Where to Stay

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Love the idea of a New Zealand road trip that includes freedom camping on a remote beach? Perhaps you’re looking for family-friendly campsites to park up the camper and kick back with the kids. Either way, when you travel by campervan, you can take your pick of New Zealand accommodation. From back-to-basics, budget-friendly campsites to resort-style holiday parks, the choice is yours. 

If you’re planning your campervan travel itinerary and want some ideas on which New Zealand campsites to add, we’ve got you covered. In this helpful guide, we'll take a look at everything you need to know about New Zealand accommodation suitable for campers.

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Use the thl roadtrip app

A great tool to help you find campgrounds and freedom camping sites is the thl Roadtrip app. This handy app has everything you’ll need to help make your campervan holiday fun and enjoyable. Not only can you find (and book) great campsites, you’ll also be able to search out petrol stations, supermarkets, laundromats, free Wi-Fi, and pretty much everything else you need while you’re travelling. Here are just a few of the great features:

  • Offline maps: Going out of Wi-Fi range but need maps? The app’s maps work offline. Just save them first and you can access them anytime. 

  • Where’s the nearest …? Need to find a supermarket or dump station? The thl Roadtrip app uses your GPS location to show you where to find all these and more.  

  • A show-through video of your campervan: Keen to see inside your campervan hire ahead of time? Use the app to take a look through. 

  • How-to videos: Not sure how to empty a toilet cassette or set up the dining table? No problem, we’ve covered off everything you need to know in our how-to video section. 

 

 

 

 

Types of campervan accommodation in New Zealand 

When it comes to choosing where to stay in your campervan, New Zealand has several different types of campsite accommodation including:

  • Holiday parks and commercial campgrounds

  • Freedom camping sites

  • Local stays

Holiday parks

Discovery Parks logo

If you’re looking for camping accommodation with plenty of practical facilities and a social holiday vibe, holiday parks are a great option. Holiday parks in New Zealand are often located in spots that offer great views and are close to popular attractions. Most holiday parks are well set up for families too, with playgrounds, swimming pools, games rooms, laundry facilities etc. There are many privately owned holiday parks throughout New Zealand as well as holiday park chains.

Holiday park facilities

Facilities vary between sites but as a minimum, you can expect power, level hard ground to park on, a freshwater supply, plus help and support from the people that run the holiday park. Extras may include a laundry room, TV/recreation room, dump site, free Wi-Fi, hire gear etc.

Holiday park fees

Again, this varies between different parks, but you can expect to pay around $35 - $40 per night for a powered site. Things like hire equipment and laundry use are generally an extra cost.

TOP 10 Holiday Parks

One of the most popular holiday park chains is TOP 10 Holiday Parks who have 45 locations nationwide. TOP 10 Holiday Parks also have a membership program which provides discounts on their campsites as well as 300 popular attractions and experiences around New Zealand. You’ll find TOP 10 Holiday Parks in the following regions:

North Island
South Island

 

 

 

 

DOC campsites 

The Department of Conservation manages more than 200 campsites across New Zealand. They’re great sites for getting back to nature and making the most of your onboard campervan facilities. Many DOC campsites are located in beautiful locations – from beaches and lakes to forests and bushlands. 

DOC campsite facilities 

There are three different types of DOC campsites suitable for campervans:
Serviced campsites have a wide range of facilities and services including:

  • Flushable toilets

  • Tap water (this could be treated or untreated)

  • Kitchen/cooking bench

  • Hot showers

  • Rubbish collection 

  • Road access for all types of vehicles

Standard campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services including:

  • Toilets

  • A water supply that could be treated or untreated tap water, or from a stream or lake 

  • Vehicle or boat access

  • Wood BBQs and fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided – this will vary from site to site

Basic campsites have very limited facilities, so you need to be fully self-sufficient. There are basic toilets and water may be from a water tank that is untreated, a stream or a lake. 

DOC campsite fees

Fees for DOC campsites vary depending on the type of facilities available. Basic campsites are free of charge, while standard and serviced campsites range between $10 - $23 per night for adults. Each campsite webpage provides the costs with details on how to pay. You can also purchase a DOC Campsite Pass which offers great value for money and makes it easy to pay for sites.

 

Council campsites 

Council campsites are great for those who just need somewhere simple to park up. These sites are ideal for when you’re travelling through small towns or when you have a more relaxed itinerary and don’t want to book in advance. Council campsites are usually in parks or reserves – many of which are very beautiful places to stay. 

To find a council campsite in the region you’re staying in, check the local council website, visit Rankers, or use the thl Roadtrip app.

Council campsite facilities

These campsites usually have very basic facilities, with most offering toilets, power, and rubbish bins. 

Council campsite fees

While some council campsites are free, others cost around $15 per person per night.

 

Freedom camping sites

For many campervan travellers, freedom camping is the ultimate way to make the most of your road trip adventure. Because they’re free (or at minimal cost), freedom camping sites are ideal for those on a budget. They’re also great if you don’t want to book campsites and prefer to find your camping spot as you go.

To freedom camp in New Zealand, you must be travelling in a certified self-contained vehicle. Basically, that means your motorhome has to have sufficient fresh water, a toilet, and waste tank capacity for all occupants for at least three days. The good news is that all maui campers are certified self-contained, which means you’re all set up to enjoy freedom camping. 

Freedom camping sites aren’t always immediately obvious, and some towns have very limited or no sites. So it’s worth doing your research ahead of time to find one that suits. 

It pays to be aware that if you park in a spot that doesn’t allow freedom camping, you’re likely to receive a hefty fine for illegal parking. Be mindful also that some permitted freedom camping sites have a limited time such as one or two nights only.

Freedom camping facilities

Most freedom camping sites have no or minimal facilities. They’re just a designated spot to park the camper up overnight. You’ll find freedom camping sites in many nature parks, beach reserves, town car parks, and on DOC sites. 

Freedom camping fees

Freedom campsites are typically free, or at least very low cost or by donation.

Local Stays

Described as ‘freedom camping for foodies,’ a great option for those travelling in a maui campervan hire is Local Stays. We recommend a Local Stays membership which provides access to a network of more than a hundred camping sites throughout New Zealand.

Once you become a member, you can stay at local boutique businesses including restaurants, wineries, olive groves, boutique breweries, and farms. The idea is to meet the locals, try their delicious products or have a meal. In return, you get to stay with them overnight at no extra charge. Some of the great benefits of Local Stays include:

  • C​onnect: Get off the tourist trail and avoid the crowds. Connect with local artisans and gourmet producers. Meet real Kiwis. 

  • Stay: Park overnight with welcoming Kiwi hosts in safe, quiet, friendly surroundings – all as part of your membership.

  • Experience: Taste fresh, locally grown produce and purchase world-famous wines, oils, and gourmet condiments. All while enjoying lesser-known sights and experiences.​

Ready to book your New Zealand road trip?

Now that you’ve got some helpful advice and information on where to stay on your New Zealand road trip, it’s time to get started! Don’t put it off any longer, book your maui campervan today. You can pick up and drop off your campervan from any of our three maui new Zealand branches in Auckland, Queenstown, or Christchurch.

Need some inspiration to plan the ultimate road trip? Check out some of our helpful guides and blogs:


Motorhome Hire New Zealand

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