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Camping Grounds
The Catlins is Where You Want to Base Up
Camping is genuinely the best way to do Southland, especially the Catlins. The spots that stick with you are the ones right on the coast - none more so than Purakanui Bay when the weather plays nice. Gravel road in, beachside setting, good surf if the wind's offshore. It's one of those places you find yourself not wanting to leave. Catlins Newhaven Holiday Park is another solid pick - owner-operated, genuinely welcoming, the kind of place that fits this region perfectly.
The Curio Bay Trade-Off
The Curio Bay campground has one of the best locations of any campsite in the South Island, right alongside Porpoise Bay with a real chance of seeing Hector's Dolphins if you stick around - especially overnight. Honest caveat though: the facilities don't always match the setting. There's decent freedom camping nearby if you'd rather that. Up the coast, Monkey Island is a great free spot with sea lions and dolphins in the mix, just be prepared for serious wind exposure.
If you need full facilities and a solid base for exploring, the Invercargill Holiday Park is my pick in the city - clean, well-run, does the job. And if the coastal wind gets too much around Orepuki, the Orepuki Tavern does a cracking deal where your camping fee comes straight back as tavern credit. Southern hospitality right there.
Southland Camping Grounds
51 items with the highest ranking score first, showing page 1 of 3.
Freedom Camping
Camping Grounds
Dump Station
Basic Camping
Walking
Camping NZ App
All the great camping sites on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.
