South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷
Camping Grounds
Freedom Camping is a Real Thing Here
Coastal Otago is genuinely good for camping, especially if you've got a self-contained van. The freedom camping spot at Warrington Reserve is one of the better free spots on the South Island - right near the beach, open to all vehicle types and tents too. Down on the peninsula, Harwood Domain is a solid base with new toilets and a nice quiet feel, well away from the main road. Life could be far worse.
The Holiday Parks Earn Their Keep Too
If you want a bit more set up, the Moeraki area has a couple of cracking options. The holiday park at Hamden Beach near the Moeraki Boulders has beach access and great stargazing. Up in Oamaru, the harbourside park gets consistently good reviews and puts you right where you need to be for the evening penguin action. There's also a handful of beachside options south of Oamaru that are well worth a look if you're heading that way. And in Dunedin, the holiday park there is a decent enough base if you want to use the city as your launch pad for the peninsula.
DOC Camps Are the Dark Horse
For something a bit more off the beaten track, Trotters Gorge near Moeraki and the Glencoe Campsite at Herbert both get rave reviews from people who like a quiet night in native bush. Small, sheltered, and the kind of places you tell other people about. Good swimming nearby at both if the weather plays ball.
Coastal Otago Camping Grounds
30 items with the highest ranking score first, showing page 1 of 2.
Freedom Camping
Camping Grounds
Basic Camping
Warrington Reserve
Overnight Self Contained Campervans, Tents allowed
4.5 40 reviews
Camping NZ App
All the great camping sites on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.
