If you’re planning to rent a travel van and head to this awesome city, you may be wondering where to find the best campsites. Here at maui campervan hire, we like to save you time and do the research for you! In this guide, we share some of the best campsites, holiday parks, and freedom camping spots in and near Dunedin, including:
- Leith Valley Holiday Park
- Dunedin Holiday Park
- Ocean View Recreation Reserve
- Portobello Village Tourist Park
- Warrington Domain
- Lake Waihola Holiday Park
- Kaka Point Camping Ground
- Oamaru Top 10 Holiday Park
- Waikouaiti Beach Motor Camp
- Purakaunui Bay Campsite
1. Leith Valley Holiday Park
Situated close to Dunedin’s retail quarter of George Street, Leith Valley Holiday Park and Motels is a great base to explore the city. This family-friendly campground sits on the banks of the beautiful Leith Stream with access to bushwalking trails and glow worm caves. The campground offers free fast unlimited Wi-Fi, an onsite dumping station, communal kitchen facilities, a playground, a sauna, and a pool table.
If you’re in the mood for a spot of local shopping, there’s plenty on offer nearby. Don’t miss the Saturday morning farmers markets. Stock up on fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, honey, and artisan goodies. The markets are held at the Dunedin Railway Station every Saturday morning, rain or shine, from 8 am – 12.30 pm.
103 Malvern St, Dunedin (9 minutes drive from Dunedin city centre)
2. Dunedin Holiday Park
The four-star Dunedin Holiday Park & Motels is Dunedin’s largest holiday park. Sitting adjacent to beautiful St Kilda Beach, this great campground has everything needed for a fantastic campervan holiday. Guests can make use of the free unlimited Wi-Fi, TV room with Sky, coin-operated laundry, and dump station. There’s lots to keep the kids busy too including a great playground. And if you need a good coffee to kickstart your day, grab one from the onsite store.
This Dunedin camping ground is handy for one of the most popular things to do in Dunedin, Larnach Castle. Spend the day exploring New Zealand’s only castle. Learn about its fascinating history, wander through the exquisite gardens, and enjoy lunch in the Ballroom Café.
To learn more about the history of the region, plan a visit to Otago Museum. The museum holds more than 1.5 million items – so you might want to allow a few hours at least! The Planetarium Show, which runs at 12.30 pm daily, is a must-do while you’re there.
41 Victoria Road, St Kilda, Dunedin (10 minutes drive from Dunedin city centre)
Image source: Tourism New Zealand, Camilla Rutherford
3. Ocean View Recreation Reserve
Freedom campers are welcome in Dunedin. Just be sure to only use approved freedom campsites such as Ocean View Recreation Reserve. With the ocean just across the road, you can wake up to the sound of lapping waves. There are toilets and a dumpsite available. Campers can stay for a maximum of two consecutive nights.
Looking for something fun and free to do? Dunedin has an awesome street art trail. Start at the Laneway Café near Bath Street and make your way along the trail past all 28 unique artworks.
Brighton Road, Brighton (19 minutes drive from Dunedin city centre)
4. Portobello Village Tourist Park
Located on the Otago Peninsula, Portobello Village Tourist Park offers a quiet retreat within a beautiful setting. The park has everything needed for a relaxing stay including a dump station, communal kitchen, laundry, barbecue area, and free Wi-Fi.
There is plenty to do nearby including a visit to the Otago Peninsula Museum. Keen on a day out on the water? Head out on the inlet on a kayak or try the surf at Allans Beach. For great views of the peninsula, trek to the top of Harbour Cone (4.3 km, around three hours walk).
Need coffee, takeaways, or supplies? The park is just five minutes’ walk from Portobello township. For a great meal out, head to the Portobello Hotel & Bistro.
27 Hereweka St, Portobello, Dunedin (30 minutes drive from Dunedin city centre)
5. Warrington Domain
Another of Dunedin’s great freedom camping spots, Warrington Domain also offers a maximum stay of two consecutive nights. The site is very basic with port-a-loos available between November and April. Fresh water and dumpsite facilities are also available.
While you’re in the area, plan a visit to Doctor’s Point Beach. This hidden gem is one of Dunedin’s secret spots. The area is home to some great walking tracks, sandy beaches, and sea caves. Plan your visit for low tide to explore the caves.
Plan a day trip to Blueskin Bay where you can take the Seasider train excursion, visit Orokonui Ecosanctuary, or enjoy a brew at Arc Brewing Co.
Warrington Domain, Warrington (25 minutes’ drive from Dunedin city centre)
Image source: Tourism New Zealand, Camilla Rutherford
6. Lake Waihola Holiday Park
Located right alongside Lake Waihola, the Lake Waihola Holiday Park is the perfect campground to get stuck into some water-based activities. From fishing and whitebaiting to kayaking and swimming, there’s plenty to choose from. There’s even a cool slide for the kids to play on in the lake’s shallow water.
On a nice afternoon, head to the Sinclair Wetlands and take one of the short walks available. Afterwards, head to Milburn Whale & Dolphin Lookout where you’ll see fossils that are millions of years old. For a good meal, head to the Waihola Tavern and Restaurant.
10 Waihola Place, Outram (30 minutes drive from Dunedin city centre)
7. Kaka Point Camping Ground
Surrounded by native bush and birdlife, the Kaka Point Camping Ground is a place of tranquillity and relaxation. The campground is a short walk to safe swimming and surfing beaches. And the Clutha River is nearby if you’re keen to try your luck hooking a trout or salmon. The campground is the ideal spot to set up base if you’re keen to explore The Catlins.
During your stay, be sure to plan a visit to Nugget Point. Take in the dramatic views from the lighthouse – around 20 minutes walk from the carpark. You’re also likely to see New Zealand fur seals and a variety of seabirds.
34 Tarata Street, Kaka Point (1 hour, 20 minutes drive from Dunedin)
8. Oamaru Top 10 Holiday Park
The Oamaru TOP 10 Holiday Park is the perfect campground for a family campervan holiday. The kids can play on the trampoline, playground, or kangaroo jumper. There’s also an 18-hole mini golf course and a spa to relax in. Right next to the campsite is the entrance to the Alps to Ocean bike trail. Base yourself at the camp and go biking for a few days.
For a great day out, explore Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct. Browse through the boutique stores, art galleries, and see traditional crafts being created. Another must-do, while you’re in Oamaru, is a visit to Steampunk HQ, an interactive museum like no other. You may also like to see the unique Moeraki Boulders, a group of huge spherical boulders that are millions of years old.
30 Chelmer Street, Oamaru (1.5 hours drive from Dunedin)
Image source: Tourism New Zealand, Miles Holden
9. Waikouaiti Beach Motor Camp
The Waikouaiti Beach Motor Camp is a beautiful beachside escape surrounded by natural beauty and close to a thriving township. The campground is spread over 38 hectares and includes a kitchen and bathroom block.
Waikouaiti is a lovely township to wander through. You’ll find good food and coffee, a history museum, and a range of boutique shops. Nearby in Karitane is one of the most pristine beaches in the country. For an easy but scenic walk, take the Huriawa Pā Trail. You’ll be treated to spectacular views along the 2.4 km loop (around 45 minutes).
186 Beach St, Waikouaiti (30 minutes drive from Dunedin)
10. Purakaunui Bay Campsite
One of DOC’s great campgrounds, the Purakaunui Bay Campsite is basic but beautiful. Located in The Catlins coastal area, the site has toilets, is non-powered, with untreated water (must be boiled before use). Nearby is a great surf beach, and the picture-postcard Purakaunui Falls are also not far. Cascading over multiple levels of rocks, the falls is one of Otago’s most photographed attractions. Another great natural attraction is Jacks Blowhole.
Purakaunui Bay Scenic Reserve Catlins Coast (1 hour, 50 mins from Dunedin)
Ready to head off on an epic New Zealand road trip?
There you have our top 10 campsites and holiday parks near Dunedin. Now that you’ve got a list of great places to stay, it’s time to plan your ultimate New Zealand road trip. Take the first step and book your maui campervan hire online and then pick it up from one of maui’s South Island branches in either Christchurch or Queenstown.
Need more inspiration or travel tips to help plan your Dunedin holiday?
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