Where To Stay On The West Coast In A Camper Van Or Tent
So you've decide to tour the West Coast in a camper van! A great choice. Now you need to figure out what you want to see and then where you can stay.
There are a number of choices of camping spots. I suggest mixing it up to get a feel for the area and decide what type of camp suits you best.
If you want a private place to camp for a night or two, we have a great space. At Blue Spur Farmstay you can have the area all to yourselves. The campsite is a spacious area with plenty of room for large or small vehicles. It has amazing views and scenery and the site is close to places that run fun family activities. While you're here you will see the best of New Zealand's outdoors! It's a private spot to park up, have a campfire and enjoy the farm and native bush. Enjoy your own space in a relaxed country atmosphere. No other houses are visible from ours yet we are only 10 mins from the town. Bring your marshmallows!
Sorry, no pets allowed. All children must be supervised at all times as there are multiple hazards including ponds & streams.
Do you want a break from sleeping in your van? Feel like a night in a comfortable bed? Book a night in our farmstay! We can sleep up to 7.
DOC (Department of Conservation) CAMPSITE
What to expect
Serviced campsites* $18* adult; $9 child Serviced campsites have a wide range of facilities and services: flush toilets, tap water, kitchen/cooking bench, hot showers, rubbish collection and road access for all types of vehicles. Laundry facilities, BBQs, fireplaces, cookers and picnic tables may be provided.
Scenic campsites* $13* adult; $6.50 child These campsites are in high use locations and have a more limited range of facilities and services than Serviced campsites: toilets, water supply (tap, stream or lake) and vehicle or boat access. Wood BBQs and fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided.
Standard campsites $8* adult; $4 child These campsites have toilets, water supply (tap, stream, or lake) and vehicle or boat access. Wood BBQs and fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided. Backcountry campsites $6* adult; $3 child.
Backcountry campsites $6* adult; $3 child . Backcountry campsites have toilets and a water supply, which may be from a stream. Picnic tables, cooking shelters and fireplaces may be provided.
Basic campsites no charge These have very limited facilities so campers need to be fully selfsufficient. Basic toilets and water may be from a tank, stream or lake. * Extra charges apply for powered sites: $3 per adult; $1.50 per child.
Booking and paying fees Bookings are required for all Serviced campsites and for some Scenic and Standard campsites in peak season (usually 1 October – 30 April). Most bookings can be made at www.booking.doc.govt.nz or at a DOC Visitor Centre. Where bookings are not required, pay fees via the selfregistration system at the campsite, or at a Visitor Centre. These campsites operate on a first come, first served basis. Fees are generally charged per person per night, and reflect the level of facilities and services provided. DOC rangers patrol camping areas and will check that fees have been paid .
MY RECOMMENDED DOC SITES
HOKITIKA
Limited spaces here but an awesome little spot.
This site has some fairly new facilities, is close to the lake and is really a lovely spot. Very popular in summer.
This is a beautiful site. Close the the lake and has good facilities. Gets really busy in summer so book ahead or get there early.
LAKE IANTHE
LAKE MAPOURIKA
REEFTON
A popular site with high rankings online. 1st come 1st served.
FREEDOM CAMPING
The residents on the West Coast are becoming increasingly annoyed at freedom campers. There are a few reasons for this but the main one is that a few campers have been less than great visitors to the area. They have parked illegally and left some really unpleasant things behind. Campers have left toilet waste, rubbish etc, been abusive to locals and done damage to the area. It is best to choose a campsite that has a toilet, shower and is a legal designated over night camp site. Use an app on your phone or visit the local I-site for ideas of where to go.
The West Coast is blessed with an abundance of secluded and scenic spots ideal for freedom camping, where camping is done in a location without facilities and is not a designated campground. In order to maintain the privileges of freedom camping and ensure the protection of our environment, it is important everyone camps responsibly and observes local freedom camping-related rules. You are responsible for learning what bylaws exist.
PAID CAMPGROUNDS
There are some excellent campgrounds on the West Coast. These have great facilities, are clean and are in amazing spots around the coast. Here are a few of my personal favourites.
ROSS BEACH TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK
JACKSONS RETREAT ALPINE HOLIDAY PARK
GREYMOUTH SEASIDE TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK
CARTERS BEACH TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK
FOX GLACIER TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK
HAAST RIVER MOTELS & HOLIDAY PARK
BAZIL'S HOSTEL AND SURF SCHOOL - Westport
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