Basic Camping

Kerosene Creek, Rotorua

PhotoVaughan Brookfield

AccommodationCamping Grounds

Basic Campsites

Camping with just the bare essentials in some of the most beautiful locations across NZ. Expect a non-flush toilet that's intermittently serviced. Anything more is a bonus.

17 items with the highest ranking score first

South IslandNelson Region

Kerr Bay Campsite

Lake Rotoiti

Kerr Bay Campsite is next to Lake Rotoiti, surrounded by beech forest, with a boat launching ramp nearby.

Secluded campsites

South IslandNelson Region

Buller Campground

Lake Rotoiti

The camping grounds at West Bay (Jetty and Buller) are beaut little sites on the western side of Lake Rotoiti. Open from December to April they...

The reservoir below

South IslandNelson Region

A long and windy road up alongside the Takaka River (good swimming holes can be found) to the hydro power station. From there the road leads up...

Totaranui Camping Ground

South IslandNelson Region

Large DOC campsite, basic facilities

Kina Beach

Kina Beach Reserve is an awesome spot next to the water. It is split into two: a day area, and a camping area. Works on a first come, first...

Siberia Camping Ground

South IslandNelson Region

Siberia Flat Campsite

Kahurangi National Park

DOC campsite, small fee, basic facilities

Chill out at the Coldwater Stream Campsite

South IslandNelson Region

A basic campsite accessible to 4WD and mountain bikes. The toll road from St Arnaud and Coldwater Stream is open from Boxing Day through until...

Top toilet facilities near the lake edge

South IslandNelson Region

The campsite is open from mid-December to the end of April.

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Cannon Downs Camping Ground

South IslandNelson Region

Canaan Downs Campsite

Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve

Remote DOC campsite, small fee, basic facilities

Anatori Beach

Absolutely Stunning West Coast Freedom Camp

South IslandNelson Region

Lyell Campsite

Buller Gorge

This is a very easily accessible campsite just off the main highway. It is set in a large grassy area in the historic gold-rush town of Lyell...

Boat action - Lake Rotoroa

South IslandNelson Region

Lake Rotoroa Campsite

Nelson Lakes National Park

DOC campsite, small fee, basic facilities

South IslandNelson Region

Teetotal Campsite

Nelson Lakes National Park

Convenient campsite to Nelson Lakes and the St. Arnard village

Owen River

A huge recreation area that is managed by a group of local residents. A good place to chill out and use facilities - there are a bunch of activities...

Kawatiri Junction

South IslandNelson Region

Kawatiri Campsite

Kawatiri area

The Kawatiri Junction Camping Ground is handily placed near the main state highway and provides an ideal stop over between Nelson and the West...

Kowhai Point Scenic Reserve

South IslandNelson Region

Small campsite on SH 63

Courthouse Flat Camping Ground

South IslandNelson Region

Courthouse Flat Campsite

Kahurangi National Park

DOC campsite, small fee, basic facilities