There’s nothing quite like freedom camping in New Zealand’s South Island… The scenery, the wildlife, that fresh southern air… If you ask us, there’s no better way to holiday while seeing our beautiful country. When it comes to freedom camping, we’re all for winging it a little bit. It adds to the sense of adventure and excitement, and gives you the freedom to stay a little longer in places you absolutely love. But it can also be handy to some knowledge up your sleeve on the best freedom camping spots in the South Island before you head off. This will help you to save money, abide by the law and plan important things like showers. So if you’re starting to think about freedom camping in the South Island, we’ve compiled a list for you that’s an absolute must-read. It covers all bases – scenery, facilities, convenience and more. If you’ve stayed ar any of these spots, we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Best Beachfront: Punakaiki Beach Camp, Punakaiki

Despite its reputation for a bit of rain, many people name the West Coast as their favourite region in New Zealand. There is something about the raw, relatively untouched environment and slow pace that makes people feel at ease. If you’re freedom camping in the South Island and hoping to stay at one of the best beachfront camping spots, Punakaiki Beach Camp is the winner! Situated in the tiny town of Punakaiki between Westport and Greymouth, this charming camp ground is in a prime position for exploring, sitting just alongside Paparoa National Park. Explore the iconic pancake rocks and blowholes, or stroll around the beautiful quiet beaches and limestone gorges. The camp ground is clean, well-kept and spacious with great communal facilities. Don’t forget to enjoy a picnic on the beach as the sun sets over the horizon.

Best Lakefront: Twenty Five Mile Stream, Queenstown

If you love camping by the water, don’t let the beaches take all the glory! There are some amazing inland freedom camping spots that are often just as beautiful. Twenty Five Mile Stream about 20 minutes outside of Queenstown is one of these places! Located on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and looking out over the surrounding peaks, the scenery here is unreal. So much so that many freedom campers are amazed that it’s still a freedom camping spot at all! There are no facilities here but it can be popular thanks to the view - so it’s best to arrive early if you can. Once you have your spot secured you can stay for up to four nights—and you best believe you’ll be wanting each and every one of those nights to fall asleep in this little lakeside paradise!

Most Popular: The Pines, Lake Pukaki

Another incredible lakefront freedom camping spot, the good news is that Lake Pukaki offers plenty of space so you’re almost guaranteed a park. Overlooking the calm blue water and across to Mount Cook on clear days, freedom campers are usually found sitting outdoors, on the edge of the lake or in the backs of their vans gazing out at the view. You can swim in the lake on warmer days, go fishing, kayaking or paddleboarding. Watch the sun set then see the stars brighten and begin to light up the sky. Come to think of it, you might want to skip sleeping altogether as you’re allowed one night here and one night only—and the sunrise it unmissable too! We recommend you make the most of the time at this South Island freedom camping spot as there’s truly nowhere else like it.

Best Facilities: Rakaia Gorge, Windwhistle

Uninterrupted, jaw-dropping views really are wonderful, but when you’ve been freedom camping for a while there’s nothing like a site with good facilities. If you’re making your way between the east and west of the South Island, make a stop at Rakaia Gorge camp in Windwhistle. Nestled into the base of the Rakaia Gorge and overlooking the river, the facilities here are new and clean with hot showers, toilets and disability access. There are no barbecues, but you can utilise the kitchen shelter if you have your own gas cooker. Give your dishes a good wash in one of the sinks and you can even wash your clothes with hot water in the laundry tubs. And if you want a fun experience while you’re in this part of the world, make sure you check out the Rakaia jet!

Most Convenient: Point Kean, Kaikoura

No trip around the South Island is complete without a stop in Kaikoura. And while many South Island freedom camping spots are somewhat remote, The Point Campsite near Point Kean is just a five minute drive from town. If you want to be among civilisation for a few days, enjoy a meal you haven’t cooked or even experience some of Kaikoura’s tourist attractions, staying at The Point Campsite would be a good idea. Situated on privately owned land with friendly hosts, The Point Campsite looks sits at the bottom of a hill and overlooks the ocean. It’s just a five minute walk to the seal colony, a walk to a nearby fish and chip shop and an absolute breeze to zip in to town if there’s something else you want to see or do. When compared to many other South Island freedom camping spots, this one gets 10 points for convenience!

Most EPIC Scenery: Lake Tekapo/Dark Sky Reserve

We’ve doubled up on Lake Tekapo freedom camping spots here, but that’s because it’s a truly glorious spot! And trust us—you don’t want to miss this one! While it was a tough call thanks to the South Island’s many scenic camping spots, we’re picking the Dark Sky Reserve at Lake Tekapo as the one with the most epic scenery. By day, you have the glistening turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo front and centre. And by night, you get to experience the Aoraki McKenzie Dark Sky Reserve—one of only eight places in the world where light pollution is strictly controlled. If you want to take ‘sleeping under the stars’ to a whole new level, this is the place to do it!

The Best South Island Freedom Camping Spots