Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking
Southern end of lake
4.5 217 reviews
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Cymen Crick
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A busy, free, backup that's actually awesome
A busy, free, backup that's actually awesome
I always keep Lake Pukaki Freedom Camping up my sleeve in case nearby options are full. This is a busy area, but you’ll always find a little nook here, even in peak season. It’s a huge space which can house well over 100 campervans. It often does. Please be aware of the space you take up. It's a way better vibe for all when things are respectful. Do the right thing and karma comes back your way.
I get my head around its busy nature beforehand, and then see it for the treasure it is. I still have to pinch myself that this amazing experience is free. Sunsets and sunrises can be crazy good.
There’s 3 main areas. The lakefront / view spots go first of course. I aim for the centre one, it’s smaller and has the best lake + beach access. If that’s full, then the top park is the largest and has stella views. You only really want to choose the bottom carpark, near the toilets if everywhere else is chocka full. There’s no views from the bottom carpark.
If you haven’t swum in glacial waters before, this is your chance. Being a lake, it’s not as cold as a glacial stream, but oh, it’s so pure and yes FRESH...haha... and memorable, do it :)
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Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking
Lake Pukaki Freedom Camping
This is one of the great Freedom Camping locations. On the right afternoon / evening, life is good as you watch the sun go down.
There's lots of space, but earliest arrivals get the best spots.
The lake makes for an invigorating swim (in glacial water....yeeeeaaaah)
Self Contained Vehicles only
Has toilets
No lighting fires
Use the rubbish bins provided
Maximum night stay N/A
This map pin is accurate. The only legal freedom camping spot on Lake Pukaki is at this one, near the power station (see photo). All previous freedom camping spots down Haymans Road are now not allowed.
Accommodation
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Standard
Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking
Free Campsite
Amazing views over Lake Pukaki for self-contained campervans. Basic facilities for no cost.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
Toitū Te Whenua (LINZ)Central government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Freedom Camping
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Nearby
Reviews
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Stunning views -
Lots of space
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Clean toilets
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Great for star gazing
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Very busy -
Limited flat spots
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Toilets can be a trek
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good
chen yunchaio -
Stunning location!
Anna Dalby -
Great spot.
Alex M -
Nice view and quite place to stay for overnight.
TT Tang -
Amazing spot to park up!
Mitchell
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Fantastic spot.
Its a pity its a bit of a free for all. Some campers park with no common sense taking up many spaces. And whover arrives later has to adapt. Some markings of some sort would iptimise space and make sure its fair for everyone
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Amazing view of the lake!.
Gravel parc place near the road. A lot of vans parc there. No sandflies.
The toilets could be really far from the entrance if you choose the wrong one. Better to check the whole area before settle down.
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Busiest place I've stayed my entire trip!
There's a huge area available but it seemed to be getting filled. The views of the mountains were spectacular and I went a lovely swim in the lake. The toilets often had a queue outside
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Gorgeous views on a clear day, fantastic for star gazing due to being in the dark sky reserve.
Long drop toilets available which were just ok, but a bit of a walk unless you park right down at the bottom. Not many flat spaces but plenty of room.
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Great spot to camp with views of the lake.
Great location for exploring around. Was VERY busy when we were there but even then were able to find a space fairly easily. Worth noting it's fairly exposed to the wind. Clean long drop toilets. No water supply. Great free spot to stay but just come prepared as limited supplies.
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Ce free Camp est super, la vue est à couper le souffle.
Il est prisé, il y a beaucoup de monde.
Les emplacements à plat sont très recherché.
Très beau spot,
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Awesome for sleeping stop over during long travels, great view in the morning.
Lots of space and lots of other campers 👍
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Beautiful view.
Very quiet place. There is plenty of parking. Even in this season it fills up very quickly. The parking is in a cascade and the phone signal is only at the highest point. This is at the cost of it being a bit windier than when you are standing lower. The toilets are very clean.
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Our nights had no wind, and every spot is perfect if you know how to place boulders to drive onto to get level..
A lovely place to watch the Sun sink into the snow tops.
WOW !
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Awesome location but self contained regulations mean nothing as many non self contained campers observed during our stay.
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Great spot.
Awesome view. Those who are into photography will love this spot for the view during sunrise or doing astrophotography at night. The place can be quite busy, so better arrive early to secure a good spot. I just noticed that some people don't know how to park properly, and will park parallel the lake to "own" the lake view while others have already parked facing the lake (or with the rear of the van facing the lake).
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Plenty of space for camper vans.
Toilets ok. One night stay, didn't explore as it was raining nonstop. Fine for a stop off
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The marked spot is very nice.
Not as close to the water as some would like but it has a beautiful view. While it may be tempting, make sure not to park up Hayman road instead of this spot. Every morning officials drive around early and give out $400 fines for doing so.
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Excellent spot with wonderful views of the lake and Mount Cook in the distance.
Was busy but you’d find a spot. Didn’t try the toilets so refer to other reviews on that.
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This is a great place for camping!
Just to clarify that there are four toilets stalls. Pretty clean too. I read someone’s reviews saying they didn’t find the toilets. This place has two entrances. There are few levels of parking area for camper van to park. The toilets are at the lowest level. There are walking trails and bikes tracks. The view is magnificent. When it’s clear, you can see Mt Cook. Please donate 1-2 dollars for the hard work of the cleaning crew. 👍 most campsites have great views. So no worries.
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Location!
Location! That's what this is all about with minimal facilities but incredible views over Pukaki lake to mount Cook. Mind you, everybody thinks the same so lots of vans and late arrivers struggled to find a flat spot. Plus with so many vans your view may generally be of other vans! Very beautiful tho and we went back for a second night. Off season would be perfect imagine.
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Must sleep on location!
The views in the morning are stunning. It is a huge so many cars can fit in. There are only long drop toilets, no sink etc.
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Fantastic spot.
Its a pity its a bit of a free for all. Some campers park with no common sense taking up many spaces. And whover arrives later has to adapt. Some markings of some sort would iptimise space and make sure its fair for everyone
-
Amazing view of the lake!.
Gravel parc place near the road. A lot of vans parc there. No sandflies.
The toilets could be really far from the entrance if you choose the wrong one. Better to check the whole area before settle down.
-
Busiest place I've stayed my entire trip!
There's a huge area available but it seemed to be getting filled. The views of the mountains were spectacular and I went a lovely swim in the lake. The toilets often had a queue outside
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Gorgeous views on a clear day, fantastic for star gazing due to being in the dark sky reserve.
Long drop toilets available which were just ok, but a bit of a walk unless you park right down at the bottom. Not many flat spaces but plenty of room.
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Great spot to camp with views of the lake.
Great location for exploring around. Was VERY busy when we were there but even then were able to find a space fairly easily. Worth noting it's fairly exposed to the wind. Clean long drop toilets. No water supply. Great free spot to stay but just come prepared as limited supplies.
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Il faut y trouver sa place qui 'est pas garantie d'être plate.
Le rond-point près des toilettes est plutôt bien.
Jolie vue depuis le site
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Ce free Camp est super, la vue est à couper le souffle.
Il est prisé, il y a beaucoup de monde.
Les emplacements à plat sont très recherché.
Très beau spot,
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Awesome for sleeping stop over during long travels, great view in the morning.
Lots of space and lots of other campers 👍
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Beautiful spot, good toilets, wonderful that it is free.
Giving 1 star to lower down the rating, because it so crowded..
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Beautiful view.
Very quiet place. There is plenty of parking. Even in this season it fills up very quickly. The parking is in a cascade and the phone signal is only at the highest point. This is at the cost of it being a bit windier than when you are standing lower. The toilets are very clean.
-
Our nights had no wind, and every spot is perfect if you know how to place boulders to drive onto to get level..
A lovely place to watch the Sun sink into the snow tops.
WOW !
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Awesome location but self contained regulations mean nothing as many non self contained campers observed during our stay.
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Plenty of space for camper vans.
Toilets ok. One night stay, didn't explore as it was raining nonstop. Fine for a stop off
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Great spot.
Awesome view. Those who are into photography will love this spot for the view during sunrise or doing astrophotography at night. The place can be quite busy, so better arrive early to secure a good spot. I just noticed that some people don't know how to park properly, and will park parallel the lake to "own" the lake view while others have already parked facing the lake (or with the rear of the van facing the lake).
-
-
The marked spot is very nice.
Not as close to the water as some would like but it has a beautiful view. While it may be tempting, make sure not to park up Hayman road instead of this spot. Every morning officials drive around early and give out $400 fines for doing so.
-
Excellent spot with wonderful views of the lake and Mount Cook in the distance.
Was busy but you’d find a spot. Didn’t try the toilets so refer to other reviews on that.
-
This is a great place for camping!
Just to clarify that there are four toilets stalls. Pretty clean too. I read someone’s reviews saying they didn’t find the toilets. This place has two entrances. There are few levels of parking area for camper van to park. The toilets are at the lowest level. There are walking trails and bikes tracks. The view is magnificent. When it’s clear, you can see Mt Cook. Please donate 1-2 dollars for the hard work of the cleaning crew. 👍 most campsites have great views. So no worries.
-
Location!
Location! That's what this is all about with minimal facilities but incredible views over Pukaki lake to mount Cook. Mind you, everybody thinks the same so lots of vans and late arrivers struggled to find a flat spot. Plus with so many vans your view may generally be of other vans! Very beautiful tho and we went back for a second night. Off season would be perfect imagine.