Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking
Southern end of lake
Accommodation
-
Standard
Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking
Free Campsite
Amazing views over Lake Pukaki for self-contained campervans. Basic facilities for no cost.
Maps
Camping NZ NEW
Welcome to New Zealand's most comprehensive database of freely available camping information. This is the only travel map of its kind in NZ.
Photos
Images
Information
Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking
Lake Pukaki Freedom Camping
This is one of the great Freedom Camping locations. On the right afternoon / evening, life is good as you watch the sun go down.
There's lots of space, but earliest arrivals get the best spots.
The lake makes for an invigorating swim (in glacial water....yeeeeaaaah)
Self Contained Vehicles only
Has toilets
No lighting fires
Use the rubbish bins provided
Maximum night stay N/A
This map pin is accurate. The only legal freedom camping spot on Lake Pukaki is at this one, near the power station (see photo). All previous freedom camping spots down Haymans Road are now not allowed.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
|---|---|---|
|
Organisation |
Toitū Te Whenua (LINZ)Central government organisation |
|
|
Location |
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel |
|
|
Categories |
|
|
|
Directions To Coordinates |
||
|
Coordinates |
Freedom Camping
Nearby
Reviews
-
4.5/5
The marked spot is very nice.
Not as close to the water as some would like but it has a beautiful view. While it may be tempting, make sure not to park up Hayman road instead of this spot. Every morning officials drive around early and give out $400 fines for doing so.
A![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(221,47,241)" /><path d="m 150 670 Q 135 165 -370 150 Q 135 135 150 -370 Q 165 135 670 150 Q 165 165 150 670 z" fill="rgb(159,254,154)" /><path d="m 150 307 Q 273 27 -7 150 Q 273 273 150 -7 Q 27 273 307 150 Q 27 27 150 307 z" fill="rgb(96,1,101)" /><path d="m 150 279 Q 299 1 21 150 Q 299 299 150 21 Q 1 299 279 150 Q 1 1 150 279 z" fill="rgb(34,208,14)" /></svg>)
-
4.0/5
Excellent spot with wonderful views of the lake and Mount Cook in the distance.
Was busy but you’d find a spot. Didn’t try the toilets so refer to other reviews on that.
P![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(111,94,223)" /><path d="m 150 574 Q 255 45 -274 150 Q 255 255 150 -274 Q 45 255 574 150 Q 45 45 150 574 z" fill="rgb(38,174,77)" /><path d="m 150 349 Q 94 206 -49 150 Q 94 94 150 -49 Q 206 94 349 150 Q 206 206 150 349 z" fill="rgb(217,81,178)" /><path d="m 150 214 Q 56 244 86 150 Q 56 56 150 86 Q 244 56 214 150 Q 244 244 150 214 z" fill="rgb(144,161,32)" /></svg>)
-
5.0/5
This is a great place for camping!
Just to clarify that there are four toilets stalls. Pretty clean too. I read someone’s reviews saying they didn’t find the toilets. This place has two entrances. There are few levels of parking area for camper van to park. The toilets are at the lowest level. There are walking trails and bikes tracks. The view is magnificent. When it’s clear, you can see Mt Cook. Please donate 1-2 dollars for the hard work of the cleaning crew. 👍 most campsites have great views. So no worries.
J![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(200,106,69)" /><path d="m 150 552 Q 109 191 -252 150 Q 109 109 150 -252 Q 191 109 552 150 Q 191 191 150 552 z" fill="rgb(238,3,236)" /><path d="m 150 512 Q 195 105 -212 150 Q 195 195 150 -212 Q 105 195 512 150 Q 105 105 150 512 z" fill="rgb(17,252,19)" /><path d="m 150 145 Q 177 123 155 150 Q 177 177 150 155 Q 123 177 145 150 Q 123 123 150 145 z" fill="rgb(55,149,186)" /></svg>)
-
4.0/5
Location!
Location! That's what this is all about with minimal facilities but incredible views over Pukaki lake to mount Cook. Mind you, everybody thinks the same so lots of vans and late arrivers struggled to find a flat spot. Plus with so many vans your view may generally be of other vans! Very beautiful tho and we went back for a second night. Off season would be perfect imagine.
-
0.5/5
NO TENT CAMPING or in a SELF-CONTAINED VEHICLE on Hayman Road from the intersection with State Highway 8.
Signage in place, Prohibited area and an infringeable offence!!!!
W![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(14,222,191)" /><path d="m 150 678 Q 58 242 -378 150 Q 58 58 150 -378 Q 242 58 678 150 Q 242 242 150 678 z" fill="rgb(161,80,9)" /><path d="m 150 389 Q 93 207 -89 150 Q 93 93 150 -89 Q 207 93 389 150 Q 207 207 150 389 z" fill="rgb(94,175,246)" /><path d="m 150 339 Q 288 12 -39 150 Q 288 288 150 -39 Q 12 288 339 150 Q 12 12 150 339 z" fill="rgb(241,33,64)" /></svg>)
-
4.0/5
Must sleep on location!
The views in the morning are stunning. It is a huge so many cars can fit in. There are only long drop toilets, no sink etc.
S![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(84,41,254)" /><path d="m 150 609 Q 90 210 -309 150 Q 90 90 150 -309 Q 210 90 609 150 Q 210 210 150 609 z" fill="rgb(173,56,26)" /><path d="m 150 401 Q 216 84 -101 150 Q 216 216 150 -101 Q 84 216 401 150 Q 84 84 150 401 z" fill="rgb(82,199,229)" /><path d="m 150 273 Q 77 223 27 150 Q 77 77 150 27 Q 223 77 273 150 Q 223 223 150 273 z" fill="rgb(171,214,1)" /></svg>)
-
5.0/5
The most beautiful view over the lake - we got there early - like 1.30 and we got front row.
If you arrive later there is still lots of space and since it is on a hill most campers get nice views.
There is a little beach that you can go swimming from. The water is pretty cold - but felt amazing.
S![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(35,249,22)" /><path d="m 150 697 Q 56 244 -397 150 Q 56 56 150 -397 Q 244 56 697 150 Q 244 244 150 697 z" fill="rgb(130,117,3)" /><path d="m 150 520 Q 57 243 -220 150 Q 57 57 150 -220 Q 243 57 520 150 Q 243 243 150 520 z" fill="rgb(125,138,252)" /><path d="m 150 325 Q 119 181 -25 150 Q 119 119 150 -25 Q 181 119 325 150 Q 181 181 150 325 z" fill="rgb(220,6,233)" /></svg>)
-
4.5/5
Free, great view, and plenty of parking.
I didn’t see any toilets, but that would’ve been a great addition.
D![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(76,130,116)" /><path d="m 150 748 Q 160 140 -448 150 Q 160 160 150 -448 Q 140 160 748 150 Q 140 140 150 748 z" fill="rgb(217,175,121)" /><path d="m 150 487 Q 79 221 -187 150 Q 79 79 150 -187 Q 221 79 487 150 Q 221 221 150 487 z" fill="rgb(38,80,134)" /><path d="m 150 135 Q 46 254 165 150 Q 46 46 150 165 Q 254 46 135 150 Q 254 254 150 135 z" fill="rgb(179,125,139)" /></svg>)
-
5.0/5
Great place by the lake.
Fantastic views of the lake and mountains around. There’s a lot of space! Maximum stay is 3 nights.
-
-
5.0/5
Two gravel carparks with amazing views next to a grass area where people put up their camp chairs and tables.
Access to the crystal clear lake for a paddle or swim. There is a cycle track which could be used for a run or walk too. Clean well maintained drop toilets, no other facilities.
Earlier you arrive the better view you can get. We arrived at 4pm and there were a few good spots left.
E![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(216,244,196)" /><path d="m 150 755 Q 63 237 -455 150 Q 63 63 150 -455 Q 237 63 755 150 Q 237 237 150 755 z" fill="rgb(74,14,65)" /><path d="m 150 518 Q 213 87 -218 150 Q 213 213 150 -218 Q 87 213 518 150 Q 87 87 150 518 z" fill="rgb(181,241,190)" /><path d="m 150 326 Q 173 127 -26 150 Q 173 173 150 -26 Q 127 173 326 150 Q 127 127 150 326 z" fill="rgb(39,11,59)" /></svg>)
-
-
4.5/5
Great spot, amazing views and a nice walking track by the lake.
Lots of space for many campers. However, it was very very windy at night. I’d recommend getting there early to get a lower down spot! Toilets are clean, no drinking water.
E![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(224,106,64)" /><path d="m 150 593 Q 272 28 -293 150 Q 272 272 150 -293 Q 28 272 593 150 Q 28 28 150 593 z" fill="rgb(137,109,250)" /><path d="m 150 496 Q 188 112 -196 150 Q 188 188 150 -196 Q 112 188 496 150 Q 112 112 150 496 z" fill="rgb(118,146,5)" /><path d="m 150 141 Q 261 39 159 150 Q 261 261 150 159 Q 39 261 141 150 Q 39 39 150 141 z" fill="rgb(31,149,191)" /></svg>)
-
-
4.5/5
Loved this camp site.
Other people have mentioned the wind- they weren’t joking! I wondered in the middle of the night how much windier it would need to get to tip my van over… would do it again for the views.
Toilets were clean and well serviced. This was a popular camp spot- can’t imagine how busy it would be in peak season.
L![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(177,179,130)" /><path d="m 150 514 Q 145 155 -214 150 Q 145 145 150 -214 Q 155 145 514 150 Q 155 155 150 514 z" fill="rgb(18,142,208)" /><path d="m 150 372 Q 251 49 -72 150 Q 251 251 150 -72 Q 49 251 372 150 Q 49 49 150 372 z" fill="rgb(237,113,47)" /><path d="m 150 204 Q 256 44 96 150 Q 256 256 150 96 Q 44 256 204 150 Q 44 44 150 204 z" fill="rgb(78,76,125)" /></svg>)
-
4.5/5
Stunning views.
Really just a big gravel parking area. Some of it not flat. Worth it for the view.
S![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(141,255,211)" /><path d="m 150 619 Q 49 251 -319 150 Q 49 49 150 -319 Q 251 49 619 150 Q 251 251 150 619 z" fill="rgb(223,194,197)" /><path d="m 150 487 Q 205 95 -187 150 Q 205 205 150 -187 Q 95 205 487 150 Q 95 95 150 487 z" fill="rgb(32,61,58)" /><path d="m 150 275 Q 125 175 25 150 Q 125 125 150 25 Q 175 125 275 150 Q 175 175 150 275 z" fill="rgb(114,0,44)" /></svg>)
-
5.0/5
Views are unreal!!!
Best campsite for the views, we got there at 4 filled up very early for the good spots by 5:30. Still plenty of uneven surfaces available though if you are a little late. Toilets are very clean. HOWEVER, the wind was crazy by nightfall, it hit 143kms/hr. We managed to fight the wind until 2am then ended up moving closer to the toilets for shelter and the wind was completely blocked. Worth staying just make sure you move your car to the toilets for a good sleep! Would come again :)
Cd![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(56,93,44)" /><path d="m 150 733 Q 145 155 -433 150 Q 145 145 150 -433 Q 155 145 733 150 Q 155 155 150 733 z" fill="rgb(118,144,158)" /><path d="m 150 396 Q 129 171 -96 150 Q 129 129 150 -96 Q 171 129 396 150 Q 171 171 150 396 z" fill="rgb(137,111,97)" /><path d="m 150 136 Q 223 77 164 150 Q 223 223 150 164 Q 77 223 136 150 Q 77 77 150 136 z" fill="rgb(199,162,211)" /></svg>)
-
4.5/5
This freedom campsite has a stunning view of Lake Pukaki and Mt.
Cook. It's big, all gravel and with both even and uneven areas. If you get here early (before 2pm in peak season) you can get a spot close to the riverbank and thus unspoiled views. We were here in early Feb and got in around 5.30pm - found a spot and took a walk along the lake. It would get 10 for the views - 9 because it was very busy :)
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(210,209,222)" /><path d="m 150 517 Q 297 3 -217 150 Q 297 297 150 -217 Q 3 297 517 150 Q 3 3 150 517 z" fill="rgb(241,115,194)" /><path d="m 150 528 Q 126 174 -228 150 Q 126 126 150 -228 Q 174 126 528 150 Q 174 174 150 528 z" fill="rgb(14,140,61)" /><path d="m 150 170 Q 223 77 130 150 Q 223 223 150 130 Q 77 223 170 150 Q 77 77 150 170 z" fill="rgb(45,46,33)" /></svg>)
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(93,207,36)" /><path d="m 150 599 Q 187 113 -299 150 Q 187 187 150 -299 Q 113 187 599 150 Q 113 113 150 599 z" fill="rgb(217,100,97)" /><path d="m 150 339 Q 141 159 -39 150 Q 141 141 150 -39 Q 159 141 339 150 Q 159 159 150 339 z" fill="rgb(38,155,158)" /><path d="m 150 334 Q 60 240 -34 150 Q 60 60 150 -34 Q 240 60 334 150 Q 240 240 150 334 z" fill="rgb(162,48,219)" /></svg>)
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(175,11,248)" /><path d="m 150 732 Q 261 39 -432 150 Q 261 261 150 -432 Q 39 261 732 150 Q 39 39 150 732 z" fill="rgb(212,17,127)" /><path d="m 150 513 Q 104 196 -213 150 Q 104 104 150 -213 Q 196 104 513 150 Q 196 196 150 513 z" fill="rgb(43,238,128)" /><path d="m 150 238 Q 182 118 62 150 Q 182 182 150 62 Q 118 182 238 150 Q 118 118 150 238 z" fill="rgb(80,244,7)" /></svg>)
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(98,98,213)" /><path d="m 150 666 Q 201 99 -366 150 Q 201 201 150 -366 Q 99 201 666 150 Q 99 99 150 666 z" fill="rgb(246,232,87)" /><path d="m 150 503 Q 292 8 -203 150 Q 292 292 150 -203 Q 8 292 503 150 Q 8 8 150 503 z" fill="rgb(9,23,168)" /><path d="m 150 192 Q 202 98 108 150 Q 202 202 150 108 Q 98 202 192 150 Q 98 98 150 192 z" fill="rgb(157,157,42)" /></svg>)
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(21,80,135)" /><path d="m 150 696 Q 246 54 -396 150 Q 246 246 150 -396 Q 54 246 696 150 Q 54 54 150 696 z" fill="rgb(174,214,4)" /><path d="m 150 413 Q 81 219 -113 150 Q 81 81 150 -113 Q 219 81 413 150 Q 219 219 150 413 z" fill="rgb(81,41,251)" /><path d="m 150 262 Q 141 159 38 150 Q 141 141 150 38 Q 159 141 262 150 Q 159 159 150 262 z" fill="rgb(234,175,120)" /></svg>)
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(219,240,88)" /><path d="m 150 541 Q 270 30 -241 150 Q 270 270 150 -241 Q 30 270 541 150 Q 30 30 150 541 z" fill="rgb(58,254,188)" /><path d="m 150 324 Q 197 103 -24 150 Q 197 197 150 -24 Q 103 197 324 150 Q 103 103 150 324 z" fill="rgb(197,1,67)" /><path d="m 150 118 Q 102 198 182 150 Q 102 102 150 182 Q 198 102 118 150 Q 198 198 150 118 z" fill="rgb(36,15,167)" /></svg>)
-
4.5/5
Very simple facilities (no water / only drop toilers) but oh my goodness, the best views!!
J![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(89,133,74)" /><path d="m 150 506 Q 197 103 -206 150 Q 197 197 150 -206 Q 103 197 506 150 Q 103 103 150 506 z" fill="rgb(128,58,32)" /><path d="m 150 530 Q 187 113 -230 150 Q 187 187 150 -230 Q 113 187 530 150 Q 113 113 150 530 z" fill="rgb(127,197,223)" /><path d="m 150 219 Q 205 95 81 150 Q 205 205 150 81 Q 95 205 219 150 Q 95 95 150 219 z" fill="rgb(166,122,181)" /></svg>)
-
4.5/5
The marked spot is very nice.
Not as close to the water as some would like but it has a beautiful view. While it may be tempting, make sure not to park up Hayman road instead of this spot. Every morning officials drive around early and give out $400 fines for doing so.
A -
4.0/5
Excellent spot with wonderful views of the lake and Mount Cook in the distance.
Was busy but you’d find a spot. Didn’t try the toilets so refer to other reviews on that.
P -
5.0/5
This is a great place for camping!
Just to clarify that there are four toilets stalls. Pretty clean too. I read someone’s reviews saying they didn’t find the toilets. This place has two entrances. There are few levels of parking area for camper van to park. The toilets are at the lowest level. There are walking trails and bikes tracks. The view is magnificent. When it’s clear, you can see Mt Cook. Please donate 1-2 dollars for the hard work of the cleaning crew. 👍 most campsites have great views. So no worries.
J -
4.0/5
Location!
Location! That's what this is all about with minimal facilities but incredible views over Pukaki lake to mount Cook. Mind you, everybody thinks the same so lots of vans and late arrivers struggled to find a flat spot. Plus with so many vans your view may generally be of other vans! Very beautiful tho and we went back for a second night. Off season would be perfect imagine.
-
0.5/5
NO TENT CAMPING or in a SELF-CONTAINED VEHICLE on Hayman Road from the intersection with State Highway 8.
Signage in place, Prohibited area and an infringeable offence!!!!
W -
4.0/5
Must sleep on location!
The views in the morning are stunning. It is a huge so many cars can fit in. There are only long drop toilets, no sink etc.
S -
5.0/5
The most beautiful view over the lake - we got there early - like 1.30 and we got front row.
If you arrive later there is still lots of space and since it is on a hill most campers get nice views.
There is a little beach that you can go swimming from. The water is pretty cold - but felt amazing.
S -
4.5/5
Free, great view, and plenty of parking.
I didn’t see any toilets, but that would’ve been a great addition.
D -
5.0/5
Great place by the lake.
Fantastic views of the lake and mountains around. There’s a lot of space! Maximum stay is 3 nights.
-
-
5.0/5
Two gravel carparks with amazing views next to a grass area where people put up their camp chairs and tables.
Access to the crystal clear lake for a paddle or swim. There is a cycle track which could be used for a run or walk too. Clean well maintained drop toilets, no other facilities.
Earlier you arrive the better view you can get. We arrived at 4pm and there were a few good spots left.
E -
-
4.5/5
This freedom campsite has a stunning view of Lake Pukaki and Mt.
Cook. It's big, all gravel and with both even and uneven areas. If you get here early (before 2pm in peak season) you can get a spot close to the riverbank and thus unspoiled views. We were here in early Feb and got in around 5.30pm - found a spot and took a walk along the lake. It would get 10 for the views - 9 because it was very busy :)
-
-
4.5/5
Great spot, amazing views and a nice walking track by the lake.
Lots of space for many campers. However, it was very very windy at night. I’d recommend getting there early to get a lower down spot! Toilets are clean, no drinking water.
E -
4.5/5
Stunning views.
Really just a big gravel parking area. Some of it not flat. Worth it for the view.
S -
4.5/5
Loved this camp site.
Other people have mentioned the wind- they weren’t joking! I wondered in the middle of the night how much windier it would need to get to tip my van over… would do it again for the views.
Toilets were clean and well serviced. This was a popular camp spot- can’t imagine how busy it would be in peak season.
L -
5.0/5
Views are unreal!!!
Best campsite for the views, we got there at 4 filled up very early for the good spots by 5:30. Still plenty of uneven surfaces available though if you are a little late. Toilets are very clean. HOWEVER, the wind was crazy by nightfall, it hit 143kms/hr. We managed to fight the wind until 2am then ended up moving closer to the toilets for shelter and the wind was completely blocked. Worth staying just make sure you move your car to the toilets for a good sleep! Would come again :)
Cd -
5.0/5
10 stars all for the views!
Basic campsite but clean toilets, lots of space and those views for free is amazing!
Ea![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg width="300" height="300" viewBox="0 0 300 300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><rect id="bg" width="300" height="300" fill="rgb(206,59,203)" /><path d="m 150 629 Q 48 252 -329 150 Q 48 48 150 -329 Q 252 48 629 150 Q 252 252 150 629 z" fill="rgb(246,86,116)" /><path d="m 150 506 Q 256 44 -206 150 Q 256 256 150 -206 Q 44 256 506 150 Q 44 44 150 506 z" fill="rgb(9,169,139)" /><path d="m 150 135 Q 68 232 165 150 Q 68 68 150 165 Q 232 68 135 150 Q 232 232 150 135 z" fill="rgb(49,196,52)" /></svg>)
