New Zealand’s South Island has some of the best free camping in the world – but finding the right spots takes a bit of local knowledge. This list covers our favourite freedom camping areas across the South Island, organised by region, with notes on facilities, access, and what to expect.
All sites listed here are suitable for self-contained vehicles (certified campervans and sleepervans). If you’re in a non-self-contained vehicle, check CamperMate for designated non-self-contained sites in each area – your options are more limited.
A note before you go
Freedom camping rules change. Councils update their bylaws, popular spots get restricted, and seasonal closures apply in some areas. Always verify current rules in CamperMate or on the local council’s website before assuming a spot is open. The information below was accurate at the time of writing (June 2026) but New Zealand’s freedom camping landscape evolves constantly.
Canterbury Region
McLeans Island, Christchurch
About 15 minutes west of central Christchurch on the Waimakariri River. A popular spot for self-contained vehicles with easy access and decent space. Good for your first or last night if you’re picking up or dropping off a van in Christchurch. No facilities – bring everything you need. Best in summer; can be windy.
Lake Coleridge
A large reservoir lake about 90 minutes from Christchurch in the foothills of the Southern Alps. Multiple freedom camping spots around the lake edge, most accessible by 2WD. The lake is used for fishing and kayaking. Spectacular mountain backdrop. Very few other tourists – mostly New Zealanders who know about it.
Ohau River / Lake Ohau area
Between Twizel and Omarama on the way to Mount Cook. The Ohau River valley has several low-key spots alongside the river. Cool summers, very clear skies at night – good stargazing before heading up to Aoraki. Check current access conditions as some tracks require high clearance.
West Coast
Hokitika Gorge area
The turquoise water of Hokitika Gorge is one of the most photographed spots on the West Coast. There’s no freedom camping at the gorge itself, but the surrounding farmland and river valleys have options along the road in. Go early morning for the gorge walk before day-trippers arrive.
Lake Kaniere
About 18km from Hokitika – a large, quiet lake surrounded by native bush with DOC camping at the Hans Bay campsite (NZ/night, basic). A perfect base for the Kaniere Water Race walkway (3.5 hours). Almost no crowds even in peak season.
Haast area
The Haast region is one of the emptiest parts of New Zealand – UNESCO World Heritage listed and almost entirely undeveloped. Multiple DOC sites along the Jackson Bay road and the Haast River flats. Knights Point lookout (on the drive south from Fox Glacier) has a small overnight area with ocean views that will stop you cold.
Otago / Lakes District
Hawea River (Lake Hawea area)
The back road along the Hawea River north of Wanaka has several riverside spots with mountain views. Self-contained only. One of the best-value spots in the region given what you see when you wake up. Quieter than anything near Queenstown.
Cardrona Valley
The road between Wanaka and Queenstown via the Cardrona Valley is one of the most scenic in Otago. There are a few spots to pull over and stay along the valley – remote, very quiet, with high-country views. Not widely known by tourists so genuinely uncrowded.
Mavora Lakes, Southland
About 1.5 hours north of Te Anau, deep in the backcountry. Two alpine lakes connected by a short walk, no facilities, no mobile service. This is one of those spots that looks like a film set (it was used for Lord of the Rings). DOC camping, very basic, and that’s exactly the point. High clearance recommended for the access road.
Marlborough / Top of the South
Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve
On SH6 between Nelson and Blenheim. A DOC site in a grove of kahikatea trees with the Pelorus River running through it – the same river used in the barrel scene in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The swimming hole is outstanding in summer. DOC site at NZ/night but regularly has availability when Marlborough campgrounds are full.
Rarangi Beach, near Blenheim
A quiet beach on the Marlborough Sounds coast, about 15 minutes from Blenheim. Self-contained freedom camping is permitted here. Good for a night before or after catching the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry from Picton. Sunsets over the sounds are excellent.
Tips for finding spots on the road
- CamperMate is your primary tool. Filter by “self-contained” and your current location. Read the reviews – they tell you about noise, access road conditions, and recent ranger activity.
- Rankers Camping NZ often has local knowledge that CamperMate doesn’t. Worth cross-referencing for unfamiliar areas.
- DOC’s website (doc.govt.nz) lists all official DOC campsites with current status and prices. Most basic DOC sites cost NZ-8/night – worth paying for the certainty and the quality of the locations.
- Arrive by 4pm in peak season – good spots fill up early, especially in summer.
- Have a backup spot in CamperMate before you start driving. Arriving in the dark to a full site is frustrating and avoidable.
Planning your South Island trip?
At Campervanz Rentals, we rent self-contained campervans and sleepervans that are genuinely built for off-grid travel – solar, diesel heating, full kitchen, fresh water. We operate out of Christchurch, Auckland and Queenstown, and offer one-way rentals so you can travel end-to-end without backtracking.
Check our fleet and availability – or message us on WhatsApp to talk through your route.
