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Plan a New Zealand Road Trip
New Zealand has some of the greatest scenic drives in the world. Picture yourself cruising down the West Coast of the South Island, stopping to look at the Pancake Rocks and Franz Josef Glacier. Or, driving from Christchurch to Queenstown via scenic wonders such as Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. What about making your way to the top of the North Island on the Twin Coast Discovery highway?
Check out our recommended campsites below!
There are many websites and social media groups with amazing itineraries. Here are some websites that give you some useful information. And don't forget to scroll down to see what we believe is the best route & the best DoC Campsites!
Get Inspired
Whether you're visiting New Zealand for a few days or a few months...
Suggested Campsites & Itinerary
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Here are what we believe are some of the Department of Conservation's (DoC) most popular and beautiful campsites to get you around New Zealand… the itinerary in the red dotted line is a 6-week road trip suggestion with start & finish in Auckland. In addition, there are so called 'Holiday Parks' with generally more facilities (fully equipped kitchen, showers, reception, ...). We would recommend having a mixture of DoC sites and Holiday Parks.
1. Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite
Camp with lush forest and sandy beaches in close range. Kopowairua is a place to relax, enjoy and explore the great outdoors.
Category: standard
Access: Car
2. Otamure Bay (Whananaki) Campsite
Camp in a beach-front setting with large Pohutukawa trees for shade. Relax on the beach or walk along the coast.
Category: Standard
Access: Car
3. Port Jackson Campsite
At the northern tip of the Peninsula, this campsite is at the water’s edge next to the beach. At the eastern end of the campsite, the Muriwai Coastal Walk leads up the headland towards Wharekaitatua Pa and along the coast, with stunning coastal views.
Category: Backcountry
Access: Car
4. Mokau Landing Campsite
Large grassy site between native rainforest and Lake Waikaremoana, 1.5 km from Mokau Falls.
Category: Standard
Access: Car
5. Whakahoro Campsite
This is a Great Walk campsite in the Whanganui area. A large, flat, grassy site beside the river, and a good starting or mid-point stop if undertaking the Whanganui Journey.
Category: Great Walk
Access: Car
6. Putangirua Pinnacles Campsite
Sited beside the Putangirua Stream with views of Cook Straight and a pebbly beach across the road. Walk from here to the impressive Putangirua Pinnacles, or drive to the seal colony near Cape Palliser lighthouse.
Category: Standard
Access: Car
7. Mutton Cove campsite
Walk-in or boat-in to this beachside campsite on the Waiharakeke to Whariwharangi section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track. There is no drive on access so please be aware and make necessary booking with tour operators.
Category: Great Walk
Access: boat, foot
8. Godley Head Campsite
Camp in the middle of a WWII defence battery site with great ocean views and a range of scenic walks.
Category: Standard
Access: Car
9. Lake Mahinapua Campsite
Camp beside Lake Mahinapua within forest surroundings. A popular overnight and day stop. Enjoy water sports in the lake.
Category: Standard
Access: Car
10. Temple Campsite
North of Lake Ohau, within a beautiful beech forest in a large, flat area. Tramp the North and South Temple Stream Tracks.
Category: Basic
Access: Car
11. Kinloch Campsite
Camp on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s longest lake. Explore the area along the Caples or the Greenstone tramping tracks. Swim, kayak, fish or simply enjoy the lake and scenery.
Category: Standard
Access: Car
12. Henry Creek Campsite
Camp beside the picturesque Lake Te Anau on the road to Milford Sound.
Category: Standard
Access: Car
Please note that the information and pictures are sourced from the DoC Website and we recommend checking for the latest campsite information and plan ahead.
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