If you’re considering a campervan trip in New Zealand this winter, here are some incredible destinations to stay at that will transform your experience. These campgrounds are on the edge of lakes, surrounded by mountains and nearby ski fields. Hop from campground to campground for the ultimate winter adventure. Find the perfect campervan or caravan for your winter expedition on Camplify. Always check with the van owner before embarking up the mountain, or opt for shuttle transfers to get to these epic ski fields. Whether you’re starting your trip in a big city or looking to pick one up closer to home, Camplify has vans for hire across New Zealand. You’ll be surprised by what you find and where it’s located!
1. The Camp, Lake Hawea
Location, location. The Camp is nestled on the edge of beautiful Lake Hawea, just a hop and a skip from ski resort towns Queenstown and Wanaka. This holiday park accommodates everyone, with powered sites for motorhomes and caravans. Make the most of facilities like their dump station and gas bottle swap for an easy stay. There’s even a large outdoor fireplace on the lakefront – perfect for those chilly winter evenings. Lake Hawea itself is the ultimate holiday destination for outdoors lovers. The lake is a beautiful spot for water sports and boating. In winter, the surrounding mountains are dusted with snow and the town becomes a picturesque base camp.
2. Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park
Stay in the heart of Queenstown at the original Queenstown campground, Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park. This has to be one of the best spots for campervan travel in winter in New Zealand, thanks to its location in the town centre which is known for its buzzing atmosphere during the ski season. A short stroll down the hill takes you to world-class restaurants and great bars. If you’d rather stay ‘in’ for your après ski, this Queenstown Holiday Park has a BBQ with a view and fully equipped communal kitchens. Explore the local attractions by day like the nearby Skyline gondola and luge, or book a bus transfer to head up the ski fields. Days out in Queenstown are made that much better when you’re coming back to comfort for the evenings. Camplify has a huge range of vans available for hire, so whether you book a budget camper that needs a non-powered site or you opt for a little more luxury and stay in powered sites, this holiday park won’t disappoint.
3. Lakes Edge Holiday Park, Tekapo
Close to Roundhill Ski Area and Mt Dobson Ski Area, you’ll be busy with a winter stay at Lakes Edge Holiday Park in Tekapo. Ohau Ski Field is just a 1.5-hour drive away too and is a must-visit for those keen to try one of New Zealand’s smaller commercial ski fields. Once you’ve booked your ride with Camplify, be sure to chat with the van owner about accessing these ski fields. If it’s not the skiing that’s attracting you to a winter campervan trip, Lakes Edge Holiday Park is still a great spot to stay. Fill your days with scenic walks, ice skating and soaking at Tekapo Springs. As the evening rolls around, you’re treated to the most incredible star gazing in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Pick up one of these quirky campers in Christchurch and you’re just three hours from this top New Zealand campground.
4. Methven Camping Ground
Methven Camping Ground is just a few minutes walk from the Methven township. For its sheer close proximity to Mt Hutt Ski Field, this South Island campground should be on your winter road trip itinerary. Skiing and snowboarding are just the beginning, with a range of top things to do in winter in the area. If you’re keen on heliskiing near Christchurch then Methven Heliski is the one to check out. Walk the beautiful Rakaia Gorge hike while in the Methven area too. Enjoy the comfort of the campground amenities or simply rely on the campervan you’ve hired to cook, sleep and relax. Plus, Mt Hutt is a part of NZSki, meaning you can get a ski pass that gives you access to not only this fantastic mountain but Remarkables and Coronet Peak in Queenstown too. Just like that, your winter road trip is beginning to take shape!
Check out the Methven to Mt Hutt return ski bus, to save you finding a van that can tackle the mountain roads.
5. Discovery, Mt Ruapehu
Explore the North Island alpine playground with a stay at Discovery. This New Zealand campground is in the Tongariro National Park, so you can sleep under the stars at powered or non-powered sites beneath Mt Ruapehu. This lodge and campground is just a few minute’s drive from Whakapapa ski area. If you’re not here to ski or snowboard, check out the Sky Waka gondola at Whakapapa for pure sightseeing joy. Your winter road trip can continue in any direction from here. Head north for the geothermal activity in Rotorua, or west to the stunning scenery of Egmont National Park.
6. Maruia Hot Springs, Lewis Pass
This winter destination is one not to miss. Because it’s nestled within the Southern Alps on the Lewis Pass, Maruia Hot Springs is guaranteed to be utterly breathtaking in winter. Gaze at the snow-capped mountains while soaking in the natural outdoor hot springs. These geothermal pools are undoubtedly the biggest draw card for this South Island spot, but there’s plenty to discover once you’re here. Indulge in yoga classes, massage therapies and guided walks. The onsite restaurant offers a nice change from dinner in the campervan for a night. There are no skiers and snowboarders in sight at Maruia Hot Springs. This is the campground for relaxation and rejuvenation. Be mindful that the motorhome sites here are not powered so browse Camplify for self-contained campers that are equipped with gas or solar power, allowing you to be off-grid for a few days without compromising on comfort.
7. Driftaway Queenstown
This Queenstown accommodation spot is a must-visit, particularly on a winter road trip. Driftaway is Queenstown’s newest holiday park with powered and non-powered sites, cabins and self-contained villas. It’s conveniently located in Frankton, right down the road from supermarkets, petrol stations, restaurants and Queenstown Airport. Perched on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, these are some of the best campground views you’ll find! Wake up to snowy mountains and a glassy lake. The Driftaway facility hub is yet another reason to stay, with a great kitchen and dining area complete with a big BBQ area. Driftaway is also home to Queenstown’s newest private hot tubs, so you can book in for a soak with a view after a day of exploring. As far as winter campgrounds in New Zealand go, this one is hard to beat.
8. Glendhu Bay Motor Camp, Wanaka
It’s lakeside camping at its best at Glendhu Bay Motor Camp. This Wanaka camping spot is an institution in the region, with families flocking to this picturesque holiday spot for the ultimate getaway with loved ones. Ski enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with both Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone Ski Area nearby. Glendy Bay is around 15 minutes from Wanaka, so adventures in this alpine town are easy and inviting. Stroll along the lake’s edge, check out That Wanaka Tree or feast your way through the Wanaka food truck scene. Mount Aspiring National Park is down the road too, and a day allocated to exploring this incredible area won’t go amiss.
9. All Seasons Holiday Park, Rotorua
Winter in and around Rotorua is magical, with all its natural geothermal activity. The moody weather combined with the animated earth makes this town come alive as the temperature lowers. All Seasons Holiday Park provides the perfect place to roll in with a campervan or caravan. Their powered sites are either concrete or grass, and they even have a few fenced sites for those travelling with pets or little ones. Base yourself here for a while and explore Rotorua, its lake and its Redwood Tree Walk! Camplify has vans available for hire in Auckland, Tauranga, Rotorua itself and everywhere in between. Find the camper that works for you and get to planning your ultimate winter road trip in New Zealand.
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