Last Updated: July 30, 2022
If you’ve decided to head off around New Zealand on a family campervan trip, first of all, well done! You’ve probably just made a decision that will lead to one of your the best family adventures ever!
Secondly, you might be wondering where the good spots to stay are? Well if so, this post is for you.
We travelled around New Zealand for over a month and moved a lot so got too experience a lot of the various places to stay overnight.
We have to say we didn’t really come across a bad stopover whilst there. But there were some stopovers in particular that really stood out for one reason or another.
So we’ve come up with our favourite spots, both for Freedom Camping and for Paid Campsites, covering both the North Island and South Island. So read on for our best family campervan stopovers.
Best Family Freedom Camping Spots in New Zealand
If you don’t know what freedom camping is, you can probably guess from the name. The laws in New Zealand allow campers to stay overnight in some public spaces. However, it doesn’t mean you can just stop anywhere and bed down on the side of the road.
Local authorities decide on the where, when and how campervans can stay their individual areas. So you would need to review this as you travel through each area.
A much easier way of doing this though is to head to spots where you know freedom camping is ok. This can be done pretty easily on the numerous apps you can download such as Rankers. Then you can easily find freedom camping spots without having to go through any research or legal checks.
Most spots will then have some sort of signage, outlining any restrictions. Such as area to park or time limit etc. so always check these before setting up camp.
We used this method and discovered some absolute beauties, our favourites of which are below.
Lake Maraetai, Mangakino (North Island)
This place doesn’t actually look like a freedom camp when you arrive but more of a campsite. With a shower, café and hook up points we weren’t certain we were at the right place.
But this great spot is completely free. Right on the edge of the Lake Maraetai.
There are only a limited amount of electric hook-ups, but a good amount of space for non-hook-ups.
The showers here are heated with a $2 coins and last a reasonable amount of time to get a nice warm shower.
On hot days you can swim in the lake and there is even a play island a little adrift that with a slide for the kids (or adults)
If the water is a bit chilly though there is also a playground on dry land right next to the camp for the kids to play on.
Mt Lees Reserve, Feilding (North Island)
Another one that has an almost campsite feel to it. This lovely little area is equipped with a small summer house with electric kettle you can use and a little washing up area.
There’s also a couple of swings and a picnic area to enjoy on a sunny day.
Whilst the site is free, there is a donation box that recommends a donation of $5. It was an easy choice for us to make the donation as it was such a lovely setting. With some particularly bold ducks roaming the area!
The Pines, Lake Pukaki (South Island)
The Pines is an area on the edge of Lake Pukaki. This was probably the most picturesque camping spot we stayed at. It had been recommended to us by some friends and it didn’t disappoint. The turquoise colour of the lake is an incredible sight.
There are lots of spots off the dirt road that circles the lake. Choose which one takes you fancy and nestle your vehicle in amongst the pine trees. This will give you some protection from the wind that can get quite gusty blowing in off the lake.
Gabriel’s Gully, Lawrence (South Island)
This was probably our favourite of all the spots we stayed at in New Zealand.
When you arrive, slowly wind down the dirt track, but don’t stop at the first parking area you see, continue on along. It will get even bumpier, but trust me, keep going, it’s worth it.
You will then arrive at the lakes edge with mountains either side and glorious green grass with a couple of picnic benches to boot. Absolute paradise.
Donegal House, Kaikōura (South Island)
Donegal House is actually an Irish Pub located near Kaikoura. It’s a great spot if you’re looking to do the Swim with Wild Dolphins as it is just a short drive to the site.
The pub offers a gravel car park for you to settle into. One side has electric hook ups, which you can pay for in the pub. The other side is the freedom camp which you can just pull into and stay on for free.
The pub is a lovely place to get some grub with some delicious roast dinners on offer. Being from the UK this really hit the spot for us as we love a good roast!
Best Family Paid Campsites in New Zealand
If freedom camping isn’t your style or you don’t have a self-contained vehicle, or even if you just want some home comforts and facilities every now and then when you are freedom camping, then you will need to use paid campsites.
But these don’t have to break the bank. There are some amazing ones in New Zealand that are really good value for money.
There are numerous large holiday parks and chains available such as Top 10 Holiday Parks. We did occasionally stop at these, but they can become quite pricey if you are on a budget.
We prefer the smaller independent campsites and we found some lovely ones in New Zealand. Below are our favourites.
Waiteti Trout Stream Holiday Park, Rotorua (North Island)
Waiteti Trout Stream Holiday Park is a lovely little gem. With free canoes that you can take down the small stream. It also has a very small, but free, pool and a couple of swings and a trampoline for the kids. It also has a jacuzzi for an extra fee for the adults.
As the name suggests you can also do some fishing here if that is your thing.
It’s a great stop off for a night or two and quite close to Rotorua if you’re looking to head there.
Whakapapa Holiday Park, Tongariro National Park (North Island)
With pitches starting at 25NZD (£12.50) Whakapapa Holiday Park is is a great site if you are looking to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the most notorious hikes in New Zealand. This campsite can supply daily shuttles to and from the trail.
Whilst this was the main reason we headed here, the weather wasn’t on our side and the crossing was unadvised the day we wanted to go.
But even without being able to do the main trail, we managed to do some of the smaller trails nearby, which were great for the kids and gave us some great scenery to admire.
Kowai Pass Domain Campsite, Springfield (South Island)
You won’t find any Simpsons characters here, but this little campsite in Springfield is charming to stay at for a night or two.
It’s a good stop off if you’re on your way to Arthur’s Pass or going the other way heading to Christchurch. And has everything you need with a small kitchen, coin operated showers and a small playground for the kids.
Old Macdonalds Farm Holiday Park, Abel Tasman National Park (South Island)
Old Macdonalds Farm Holiday Park is a great stay if you’re looking to explore Abel Tasman National Park, with the trail head just a few minutes walk away.
The site itself is also beautiful. With some really lovely pitches nestled in the trees surrounded by streams, that start at around $40 (£20).
Smiths Farm Holiday Park, Linkwater (South Island)
This was definitely our favourite of all our campsites. Everything about Smiths Farm Holiday Park is just wonderful. Starting with the home made muffins that we were offered on arrival. Got to say, possibly the best muffins I’ve ever had!
After that it just went from good to better. The campsite itself is lovely overlooking fields surrounded by mountains. With a couple of friendly sheep and goats in the field. The kids loved sitting and feeding the animals with some food bought from the campsite shop.
And with all this starting at 22NZD (£11) a night, you wouldn’t’ think there was more it could offer, but it does…
You can take a mild hike into the woods to the beautiful waterfall. Aim to arrive at the waterfall just before dusk sit and have some supper and then walk back through the woods in the dark and you will be rewarded with an array of twinkling glow worms! Pure Magic!