Lauren
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North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷ Te Awanga ▷
Clifton Road Reserve
4.0/5
Lovely spot to freedom camp by the sea.
Note that’s it’s quite boggy in most spots after rain so take care! Two toilets onsite that are open 24/7 (you’ll need a torch at night) with waste and mixed recycling bins. There is quite a bit of noise from traffic during the day and in the evenings.
Lots of locals pop by in the morning, often with their dogs. Take care not to park in the dog poo that they’ve left behind 😉😉
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Whangamata ▷
Onemana Beach Reserves
4.5/5
Great little spot to park up overnight!
There is a new toilet block right next to the parking area with flushing toilets and sensor lights. It was nice and quiet when we stayed.
There is clear signage which indicates where you can park. There is space for approx 4-5 vehicles keeping in mind that the council by-laws state that you need to leave a 3m gap between cars.
Make sure you are self-contained and that you have your legitimate paperwork certifying as the (friendly) Ranger will ask you in the morning.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
Mavora Lakes Campsite
4.0/5
Great DOC-run site with picnic tables, fireplaces and drop toilets scattered throughout the spacious campground area.
Note the sandflies are thick so be prepared...
There are a few shorter walks that you can do around the lakes or longer hikes to huts if you are adequately equipped.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Marfells Beach Campsite
4.0/5
Lovely little DOC-run campsite with two blocks of toilets and cold showers.
There are a few different areas suitable for campervan a or tents, most with water views.
Most sites face north/east so keep that in mind during windy weather.
Have stayed here twice and enjoyed it both times!
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking
4.0/5
HEAPS of spots for SC campers along the banks of the lake.
There are some spots closer to drop toilets if you prefer. Can be quite windy but there are some spots with a bit more shelter from the pines, if need be.
There are several spots to turn off the gravel road and would suggest using google maps satellite mode to find the best entry point.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Owaka ▷
Purakaunui Bay Campsite
4.5/5
Probably our most favourite camping spot to date, which we’ve been to several times throughout the year.
Standard DOC campsite with a block of drop toilets at the entrance to the campground. Plenty of flat campsites at sea level with a few spots up the top on the hill for those with smaller vans.
Great surf spot with easy access. Usually a few seals on the beach and a big sea lion or two!
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Tuatapere ▷
Monkey Island, Orepuki
3.5/5
Basic campground with two drop toilets but good for a night or two to save on camping fees.
There are a few grassy nooks which suit two small vans or a big van and some tents otherwise the majority of parking is in a gravel lot. This place is packed most of the time so best to get there earlier in the afternoon.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Greymouth ▷
Lake Brunner Motor Camp
3.5/5
Motor camp in a handy location if coming in from the north or before/after Arthurs Pass.
Friendly owners were happy to help me with an umbrella and site closer to the amenities during a massive downpour. Big shower block which is coin operated. Good kitchen and lounge room areas.