The wild West Coast where dense forest engulfs the less travelled roads and remote stretches of beach see spectacular sunsets. It’s a rugged, beautiful stretch of coastline in New Zealand’s South Island. From Glacier Country to the breathtaking Hokitika Gorge, there are some must-visit spots along the 600km coast, with mountains and wild sea at every turn. Hop between the scenic campgrounds on the West Coast for the ultimate adventure.
These places to stay are in prime locations; just down the road from the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes in Punakaiki and around the corner from New Zealand greenstone carvers in Hokitika. Begin your journey in Christchurch where you can pick up the perfect campervan. Camplify has campervans for hire in Rangiora, Amberley and all major towns and cities so depending on where your holiday begins, you’ll be able to find the ideal campervan for your West Coast adventure to these top places to stay.
1. Punakaiki
Punakaiki is home to the famous Pancakes Rocks and Blowholes at Dolomite Point. These natural wonders put on an incredible show, just a short stroll from the main highway. Caves, river kayaking and New Zealand’s newest ‘Great Walk’, The Paparoa Track are all reasons to love the village of Punakaiki. When visiting this West Coast gem, stay at the Punakaiki Beach Camp, nestled between the beach and the mountains. A two-person self-contained camper like Charlie would be the perfect home to come back to after exploring the salty shores nearby. For a touch more luxury, hire a motorhome like Stunning Views from Christchurch and arrive at the Punakaiki Beach Camp with everything you need in tow.
Take your camper five minutes up the road and check out the Truman Track. Continue north to Fox River and enjoy beautiful views out to the Tasman Sea. Stop in at one of the local taverns for a classic pub dinner before retiring to the coastal Punakaiki Beach Camp.
2. Jackson Bay
Taking off the beaten track to a new level is detouring 30 minutes from Haast to Jackson Bay, a quiet fishing village at the end of the road. The drive itself makes this one of the best spots on the West Coast to visit on a camper trip. Lush green forest canopies over the road making for a spectacular drive. The curve of the bay gives visitors a great view of both the sea and the Southern Alps. A visit to The Craypot in Jackson Bay is a must for incredible whitebait, blue cod and crayfish. You’ll be pleased you ventured off course to check out this West Coast treasure.
A self-contained motorhome that allows you to stay off-grid like Duchess is perfect for freedom camping in Jackson Bay. Hire campers like Duchess on Camplify and enjoy the flexibility of staying anywhere with ease.
3. Franz Josef
Franz Josef is a part of Glacier Country on the West Coast. The township is centred around the incredible12 kilometre long glacier that visitors can experience by scenic flight. The town is an inviting place for campervan travellers with campgrounds, campervan parks and great restaurants and bars to visit. Soak in a hot tub at Waiho Hot Tubs for some rest and relaxation in the middle of your big road trip. Stretch your legs on the Franz Josef walk for a glimpse of Franz Josef Glacier and stunning waterfalls and mountain views.
Campervan Parks like Orange Sheep are the perfect base, with powered and non-powered sites that would suit motorhomes like Big Burstner and Rae. Plug in, and enjoy camp facilities like the laundry and the convenience of a dump station. Travelling the West Coast on a budget? Camplify have affordable options like Sidetracked Camper, and Orange Sheep Campervan Park welcome all kinds of campers.
4. Greymouth
Greymouth is the hub of the West Coast, with the amenities of a larger town plus plenty of history and beautiful scenery to discover. Whether you’re travelling north of south along the coast, Greymouth is the place to refuel, restock and reset on a campervan trip. Stay at one of the beachside campgrounds including Greymouth Seaside TOP 10 and Greymouth Kiwi Holiday Park.
Camplify have vans for hire across New Zealand, so whether you’re heading to the West Coast from Christchurch, Queenstown or Nelson there’s a camper to suit you!
5. Westport
Westport is a fantastic stop on any West Coast campervan adventure, with its rugged coastal vibe and easy access to some of the region’s best natural experiences. It’s the perfect base to explore highlights like the Denniston Plateau, Cape Foulwind seal colony, and the wild beauty of Karamea and the Heaphy Track further north. With scenic campsites, local cafes, and that laid-back West Coast charm, Westport gives you the space to slow down, plug in (or unplug), and enjoy the ride.
Stay at the Carters Beach TOP 10 in Westport, or head 40 minutes further north and stay at Gentle Annie Camping Ground in Mokihinui at the foot of the Kahurangi National Park.
6. Hokitika
Hokitika is full of character, creativity, and coastlines.This charming town offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and quirky attractions, from the famous Hokitika Gorge with its surreal blue waters to windswept driftwood-strewn beaches ideal for sunset strolls. Park up and explore local galleries, greenstone carving studios, and vibrant cafes, or visit the glowworm dell for a free after-dark adventure. With excellent campgrounds nearby, Hokitika is the kind of place that makes you want to stay just a little longer.
The beachside West Coast atmosphere in Hokitika makes it top-notch for embracing campervan life. Cook dinner with an ocean view, wake up to birdsong and enjoy exploring at your own pace.
7. Gillespies Beach
To explore the secluded, remote side of the West Coast, check out Gillespies Beach near Fox Glacier. This Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite has no frills, with eight non-powered camping sites, toilets and running water available. A short bush track takes you to the rocky shores of Gillespies Beach, the ideal place to have dinner and watch the sunset. Other walks in the area explore remnants of the old gold mining days. The iconic Lake Matheson is in this neck of woods; save an early morning or evening to walk the track and catch the incredible mountain reflection on the lake.
Have a chat with van owners on Camplify about driving to Gillespies Beach campsite, as the road is unsealed in parts.
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