocks/ pebbles are flat. Heaps of space so it doesn’t get too crowded and there are flushable toilets. Kitchen sinks are available too. It is well looked after and maintained. Felt very safe parking up.

The campsite itself is nice with a decent amount space (although not the flattest) and amazing views from the lakeside. The road is currently awful though. It's a gravel road that hasn't been maintained so loads of deep potholes and the large amounts of rain have carved deep trenches throughout the length of the road. The toilets are also out of order and the portaloo substitutes are nearly full which is a bit grim.

Nice campsite next to the beach. However: it’s really nice if you have a tent to pitch, it’s more of a parking lot if you sleep in a car/van (no possibility to camp near the beach or grassy area, so I would not call it the best DOC campsite out there personally). There are about 20 parking spots and 12 reserved spots for people who have booked online, so you can also just hope you get a spot when you come (when we were there it filled up before sunset!). Good flush toilets and small shelter, and some walks to do around. Gravel road access, but very well maintained and easy drive.

Amazing campsite !! Lovely views of beach and mountains, friendly fellow campers, excellent facilities. Favourite DOC campsite of the trip

Road was well maintained getting in. Sunset was pretty good but then the rains hit.. only a short walk to the beach, we couldn't see the glacier due to weather but I'd suspect the view would be nice. $10 cash at camp but $15 pp online to camp

Small hidden DOC campsite gem, book in advance..directly at the beach, you can fall asleep with the sound of waves in your ears.. good for tents and smaller campervans, the sunset is also eligible for pack watching.. small to moderate sandfly attack.. flushing toilets and kitchen shelter

It was a pretty spot and was cheap. I stayed in a tent and there was plenty of space. The sand flies made it hard to stay outside for very long though.

Gillespies Beach Campsite is one of the most amazing places you could pitch a tent. On a good day, clear views of the stunning Southern Alps will make putting up with the aggressive sandflies all worth it - make sure you bathe in insect repellent prior to staying here. The facilities here include two flushing toilets, two hand basins for general use, and a shelter which can be used for cooking. The beach is also only a short walk from the campsite, as well as many interesting mining relics of years gone by.

Excellent place to see the mountains. The beach was full of rocks and the water was rough but it was refreshing. There were alot of biting flies so bring the insect repellent. There was space to picnic either at tables or on the ground. The toilets were clean flush type which was nice. We were under the impression it was a free site, however there are fees upon arrival. The road in was winding and a little narrow, but its not to bad. We had a mid sized campervan and it was fine. There were sheep and deer on the road in so best to be careful especially if you come after dark like we did.

It's a beautiful place,it's just a long winding road ,and lots of big drop,just be very careful,of the coming cars towards you other than that it's quite a stunning amazing view.

The drive is long but the camp is perfect. It is small so would get busy in the warmer months. Sites are right by the beach. You can hear the waves at night. Clean flushing toilets. Cold showers. Follow us at @bexandbugs

The doc managers are very friendly, helpful and caring. The dairy lady was so kind and helpful in contacting the manager for us. They made us feel welcome and at ease. Thank you so much! Great view at French Pass. Saw a huge pink moon rising from sea level! Never seen anything like it before! Very clean toilets!! The shower room is big and has a hook for people to hang solar shower bag. Will definitely go back again!

Lovely area by the beach, apparently the others had seen the dolphin pods in the early morning. Would definitely recommend prebooking as not many sites and also the road there is very high up on a 1 way gravel road a mission to get there but beautiful place to stay. There is a shop there that has lots of convenient items even free range eggs.

French Pass is one of the most wonderful places which I have been visiting for 25 years. Perfect spot to go camping and fishing and also to catch a boat over to d'Urville Island. It's a stunning place to visit and stay and I highly recommend it. The road out to the pass is a windy one, but take your time and drive carefully and its no problem at all. Make sure to take your camera!

Great camping spot right on the beach. Facilities were good and I look forward to my next visit.

Great camping area, nice and sheltered. Clean toilets. Some sites are right on the water and some are back in a grassed area. Great spot if you are into fishing etc

Such a beautiful spot. The camp ranger on during Easter 2025 was great so friendly and helpful, toilets were well maintained and camp nice and tidy. So much to do and a great spot to chill out. No power. No reception just time in nature.

Beautiful secluded campground at normal DOC rates. Around 35km on a gravel road to get there, in good condition. Might get some kids groups depending on the day but there’s enough space if you do want peace and quiet. Some beautiful walks in the area too!

So beautiful!. Worth being a little chilly for the views and walks.

Department of Conservation campground at its finest! Well worth the detour down the gravel road, although if you’re venturing so far I’d suggest spending a few nights. More likely to see local Kiwis with their boats and motorbikes and caravans as opposed to tourists in Jucy vans. Lots and lots of space to camp, so even when busy you should be able to get a fair bit of privacy. Some epic sites right on the water on both lakes and plenty more further back near the native forest - north and south wind rips up and down the lake so shelter by the trees may be better than the lakeside spot. Plenty of drop toilets that were very clean. Water sourced from up in the mountains so likely safe to drink even though DOC suggests treating first. Great hiking through beautiful bush. Cold swim is highly recommended! We loved it here and will hopefully be back!

Awesome camp ground. Heaps of space and beautiful scenery. Taps to use for cooking etc. Seems to be plenty of walks however only stayed 1 night. Would stay again

The perfect secluded camping spots. Plenty of space, beautiful lakes, lots of toilets/taps and frequent fire pits. Definitely recommend. Just a few suggestions though, don’t try to chop down live trees for fire wood, they won’t burn clean. Take your rubbish with you. Put down the lid on long drops, it helps decomposition and smell.

Fantastic spot. We visited July in a campervan and there was only 3 other campervans there. Plenty of places to park up, either right by the lake or under the trees or up high over lokking the lake. Swingbridges at bottoms of nth and sth mavora lakes which take you into some amazing forest walks. Pay your camp fees at the south mavora lake.

this campground is such a missed opportunity. the location is perfect but the amenities and service provided don't fit the price you're asked to pay. kitchen could have a few utensils, hot showers could be free, hard ground sites could be installed to use in case of bad weather. at this price point, i expected more. gorgeous views and beautiful little forest with glow worms though!

Great campground, good place to use as a first stop/last stop of south island as is very close to Picton. Very good and clean facilities. Warm shallow bay to go for a swim in. Very windy roads to get there. Pre-booking well in advance is recommended and online bookings are required for this campsite. Don't forget to go on the forest walk to see the glowworms!!!

A beautiful, peaceful bay with great amenities including a DOC campsite, playground, public telephone, jetty & walking/cycling trails. The beach is calm and safe for swimming. The store is open seasonally to accommodate the influx of summer visitors and doubles as a cafe.

We arrived 8pm after getting in to Picton on a late ferry. Good tent space, kitchen was clean and grounds were tidy. The main showers required a door pin, which we didn’t realise. Due to slim office hours, any assistance would be difficult if you need it. Our bathroom pin was on a sticky note attached to the front office door, which we only found in the morning during day light. Message or email before arrival would have be nice to let people know that would be there, we missed out on a shower the night we got in but happily used the facilities the next day.

Agree with John H review from 2months ago, we felt exactly the same. Especially the process to dispose of RUBBISH and the inspection is way over the top! Come on... surely this can be improved for the sake of TOURISM. Apart from that the actual location is beautiful and facilities kept spotless. First impressions count, and unfortunately we left feeling disappointed.

A very nice surprice in a beautiful spot in the Marlborough Sounds.

The sooner this campsite is transferred out of DoC hands, the better. The Doc ranger’s over officious, unfriendly and over controlling approach is not suited to the tourism and hospitality industry. Expect two, half hour periods when you can get rid of your rubbish and have it inspected to ensure you are complying with recycling rules. Your rubbish will be rejected if you don’t comply! A beautiful spot ruined by people in their polo shirts of power!

Came end June 2024, breathtaking views, stunning silence and all to ourselves (except for sheep!). Drop toilet open, but running water shut off for the winter. Book online before arrival. Entrance has a short steep section that could get muddy - could be a challenge for a bigger RV.

Well laid out campsite with individual bays and grassy stretches to put up tents. Two tabs to refill water and wash dishes. A toilet building with two spacious cabins. Luxury compared to Diamond Lake campsite. But... the bridge crossing the river hasn't been replaced yet. There are no instructions in place. From the parking lot climb the ladder over the fence. Follow the stream up to a shallow point where you can cross. Keeping shoes on or take them off - it's your choice. Once across watch out for a small pile of stones. Enter the bush and turn right. Follow the rough tramp for approximately 300 metres where you meet the original broad and well laid out track. DOC, why are you confusing visitors with a signboard that tells to keep off blue and pink marked trails and keep to the orange marked? The track is in most parts marked BLUE not orange.

One of our favourite campsites, beautiful and very calm. Just make sure to bathe in sandlfy repellent before you exit your car, there are a lot of them. The Sylvan hike track next to the campsite was closed during our visit, but may open sometime during the summer again.

This campsite is a hidden gem! Situated in a valley and surrounded by gorgeous mountain views. Close to the Routeburn start/end and the Lake Sylvan track (now open again!) begins at the campsite. Definitely take the time for the Lake Sylvan track. It's super nice with a stunning view and very easy. Enjoy!

Nice campsite by the river, good toilet with paper and soap. Look out for the sand flies, take some deet as there are thousands of them and they will bit you to death.

Lake Sylvan track is a largely undiscovered gem. Amazing bird life (we were approached and had our shoelaces pecked by a couple of curious robins on our walk). Lake is a hidden and peaceful place to wet your toes. There were very few people on this track (compared to the routeburn just up the road).

Great and tidy campsite. For DOqC campsite with long drop toilet and tap water maybe little bit expensive but the fact it is close to the great walk we understand price. Definitely kids friendly with lots of outdoor activities.

Great sized domain with plenty of parking spots. Donations by toilet next to tennis courts. Was alot of bugs around when was there but ok. Service is very patchy stay need to wonder around a bit. Will be back again at some stage.

Lovely place to camp beside the rail trail as well...lovely meals at waipiata hotel...pies are yummy. 🤗

I was planning to stay here for a night on the way to the east coast, thinking I would donate 5 bucks and get a beer or 2 at the pub, but this town can get stuffed! Don't see why it would need to be 'self contained only' if there are toilets...also big sign on the gate explicitly saying "NO MOTORBIKES" so that ended it for me. If you're on a bike however you can make it down the "MTB track" to the Taieri river to camp at a little spot with a bench and toilet just over the bridge

In the middle of Somewhere. Camping in the Domain.. simple styles. GPS takes you off the main tar seal... But hey, well worth it. Connected to the Otago Rail Trail.

Great park up. Toilets and water unavailable during winter to prevent pipes getting frozen and splitting, fabulous views and very quiet. On the doorstep of the Otago Rail Trail

If you are looking for a place to simply park your car or campervan, or a place to put up your tent, then this is great. The toilet is clean and flushing, and there is water.

It's a great place to camp, especially if you are cycling the Otago Rail Trail. The Waipiata Country tavern is amazing for lunch and dinner.

Lake Pukaki is perfectly positioned at the foot of Southern Alps. The scenery around will blow your mind away. We might have seen such pictures as the backdrop of calendars during my childhood. But never imagined such a beautiful place. The area is famous for Salmon & salmon farms too. This aquamarine colour due to the glacial flour will leave you mesmerized.

Pale water holds the mountain's gaze, A sheet of ice, in sunlit haze. The Southern Alps, in jagged crown, Reflect their snow on water down. The air is thin, the light is gold, A silence ancient, grand, and old. Upon the shore, the tussocks sigh, Beneath a vast and endless sky. Lake Pukaki, a turquoise gleam, The color of a waking dream. It drinks the melt from Tasman's feet, A glacial, breathtaking retreat.

Lake located on the road to Mt Aorangi, lake has some spectacular views and lookouts galore. Can see clear around the valley on a nice day.

Re-reviewing this Absolute Gem of a Lake! "Excellent view; it has a different beauty in the winter. Unfortunately, the salmon petting zoo still wasn't open. This is a place where every reunion must be had and held. Mount Cook is still there too!" I Would Love To Come Back!

Our coach passed beautiful Lake Pukaki on the way to Mount Cook, which became visible from quite a distance. The entire lake is an almost perfect and consistent aquamarine, from the glacial runoff silt.

Definitely worth a couple of visits! You can get even closer to the mountains when you drive towards Mount Cook. The lake is an endless body of turquoise blue. There is plenty of parking available. Toilet facilities are not the best though.

Beautiful place to have look on Mount Cook. It gives beautiful look with several other mountains. It's very big and spread in large area till Mount cook.. Drive along with this lake gives you a very sceneric beauty. Even if you wanna dark star view. Than it's a best place to see. By going more along with lake (not on main road) side road. You can get good spot which will give a broad view of sky and definitely you will get too many stars and planets (satellites too if you lucky enough).

One of my most favourite walks in the Queenstown area for my fitness level isn’t the best. I felt like a knight with his horse and sword it was tranquil and very peaceful. Took me and my brethren only two hours

20 mins drive from Queenstown through some narrow unsealed road towards the lake. Breathtaking views. The track is 2.30 hours round the lake or shorter if you’re fast walker. Well worth it.

Just a short drive from Queenstown, this hidden gem offers a true escape into nature. The road in is unsealed and dotted with potholes, so a bit of care and confidence behind the wheel is needed—but the journey is part of the adventure. When we arrived, the lake was lightly frozen, its surface dusted with delicate ice. The views were stunning, the air crisp and refreshing. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the world—quite literally, as there was no phone signal. Peaceful, quiet, and absolutely worth the visit.

A picturesque and quiet place. Worth the effort of driving along the narrow road. Better use a 4WD especially in wet weather.

Hidden - definitely super well hidden. A very slow drive was required to reach the lake and the terrain was slippery and narrow. We almost gave up partly due to a lack of network connectivity and uncertainty of the location. Gem - no. Personally, it is not worth the insane drive in. The distance was little, but the time taken to traverse was disproportionate. There was not much of a scenery to take in. People probably drive in here to camp overnight or to have picnics. Bonus tip - highly recommend to clear your bowels before adventuring in here, if you wish.

Visited this place in 2023, very tranquil and peaceful

Moke Lake is a very pleasant, varied and scenic circular walk. It is on an excellent track of 6.2km with 108m of gentle elevation gain in total. It took us 2 hours at a gentle pace with stops to admire the great views. There are no rough parts but there is a boardwalk across a wetland which had a 20m section with a few cm of water when we did it in November (see photos) - so you need decent boots or get wet feet. To get there drive 7km out of Queenstown on the Glenorchy Road, turn right and drive for another 7km. The road becomes a gravel track but it is OK with an ordinary car in dry conditions. The parking area is also a well equipped camp-site with toilets, washrooms and water taps. Total outing duration from Queenstown was 3.5 hours including drive and admiring the views.

Spent 7 days at totaranui very pretty spot Golden sand calm beach good for canoe hiking and fishing, good toilets and room for solar camp showers, tubs for washing

Beautiful walk through the national park, we walked 16km which took us around 4 hours, very clean track apart from the occasional landslide due to recent rain. Plenty of stops on the way and also plenty of options depending on how far you want to walk! Recommend taking some lunch and snacks and stopping on the beach. 10/10 views.

The Abel Tasman walking trails start right from the Park Cafe in Marahau – and they’re absolutely stunning! The tracks follow the coastline with golden beaches, turquoise water, and lush forest all around. You can do short walks or go further to Anchorage and beyond. Everything is well-marked and beautifully maintained. Along the way there are plenty of great spots to swim, relax, or just enjoy the views. One of the most beautiful walks in New Zealand.

A gorgeous park with amazing views and beaches! Well maintained paths and even wifi in some of the huts! There are a lot of services like water taxis that can drop you off at any point in the park, which makes it accessible for all fitness levels!

extremely nice. Allow maybe 4 hours for the walk, we only had 2 and saw a lot, but 4hours would have been perfect.

If you like hiking and kayaking and beautiful beaches this is heaven for you. We realised after we got there that we needed at least 4 to 5 days to get the full experience. The true hikers book lodges in Abel Tasman park well in advance and hike the entire park which takes 4 to 5 days but for those who want to spend a day hiking there are boats from Kaiteriteri that drop you at different points in Abel Tasman and you can hike for the day and reach another point and get picked up by boat to get back. We chartered a boat for the day and it was a fantastic experience. The captain and crew were so fun and welcoming and made sure we had a great time. We got to see beautiful pristine beaches, went for a short hike in the Abel Tasman Park, kayaked in the ocean and spotted fur seals along the way.

Took the water taxi from Mārahau to Anchorage and walked back along the Abel Tasman Coast Trail. We lucked out with a gorgeous sunny day and the views were spectacular! Would definitely recommend!

I love it. Travel around as much as I can. Roads are amazing and the views are some of the best in the world. I love going through the southern alps but the coastlines are amazing as well. I'll return here to live one day

I have been to New Zealand many times, and I can never find a reason not to come back again. the South Island is, all in all, an even more pure island with more nature and fewer people. as it is considerably further south than the northern parts of North Island, you can experience a climate much more moderate. it rains a lot on the West Coast, but the east gets a fair amount of sunshine.

Have to see it to believe it, simply incredible. Everything is so accessible. If you love the outdoors South is for you! If you want to get away from the city life South is for you. Mountain biking heaven, snowboarding paradise, hiking everywhere.

Who can't love the Sputh Island. It is the mainland after all. No place can beat it, not even those from the North! There is always somewhere awesome to explore.

Just one the most beautiful places on Earth. I have been lucky enough to visit the South Island several times and never tire of the amazing scenery such the Remarkable’s to name one. Queenstown is one of my favourite places as well as Nelson both different in styles but both very friendly places full of exiting views and activities, great selection of restaurants, bars and shops.

Just visit and explore … do not want miss this experience. And NZ is a paradise for those, who suffering from gluten allergie. Almost everywhere you get glutenfree options.

My friend and I hired a car and did a 1600 km road trip around the south island and wow. It was one of my favourite holidays. There is so much to see and do especially if you love the outdoors. Accommodation was no issue, Airbnb and backpackers were reasonably priced for excellent value. The roads are in great condition however be warned that the distances between places may be short it takes a fair bit longer as its all mountain passes. Queenstown is a must do but be prepared to spend a bit more money than you will in the other town. The locals are great and everything is in English which makes it super easy for any tourist. The place is safe but I would always recommend that you exercise caution. Enjoy

The staff was lovely and friendly, whereas I think the payment-return ratio is not good (23$ pp. for an unpoweredsite). The kitchen is pretty basic (you can hire kitchen equipment for a fiver), and the toilets have been a little dirty. But the showers have been powerful and hot, that's a bonus.

A good little get away just outside of Christchurch. Rooms were well cleaned and functional. We stayed in a cabin with bunks. It was perfect for a short stay. We were also able to park the car right outside. Be sure to bring all your snacks and drinks you need, there was a mini fridge in our room we were able to use during our stay. Plenty of storage spots in the room. Great fresh air outside the room. Shower and toilet facilities clean with no issues.

Top 10 at Spencer Park What a fabulous place. The staff are fantastic, so kind so helpful and just lovely to talk to. Always smiling and so thoughtful. We have been blown away by the staffs kindness to us whilst our motorbike was being repaired. We have stayed here more than a week and so impressed how well this campsite is set up. It’s a huge site but everything is super clean, well organised and signposted. The grounds are beautiful with lots of stunning pitches throughout with huge trees lots of wildlife and wonderful places to walk all around the campsite with wetland reserves and the beautiful beach just a few minutes away. The site has fantastic kitchen and shower set ups that are super modern with everything thought of to cook a nice meal. Great washing up facilities, super clean bathrooms and showers - I can not fault this place. Cleaning is of such a high standard that it just makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. All of the staffing team are so friendly and helpful. Rubbish is well organised for recycling and bins emptied regularly, love the boxes for sharing if you have food left over at the end of your stay you can leave for other campers. This is wonderful and stops wastage and brings more of a community feel to the place. We camped in our tent and stayed in a basic cabin at opposite ends of the campsite. Both areas are truly wonderful. Thank you so much for looking after us and making us so welcome. We can not recommend this beautiful campsite enough.

We were recommended Spencer Park by some travelling English bikers we talked to at another Top 10 camping ground. They had been looked after well when arriving wet and on motorbikes intending to camp but were given a cabin. And our it did not disappoint. We had a 'basic' cabin, recently renovated very clean and comfortable. Only improvement would be an insect screen on the windows. The rebuilding of bathroom/kitchen facilities was well underway so they had provided excellent plumbed showers and a large very flash 'temporary' kitchen with outdoor sheltered decking. Looked brand new and very inviting. We didn't use the large kitchen as we could walk under cover to a small kitchen two doors down and a lovely bathroom three doors down. The bathroom had toilets with a modern upgrade. We thought Spencer Park was 'punching well above it's weight ' compared to it's top 10 rating.

My experience was absolutely fantastic. The views are fantastic. I stayed in a powered site and all the facilities were very clean and tidy. All the staff were so friendly and I will be staying with them again on my next trip

Everything was warm, clean, well maintained and modern. The staff were friendly and exceptionally helpful. We loved staying here.

It's my favourite of the many campgrounds I've stayed in. All of the staff I've interacted with have been friendly and accommodating. It's huge and they're always happy to switch me to a nice secluded spot. Right beside a great forest with many tracks and minutes to a fantastic beach. Good bird life. As close as I've experienced to wild camping, without having to wash in an ice cold river. Definitely coming back, probably a lot.

Stayed in our caravan on one of their sites - price reduced because we are a member of NZMCA $32pn. Pretty disappointed by the condition of the showers and toilets. Shabby with green mould in the corners,paint peeling and shower lining in bad state.A good clean required all over premises. Staff helpful tho and polite.

We had an awesome stay at Fox Glacier Lodge. The location is awesome, and I love the rustic vibe of our cabin. The most amazing was when the owner took us on an evening glowworm walk in the forest nearby. We saw hundreds of them! Such a great place.

Had an absolutely amazing experience here. I was on my honeymoon and they left us a beautiful message, flowers and chocolate in our room on top of the fact that the room gave off the best cozy cabin vibes. The receptionist was also super friendly and helpful. Would recommend others to stay here.

Unfortunately I can’t leave a great review for this site. The place is not well maintained. We stayed in a campervan site, powered. This is fine with power and water provided. However the facilities were atrocious. There was black mould on the roof in the kitchen and common area, as well as on all the shower and toilet roofs. The showers look liked they had not been cleaned in forever. Alike the previous review, we had a cleaner drop toilet from one of the off grid campsites through DOC that was nicer than this. Many of the replies to the comments were it’s because it is a damp area, yes it is, but there are many things you can do to prevent this from happening. I should have looked at the bad reviews before booking, it was just one of the cheaper options in the area. The site could definitely do with some money spend to up their facilities to make it more comfortable and clean for guests.

The staff were really helpful and friendly! We had an electrical issue with our motorhome and couldn’t get power to our vehicle, but before we knew what the issue was, they helped us by having us try different sites. When that didn’t work, they let us try another cable, in case it’s my cable issue. Pretty much assisted us the whole way until we found the root of the problem; being the motorhome itself. When they knew we couldn’t get power, they showed their concern and told us we could use the kitchen to charge our devices if need be. That’s some incredible customer service!! I’m so appreciative and grateful for that! Also, nice hot showers!

Location 18736 km from home - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ then. Nice DIY breakfest and quiet rooms. Weather at Glacier was on the humid side🤣

Booked two months ago for a holiday just before Easter next year. Specifically booked early so that we could ensure we got something within our budget and could therefore confidentially arrange international flights for a once in a lifetime trip to NZ (even if it's on a tight budget). Instead today we've received an 'apology' email saying that due to overlooking, they're unable to honour our condoned reservation - instead offering us alternative accommodation that is double the original budget we had booked with them. Leaves me thinking that as accommodation stayed to book out and prices pushed up, they decided to proceed with another customer who would pay more for the same booking than honour existing bookings. Either that or they have serious issues managing their bookings to only be able to tell 2 months later that they are overbooked. The gall of the to them have our booking canceled through Expedia 'at our request'. Whatever it is, it leaves us currently without accommodation in our budget and a sour taste in our mouths at what feels like unscrupulous booking practices.

A pretty and convenient place to freedom camp if you're passing through the area and need a place to stay. While there are flushing toilets as well as drop toilets, the flushing ones weren't really flushing while I was there. There are plenty of areas to pull into for the night. I arrived about an hour before sunset and got a nice spot, but then quite a few folks arrived after dark and parked near me. As a woman traveling alone, I was a bit anxious with the late night arrivals parking close to me. I didn't feel this way at other freedom camp spots, maybe because this is so close to the highway and had a more "rest stop" feel to it. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise, though. Ended up leaving first thing in the morning and using the facilities up the road instead which were much cleaner.

Fantastic Freedom Camp. Arrived at 3pm Sunday, plenty of space. Areas for tents and vans. Very clear instructions about where you can park up. Great views. Yes, there is road noise, but it’s a Freedom Camp with stunning views, toilets and multiple bins. Well done to the local council for providing such a great space.

Great little freedom camping spot. Had clean flushing toilets down one end and bins for waste. There were also 2 other long drops and bins scattered around (these were overflowing). Found a nice private spot down by the boat ramp and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Bugs weren't too bad either. Only downside is the proximity to the highway.

Inspite of the strong winds, (125km /hr) the place itself was beautiful. Enough niches and corners to create privacy and to find the best spot, to stay out of the wind.

This is my to go place when visiting Wanaka/Queenstown or any nearby town. About 30-60 minutes drive away from great towns. They do have toilet and wifi too! Youll get noise at night as it is beside the highway but its easy to find. Be careful when turning right if coming from the other side of the road. Plenty of space to park and camp. Been here twice, summer and winter. Summer was a bit full but can manange to fit and winter you'll see 0-3 other freedom campers. Photos were taken mid winter.

Great spot for an overnight snooze even if you're non self contained. Face your vehicle by the river so you don't get hit by truck headlights every so often from the highway. Wasn't noisy. Toilets are reasonably clean and there are trash bins too. Lady that was clearing the bins was super friendly!

Great place to pull off the road and rest, decent sized freedom camping spot with toilets. Magnificent views of Lake Dunstan and Mt Pisa. Only downside is the frost turbines that go all night in the surrounding orchards and vineyards

Beautiful camp spot but completely overrun with day visitors in the summer. No real system of where day visitors can park so it’s slight mayhem of people parking over other’s camp sites. Often means you don’t get a lot of space for camp chairs etc during the day. Gorgeous sunsets and nice walk up through the pines.

Cool grass campsite near the beach. Toilets and water. Just be aware the gates get shut from 9pm - 7am. We didn't know this when booked and people in our group had to make the ferry and leave 6.30 so we had to leave and camp elsewhere that night. Was gutted because we would have liked to stay there longer. The doc ranger will not flinch on opening the gate earlier.

Got in very late, just before the gate closed. Easy to work out payment and setup, but try to do that in advance. What an awesome place to wake up and go for a beach walk. Very nice camp host!!!

This is a great basic campsite. It has flush toilets, cold showers only, but they're great in summer. Great local short and long walks, and a safe swimming beach.

Great camping spot, showers, beautiful beach. IMPORTANT TO NOTE: - check in with the camp host **** GATE is LOCKED 9pm - 7 am **** This was the first DOC site or any site at all that we stayed at in 3 weeks that had a gate. I missed the signs, and the small print on the website booking stating the gate would be locked til 7 am. We had to be at the ferry at 645. Which is why I chose this campsite, the only affordable availability for a nonself contained van (due to new laws) - the 30 min drive to the early ferry was great. Until we saw the locked gate during departure. This lead to a very negative interaction with the camp host. Regardless of my travel experience and due diligence with planning I hit my first snag in 3 weeks of NZ travel.

Good toilets and sink, changing rooms and cold showers good walks 2 or 4 hour safe bay for swimming or canoe

Beautiful camp grounds facing right out onto the sea with plenty of room for campers. Gates close at 9pm and reopen at 7am so worth keeping in mind. However showers were cold and there was nowhere to fill up drinking water

We enjoyed our night camping at Hans Bay Lake Kaniere, a suggestion if we may. We felt that too much space has been given over to motor vehicles and not much left for small tent campers, the motor vehicles can drive and park anywhere and this has been detrimental to the camping areas. Vehicle tracks and quite deep ruts have destroyed areas that would otherwise be lovely to camp in. At the grassed areas it would be quite simple and not too costly we think to erect wooden barriers so that all motor vehicles could be kept to the gravelled areas and leaving the grassed areas to camp in. Over time we think these barriers would pay for themselves reducing maintenance. The light over the mens toilets still needs fixing as identified 7 months ago by another reviewer.

Nice and quiet when I camped here. Needs a bit more TLC as the men's restroom light was conked. But can't complain too much for a DOC camp. The location is absolutely stunning. Beyond description. Friendly Wekas greet you next to your tent, and the views of the lake is something else. Highly recommended!

Very pleasant place to overnight. Imagine it could get crowded. Beautiful views and enjoyed the overnighter immensely

Gorgeous campsite. Well maintained amenities (sink/kitchen, non-potable water, bathrooms). Good selection of campsites that have views of the lake/mountains. It's quiet and secluded. The drive from the state highway to the campsite has no reception, but once you get there you have 4g (I have OneNZ), so it's there if you need it.

Today we walked around the lake. The side with the bush track was stunning with hundreds of ancient Rimu trees. The walkway through the bush was 12.5km. All the side streams have wooden bridges. It's a well maintained track following the lake edge. There are numerous small stony beaches suitable for swimming and picnicking.

Great DOC camp. Nice new "kitchen" and clean toilets. The lake is so nice to dip in and the Birdlife in the morning will amaze you. Weka's arround your tent and plenty of room. Young trees, but big enough for some wind shelter. It was fairly busy (+25 vehicles) but the camp could have that. Lots of daytime visitors for the lake,. Quiet road. Nice drive from and to Hokitika.

Lovely DOC camp ground. Not able to book but plentiful areas. Maybe very busy over public holidays. Only $10 a night.

A nice lake with an easy loop trail around it

Beautiful spot. Great, easy rock climbing that was easy to access. Highly recommend.

Hiked to the Lake Wanaka Lookout, amazing 360° views at the top. Starting with gravel paths,then stairs covered in foliage, finishing with open sky grass hills. Great medium hike for occasional hikers.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Diamond Lake in New Zealand and I am absolutely blown away by the breathtaking natural beauty this place has to offer. From the moment I arrived, I knew I was in for a treat. First and foremost, the crystal-clear water of Diamond Lake is something out of a fairytale. The vibrant emerald color is a true spectacle, and the surrounding snowcapped mountains create a picture-perfect backdrop that is simply unforgettable. It is mesmerizing to watch the reflection of the mountains on the calm waters of the lake. The hiking trails around Diamond Lake are a paradise for nature enthusiasts like myself. The well-marked paths guide you through lush native forests, revealing stunning panoramic views at every turn. The diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this area made every step of the hike an adventure. I was lucky enough to spot some unique bird species, including the elusive tui and kea. One of the highlights of my visit was the iconic Diamond Lake Summit Track. Although it was a challenging ascent, the rewarding views from the top were beyond words. Standing at the summit, I felt like I was on top of the world, with panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka stretching as far as the eye can see. It was truly a humbling experience. The facilities at Diamond Lake are excellent. The visitor center provides valuable information about the area, including local history and conservation efforts. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, eager to assist with any queries or recommendations. The well-maintained picnic areas provide a perfect spot to sit back, relax, and immerse oneself in the tranquility of the surroundings. Overall, Diamond Lake is a hidden gem in New Zealand's South Island that deserves recognition. The untouched beauty, the awe-inspiring views, and the serenity it offers make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Whether you are seeking a challenging hike, a peaceful walk, or simply a place to connect with nature, Diamond Lake will surpass your expectations. I cannot recommend it enough, and I am already planning my return visit to this captivating slice of heaven.

Beautiful lake nestled at the base of Rocky Mountain with walking/hiking trails for all abilities and fitness levels. Take an easy stroll around the lake and enjoy the stillness of the water and the bird life, head up to the viewpoint to enjoy a birdseye view of Diamond Lake and stunning vistas of Lake Wanaka, Glendhu Bay and the surrounding mountains or head right up the top to the summit of Rocky Mountain for 360° panoramic views of the surrounding area. An excellent destination for a day walk while in the area.

So gave this lake/pond a couple of chances to impress. I just wouldn't bother coming here unless you were intending to do the longer walk up Rocky Mountain to get the view of it from above and out to Lake Wanaka. The actual walk around the lake is not that spectacular. Did it in summer and thought maybe it would look great in winter with snow covered hill reflections but cloudy day, still not much snow on the visible hill and dark weed didn't do anything for it. There really is only one clear spot to take a photo. In saying that, the drive out to here is always beautiful and this conservation area with all it's rocks is interesting.

Diamond Lake Walk - we did the loop around the lake. We could see the ferns in different time of development. The track is among the bushes, ferns, trees, flowers. We found many small caves to hide, and we play with our child in the game hide and seek. From the parking area you go up and than it’s flat road among the lake. The surface of the lake is a mirror for ferns and trees. It’s magical place when you have time to sit on the rocks and stare to watch the light and nature performance.