Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking
180 Rankers Reviews
39 Face-to-Face
16 Freedom Camping
2 Twizel
Online Maps
Camping NZ NEW
Welcome to New Zealand's most comprehensive database of freely available camping information. This is the only travel map of its kind in NZ.
Get the best out of it. Here's how…
Photos
Information
This lakeside reserve off SH8 is frequented by self-contained campervans and motorhomes.
Stunning views of NZ's Mt Cook over Lake Pukaki by day and of the sparkling universe by night...
Please respect all signage, pack your goodies in and pack your rubbish out when you go.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
|---|---|---|
|
Organisation |
Local government organisation |
|
|
Location |
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel |
|
|
Categories |
Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 180.
Get the best out of it. Here's how…
Thomas & Maggy
Ranking: 10/10
Our favourite freedom camping spot while traveling for 4 weeks around New Zealand. We had wonderful weather and were able to enjoy the sunset while looking over Lake Pukaki abd Mt Cook. Absoutely recommend this place to anyone!
We had a self-contained campervan and there were just 4 or 5 others on this huge area. Glad the spot on the top of the hill was still available😁
Jenny
Ranking: 10/10
Fabulous views and sunset. Toilets were clean and in good condition.
Mike&Fe
Ranking: 10/10
Came across this site on our way to intense stop as we thought there were no toilets here. But there are!
100% agree with others regarding the views of the lake, mountains and the stars at night. Does not disappoint for the sunrise either. Plenty of room.Do not think of the toilets as your traditional long drops. Yes they might be a little smelly but they’re super clean and modern looking. Found these toilets even cleaner than many flushing or exeloo toilets we’ve come across. There are four of them.
No water here. They do have hand sanitiser.
Otherwise there are flushing toilets only a little up the road at the Salmon shop.Great coffee at HYDRO in Twizel. Twizel also has the best Hardware store called Jake’s Hardware which is like the stores of old pre-Bunnings and where you can get pretty much anything you need. Also some great camping and hunting stores in Twizel.
Digger operator
Ranking: 10/10
Lovely place to stay best spot ever with the best views
Avoid Camping Fines!
Each camping location is approved by a regional council in NZ. So if it shows on the map, you’re allowed to stay.
The Rankers Camping NZ app, is also in association with…
Suzanne
Ranking: 9/10
Great location although the night we were there it was windy so hid behind the trees. We could still enjoy the sunset by walking to a vantage spot.
Long drop toilets are new but a bit smelly the next morning.
Tash and Liam
Ranking: 8/10
Wonderful free little camping area just away from. The roadside. The only negative here are the toilets were in unbearable state with no ventilation. The view of the lake is incredible though!
Valg
Ranking: 10/10
This is a large picturesque area with many places to choose from Excellent toilets. Pukaki is so beautiful with views of Mt Cook at the end on a clear day . We were very disappointed not to stay the night as the wind was horrendous and we had to move on.We will return !
Maree
Ranking: 10/10
Right on the lakefront of Lake Pukaki looking up to Aoraki . Be sure to get there early to secure a good spot , take a dip in the lake and watch the sunset. 4 clean long drop toilets available but a bit of a hike from the good campspots .
Camping NZ App
Every camping site on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.
Pablo Boris
Ranking: 10/10
Great place and amazing views!! By far, the best place so far, bathrooms just ok.
But the view is just great, lots of places and so great that we didnt have sandflies. A spot in the middle between Tekapo and Mt Cook.
Highly recommended, check the weather, the best thing is to cook outside with the view of the Alps! Sandflies level: 1 (jan 2021)
Felix
Ranking: 10/10
Great free camp with views across Lake Pukaki to Aoraki in the distance. Clean toilets and a nice spot to watch the sun set.
Kirsten
Ranking: 10/10
Great position with view to Mt Cook. The lake is right here and we swam along with others- warmer than other expected.
.
The toilets were new and clean. Long drop toilets are least smelly when a breeze comes up and moves the vents above the vents. We used our motorhome toilet and the long drops- combo effect.We loved this spot! Family of 4.
Will come again.
Michelle
Ranking: 10/10
Amazing views. Awesome place to stay.
Ying
Ranking: 10/10
We stayed here twice in Sep and Nov 2020 and it was one of our favourite freedom camping sites. Great location on the lakefront and several large, clean toilets (though they are a bit of a hike from the furthest carpark). You'll have to arrive by early/mid afternoon to get a good spot.
