There’s something special about the South Island of New Zealand in winter. Waterfalls get wilder, mountains see the snow and bluebird days are crisp and invigorating. It’s a great time to hire a campervan and venture to some of the most beautiful destinations for a unique experience, different to the quintessential summer road trip.
A winter road trip in the South Island is made memorable with these incredible campgrounds. From lake views to rugged beachside settings, these locations offer picturesque spots to park your campervan and enjoy a few nights under the stars. Just make sure you’re staying in a toasty warm camper. Find the perfect camper for you on Camplify, plan your South Island road trip route and stay at these campgrounds for an epic adventure in the colder months.
1. Lakes Edge Holiday Park, Tekapo
In the heart of the Mackenzie Country lies Tekapo, a small lakeside town with big drawcards. Mountains border the bright blue lake and pine trees create a unique New Zealand setting. The Lakes Edge Holiday Park is perched on an elevated site overlooking the lake offering utterly sensational views from your powered site. In winter, the mountains are covered in snow and are a striking contrast to the milky blue waters of Lake Tekapo.
Nearby ski areas Roundhill Ski Area and Mt Dobson are must-visits for keen skiers and snowboarders looking to experience a small New Zealand ski field. Tekapo is the ideal base for these winter wonderlands.
Drive to Aoraki Mount Cook during the day and explore the village and National Park at the foot of the tallest mountain in New Zealand. This scenic one-hour drive is spectacular in all seasons, but winter really turns it on with more snow and the alpine atmosphere that you crave with a winter escape.
2. Driftaway Queenstown
Driftaway Queenstown is one of the best South Island campgrounds. This gem offers breathtaking lakeside accommodation and close proximity to places to eat, drink and play in Queenstown. Park up at your powered site and soak in views of Lake Whakatipu, Cecil Peak and more. If you’re starting your journey in Queenstown, you’ll find no shortage of campers and motorhomes to choose from on Camplify. Milford the Luxury Mercedes is the ideal motorhome for a winter escape from Queenstown. It’s modern and spacious and has a diesel heater to keep you warm all night long.
Driftaway Queenstown have top notch facilities including a fantastic kitchen, laundry room and even drying room for your ski gear. If you hire a character camper like Vanessa, Driftaway has all the extra amenities you may need. Watch incredible sunsets from your camper or from the outdoor BBQ area in the facility hub, and indulge in a soak in one of their private hot tubs overlooking the lake – the ideal way to wrap up a winter’s day.
3. Moke Lake, Queenstown
Still in Queenstown yet it feels like a rural and remote escape, Moke Lake is a stunning lake and campground roughly 20 minutes drive from Queenstown. This is a great addition to your South Island winter road trip if you plan on visiting Queenstown. Camplify has vans for hire in Queenstown, plus plenty of options in Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill depending on where you’re starting your trip.
Enjoy the Moke Lake loop track on a nice, sunny day or stay inside your camper and lap up the lake and mountain views on a chilly winter’s day. This campground is ideal for those who can stay overnight without power and anyone keen on getting out of the busy towns. Moke Lake can be busy in summer, but enjoy a quieter, more peaceful lake in winter.
4. Purakaunui Bay Campground, The Catlins
The Catlins is the unsung hero of the South Island. Tucked away in the deep south on the east coast, just over 2 hours drive from Dunedin, this area is a place of spectacular natural beauty and incredible wildlife. Purakaunui Bay Campground is the perfect base for exploring this southern area. You’ll find a fire pit, toilets and flushing water here, and views of the dramatic cliff faces on the coast . The beach is a good surf beach, and top things to see in The Catlins like Purakaunui Falls are not far away.
All sites here are unpowered, so a self-contained campervan from Camplify with heating and a few other small luxuries will keep you comfy. Browse campers available in Dunedin here. Fall asleep to the sounds of waves crashing and wake to fresh winter mornings on the coast.
5. Gillespies Beach, West Coast
As far as South Island campgrounds go, Gillespies Beach feels like the hidden gem of the lot. Located in the rugged West Coast, this campground offers views of the Southern Alps and access to the wild coastline. There are a small selection of non-powered sites at this campground, so a camper that allows you to stay off-grid and keep warm is key. Access to Gillespies Beach campground is along a narrow, gravel road, so make sure you’re camper is able to drive on these roads. You’ll find a shelter and toilets here, but most importantly, a one minute stroll through the bush fringing the beach and you’ll be at the water. Discover historic suction and bucket dredges along walking tracks near the campsite, and catch the sunset on the rocky shore for an incredible winters night on the coast.
Always check weather conditions and accessibility before heading out, especially during winter.
If you’ve got a quirky camper or luxury motorhome sitting at home clogging up your driveway, consider listing it on Camplify and earning an income! Learn more about sharing your camper on Camplify here.
This article was created in paid partnership with:
