Why Camping Grounds in New Zealand Are the Perfect Choice
Camping grounds have long been part of New Zealand’s holiday tradition, and it’s easy to see why. Every site is thoughtfully designed to provide travellers with a convenient and welcoming home base, no matter where you decide to park up. Whether you’re exploring as a couple, a family, or with friends, staying at a motorhome site in a New Zealand camping ground gives you comfort, affordability, and access to some of the country’s most spectacular locations.
Affordable and great value
Compared to the cost of hotels, camping grounds in NZ are a budget-friendly option. On average, sites are around a quarter of the price of a standard hotel stay, making them ideal for weekend getaways or longer adventures. For families or groups, the savings are even greater, as you avoid paying for multiple rooms while still enjoying shared time together in one motorhome.
Safe and family-friendly
Dedicated motorhome sites offer peace of mind, especially when travelling in unfamiliar areas. You’ll have access to essential amenities such as bathrooms, rubbish bins, kitchen facilities, and information boards, making your stay both practical and secure. Many sites also cater specifically to families, offering safe spaces for children to play and relax.
Flexible booking options
One of the best parts of travelling New Zealand by campervan is the flexibility. If you’re a planner, you can book popular motorhome sites well in advance to secure your dream locations. Or, if you prefer a spontaneous road trip, there are plenty of casual stay options too. Tools like the thl Roadtrip App make it easy to find campsites on the go and plan your stops along the way.
Stunning locations
From lakeside escapes to mountain views and beachfront campsites, camping grounds in New Zealand often sit in some of the country’s most breathtaking settings. Imagine waking up to views of Fiordland, parking just minutes from a ski field, or staying right by a golden sandy beach. These prime locations put you at the doorstep of New Zealand’s top attractions and natural wonders.
Types of motorhome campsites in New Zealand
With more than one type of motorhome campsite to choose from in New Zealand, we’ve put together some information for you on what the options are, so you can enjoy a holiday tailored to your needs.
1. Holiday Parks
Holiday parks like TOP10 Holiday Parks are hugely popular as they provide all the creature comforts you could need for your home on wheels, for much lower prices than traditional accommodation options.
Here are some of the great perks of staying at a Holiday Park while travelling in a motorhome:
Practical sites
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Most sites feature level, hard surfaces to promote free-draining lawns: keeping your motorhome mud free will mean less cleaning and more time to sit back and enjoy your holiday. A hard and level camp site makes your stay a lot more comfortable, not to mention driving on and off your site a whole lot easier!
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Nicely landscaped grounds: the addition of shade trees and picnic tables gives you extra space to stretch out after being on the road, and provides plenty of space for family time.
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Power and water: after taking plenty of holiday snaps and adventuring around new places you can connect your motorhome to power; charge your devices, power your cooking and wash off the day! Holiday parks provide communal facilities like kitchens, bathrooms and even laundries if you want a break from your motorhome facilities.
Great facilities
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Internet and TV lounges: for those wanting to have a bit of down time outside of the motorhome, you will find sites that provide internet and TV lounges for your leisure.
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Spa pools, barbeque and play areas: after a long day on the road, relaxing in a spa or cooking some sausages on the BBQ can be just what you need. Meanwhile, the kids can burn off some energy on playgrounds and in games rooms!
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Bike and kayak hire: once your motorhome is parked up safe, ask the holiday park staff about bike or kayak hire so you can check out the area to the fullest! If exploring cycling tracks is your thing, you can also add on bike rack hire when you rent your maui motorhome!
Helpful advice
With most motorhome parks being owner-operated you really couldn’t be in better hands with getting site advice which is especially helpful for first time campervan users who might need a refresher on how to plug in or dispose of waste.
As well as practical advice, you can also ask about activity bookings or ideas from people who know the area.
Fees and bookings
Powered site fees range depending on your location and Holiday Park facilities. Bookings are strongly advised during summer school holidays (Christmas to end January), the Easter holidays and major local events; otherwise you can normally just book on arrival.
Around 250 of New Zealand's 400-odd holiday parks rally under the banner of the Holiday Parks Association, an excellent portal for research and bookings.
2. Department of Conservation Campsites
If you like back-to-nature camping, you'll be wowed by the Department of Conservation (DOC)'s campsites in New Zealand national parks and scenic reserves. There are more than 300 campervan-friendly (and stunning) locations to choose from all around the country.
Some DOC campsites are unpowered, so if you are wanting to plug in your motorhome be sure to check the facilities in advance:
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Serviced: these have more facilities such as toilets, running water, cooking facilities, hot showers and sometimes have laundry areas. There are both powered and unpowered sites available, so are great for motorhome users.
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Standard: standard campsites are usually unpowered with toilets and cold running water, sometimes including BBQ’s, picnic tables and rubbish bins.
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Basic: basic campsites are unpowered, free to use and have toilets and running water.
Fees and bookings
Fees vary. Some DOC campsites are free to use and others charge just a small fee (approximately $15 per person) with the priciest generally the most popular. DOC campsites should be pre-booked in peak season (1 October–30 April) either online or at a DOC visitor centre. Others operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with cash payment made to the warden or popped into a self-registration box.
We recommend purchasing a DOC weekly campsite pass which can be used for a maximum of 7 nights in a 30-day period at a single campsite.
3. Council campsites
Most local authorities (regional, city and district councils) manage campervan sites of one kind or another. These range from basic, nature camps in forest parks, to motorhome parks in public domains, often adjacent to sports grounds, parks, or other recreation reserves.
Often found near public areas like parks, they vary in terms of what they offer, but are generally quite basic with their facilities which can include:
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Toilets
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Park benches
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Rubbish bins
Fees and bookings
With the exception of council-owned holiday parks, the majority of council campgrounds are cheap (around $10 per person per night) or even free, with some falling under the category of 'freedom camping'. To find council campgrounds, check out Rankers or search for the local council for more information and to book.
4. Freedom camping
Freedom camping refers to staying overnight in an area that is not a designated campsite, such as a riverside or beach reserve, or even a town car park. Only self-contained campervans with onboard toilet, greywater and fresh water systems are allowed to freedom camp, so that includes maui motorhome hirers.
The rules around such camping vary between regions – some have a blanket ban, while others encourage it with plenty of allocated sites. If you're not sure whether freedom camping is permitted, assume nothing: ask a local i-SITE visitor centre or search online on the local council website. Just because there's a toilet, rubbish bin, or other campervans parked up, doesn't mean it's okay to stay. Abuse by freedom campers has seen a major crackdown on illegal camping, with fines frequently issued.
Fees and bookings
You might find approved freedom camping zones in carparks, or near reserves. They are usually free to use, but it’s a good idea to check online and read up on the rules for freedom camping in New Zealand.
5. Powered and Unpowered Camping Grounds
When planning your campervan holiday in New Zealand, it’s important to understand the difference between powered and unpowered campsites. Powered sites give you access to electricity, which means you can plug in your motorhome to recharge the house battery and run appliances like the fridge, lights, or heater without worry. Unpowered sites, on the other hand, are often found in more remote or scenic spots, offering a true back-to-nature camping experience but without the convenience of electricity on tap. Knowing which type of campsite suits your needs can help you strike the perfect balance between comfort and adventure.
We recommend including a mix of both powered and unpowered camping grounds in your New Zealand itinerary. Staying at a powered site every second night ensures your house battery stays topped up, devices charged and you’ll keep essential systems like the fridge running smoothly. Then, on alternate nights, you can enjoy the freedom of unpowered sites, often located in stunning natural settings such as lakesides or national parks. This combination not only keeps your motorhome in good working order but also gives you the best of both worlds: convenience when you need it, and a chance to unplug and enjoy New Zealand’s incredible landscapes.
Best Time to Visit New Zealand
Motorhome travel in New Zealand is possible year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Summer (December to February) is the most popular time, with long sunny days perfect for beach stops, hiking, and exploring national parks. Autumn (March to May) brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, along with stunning golden landscapes—ideal for a more relaxed campervan road trip. Winter (June to August) is colder but perfect for those chasing ski fields and snow-covered scenery, with many holiday parks near popular ski towns offering great facilities. Spring (September to November) is a favourite for seeing blossoming landscapes and baby wildlife, with mild weather that makes travelling comfortable.
When deciding on the best time to travel New Zealand by motorhome, consider both the weather and the crowds. Peak summer is vibrant but busy, so booking campsites in advance is essential. If you prefer fewer tourists and more flexibility with bookings, the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring are highly recommended. Winter travel can be magical with the right preparation, and many campervans are equipped for colder conditions, making it a great option for adventurous travellers. Ultimately, the best season depends on what kind of holiday you want—whether it’s soaking up the summer sun, chasing autumn colours, skiing in winter, or enjoying the fresh blooms of spring.
Inspired to go on a splendid New Zealand adventure? You can book a maui motorhome today, we have branches in Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. If you want to explore more scenic routes and must do itineraries around New Zealand check out our recommended routes here. If you are travelling in a motorhome and want a quick reference tool to help you with navigation, finding camping grounds, or even ‘how to’ guides on vehicle operation, the thl Roadtrip App will be your best companion!