Where to Camp in Christchurch

© JUCY Group

Holiday Parks in Christchurch

Holiday parks in Christchurch offer a range of high-standard facilities. Unsurprisingly, this comes at a higher price than other types of campsites.

They offer a number of accommodation types, but campers can always rely on holiday parks to have powered sites to plug in their campervan, as well as tent sites (provided there is availability).

Expect to pay approximately NZ$25-$35 per night for one or two people and NZ$30-$45 or more per night, essentially covering tents or campervans with power access.

For more on what to expect from a holiday park, check out The Accommodation Guide to Holiday Parks in New Zealand.

Christchurch City

• Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park, Spencerville – One of the more affordable holiday parks in Christchurch
• North South Holiday Park, Harewood – Holiday park near Christchurch Airport and other outer city attractions
• Tasman Holiday Parks – Christchurch, Papanui – Premium holiday park with upscale facilities
• South Brighton Holiday Park, South Brighton – Holiday park by the beach
• Alpine View Holiday Park, Islington – Note that campsite spaces are charged per person.

Outskirts of Christchurch

• Riverlands Holiday Park, Kaiapoi – Attractive riverside setting, can be an affordable camping option for a solo travellers
• Pascoe Park, Styx – Affordable camping option on the edge of Christchurch
• Kairiki Holiday Park, Kairiki – Parkland camping above the mouth of the Waimakariri River
• Woodend Beach Holiday Park, Woodend Beach – Spacious campsites at a premium rate
• Rangiora Eco Holiday Park, Rangiora – Camping with a swimming pool near the Rangiora Race Track
• Rangiora Leigh Holiday Park, Rangiora – Rural campsite on the outskirts of Rangiora
• Orton Bradley Park, Charteris Bay – Seasonal campsite on private parkland
• Little River Campground, Little River – Seasonal campground on the way to Akaroa.

© ChristchurchNZ

Department of Conservation Campsite

The Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite offers a unique camping experience in a World War II defence battery site. The campsite provides basic facilities, including flush toilets and a water supply, with a caretaker on-site for added convenience.

Adult rates are NZ$18 per night, while children (5-17 years) pay NZ$9. Infants under 5 stay for free. Remember to book your Campsite Pass online before arrival to avoid the NZ$10 service charge for on-site bookings. Note that prices are approximate and subject to change.

Located about 50 minutes from central Christchurch, it’s a perfect escape that’s still close to the pleasant beaches and cafes of Sumner. The winding road to the campsite offers a picturesque drive, but take care on the narrow, steep sections.

© ChristchurchNZ

Council Campsite

Christchurch has very little in the way of council-run campsites. The only one in the area can be found on the outskirts of the city on the way to Lake Ellesmere. Expect basic recreational facilities and be prepared to be self-sufficient.

• Waihora Park Reserve Campsite – NZ$10 per vehicle per night (honesty box payment). Suitable for tents, car camping and motorhomes, though unpowered only. Facilities include running water, toilets, picnic areas, playgrounds, and BBQs. No showers or cabins are available. Guests must be self-sufficient, as services are minimal and no bookings are taken.

Note that prices are approximate and subject to change.

© PocketGuide.com

Freedom Camping in Christchurch

Freedom camping in Christchurch is only permitted to those with a certified self-contained vehicle. Freedom camping in a non-self-contained vehicle or tent is illegal.

Those in a self-contained campervan can camp for a maximum of two nights in most of the public areas in the city. However, freedom camping is prohibited in the following areas:

• Christchurch city centre (anywhere enclosed in Deans Ave, Harper Ave, Bealey Ave, Fitzgerald Ave and Moorhouse Ave)
• New Brighton Beach car park
• North Beach car park
• Southshore Spit
• Lyttleton town centre
• Naval Point
• Rapaki
• Purau

For a more detailed map of the prohibited freedom camping areas, check out the Christchurch City Council website.

When freedom camping, please respect the environment and follow the 10 Golden Rules of Camping in New Zealand.