Where Can I Camp?

The Wanaka region is the perfect place to explore by motorhome and campervan or pitch your tent and watch the sun go down across the mountains

In the spirit of manaakitanga, our community not only takes a hosting responsibility but also one of guardianship over our beautiful environment. As Wanaka works towards being a sustainable visitor destination, we ask that visitors play their part in contributing to our regions well-being while enjoying our magnificent natural resources.

Camping in Wanaka is affordable with sites starting from $8 per night. For a full list of options click here. Alternatively visit CamperMate.co.nz and download the free app for details.

Wanaka is one of the most pristine parts of the world - here's some tips to help keep it this way.

Responsible Camping Summer Guide 19/20

Holiday Parks & Campsites Around Wanaka

Camping Never Looked So Good

Freedom camping and 'parking up' overnight

Under Queenstown Lakes District Council Bylaw, it is not permitted to freedom camp or 'park up' in an occupied vehicle overnight in a public place in any town. 

Where can I camp?

Use the maps below to see where you can and cannot camp and avoid a $200 fine or your vehicle being clamped. 

View online map - pink areas are no camping zones for any vehicle

Is your campervan self-contained?

If you can live in your van for three days without getting more water or dumping waste and it meets the Caravan Self Containment standard then you are self-contained. It must have:

  • A toilet 
  • Fresh water storage
  • Waste water storage
  • A rubbish bin with a lid

A self-containment certificate warrant card MUST be displayed at all times. The information on the window card includes:

  • The registration number of the vehicle
  • Date of issue
  • The issuing authority
  • Expiry date
  • The maximum number of people the vehicle can accommodate

Service Hubs

Queenstown Lakes District Council has designated summer service hubs. Check out the CamperMate free app for a full directory of all camping spots. The service hub is for self-contained vehicles and has:

  • Waste Station
  • Toilets & showers
  • Free wi-fi
  • Recycling

Recycling

All commonly recyclable materials can be disposed of at the Wanaka Recycling Centre (on Ballantyne Road). Many holiday parks also encourage guests to be sustainable by providing on-site recycling facilities.

Rubbish disposal

Small amounts of rubbish can be disposed of in the bins provided around town. Larger quantities of rubbish can be disposed of at the Wanaka Landfill on Ballantyne Road, even after hours if in a blue council bag. All holiday parks and camping grounds also have rubbish disposal facilities for guests.

Sewage cassettes and sink-water tanks

Motorhome and campervan black and grey water cassettes/tanks can be emptied free of charge 24 hours a day at the Wanaka Showgrounds, corner of Brownston and McDougall Street. A motorhome dump station is also available at the Boundary Creek camping area. Most Wanaka holiday parks also have dump stations available for guest use.

Motorhome travel in other parts of New Zealand

The www.camping.org.nz website is a useful information tool for planning motorhome travel in New Zealand.  There are helpful tips on how you as a visitor can engage in responsible tourism and also links to regional information on camping regulations and motorhome facilities.

If in doubt, assume nothing – always ask!