The best dog-friendly caravan parks in New Zealand

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Ask a Kiwi what defines New Zealand (Aotearoa), and you'll get markedly different answers depending on where they hail from—even if they only grew up hours apart. That may be because New Zealand crams diverse landscapes and experiences into its 268,021 square kilometres. You can sleep at Māori maraes, park your campervan at the foot of active volcanoes, unroll your sleeping bag metres from the sea or deep in the rainforest, or pitch a tent at the foot of snow-capped mountains. Kiwis love road trips thanks to an extensive network of frontcountry, backcountry, and even urban camping areas. Freedom camping in New Zealand is also widespread, with free camping sites sometimes even equipped with flush toilets and hot showers. Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites and holiday parks can be found in even the most remote corners of the country, while local hosts are among the most welcoming you’ll find anywhere in the world.

93% (36) 49 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near New Zealand

Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

1. Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

120 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Queenstown
**Please note that our office is closed on Christmas Day (25 December), and we do not accept arrivals or departures on this date. Any bookings made with a check-in or check-out on 25 December will be cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.** Queenstown blends natural beauty with adventure. Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park puts you close to town, attractions, and alpine scenery. Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park offers a wide range of accommodation options for your holiday in Queenstown including self-contained units, one-bedroom studios and open plan studios. Our extensive camping area offers sites suitable for campervans, caravans, tenting, and are supported by modern, well serviced facilities. Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is set against the dramatic Alps of New Zealand’s South Island. Other than its undeniable beauty, the resort town is known as the adrenaline capital of the world, popular with adventure seekers all year round. Our holiday park boasts a central location so you can easily discover all that Queenstown has to offer. Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park is just a few minutes’ walk from the town center, lakefront and many of the local iconic attractions, including the Skyline Gondola and Luge.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
from 
NZ$73
 / night
Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park

2. Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park

39 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Nelson
**Please note that our office is closed on Christmas Day (25 December), and we do not accept arrivals or departures on this date. Any bookings made with a check-in or check-out on 25 December will be cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.** Kia ora! We are a cosy urban holiday park located in beautiful Nelson – arguably the sunniest place in New Zealand! Nelson Tasman’s desirable Mediterranean climate makes it an enjoyable place to visit all year round. Nelson City TOP 10 is located right at the center of it all, just 5 minutes from the CBD. With three stunning national parks also on our doorstep, it’s an ideal base for exploring our beautiful region! We offer a range of quality accommodation and campsite options that will appeal to everyone. Families, groups, couples, or solo travellers are all welcome! There are affordable motel units, comfortable cabins, and all-weather sites available. We also have plenty of great facilities and services to make you feel right at home during your stay!
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
from 
NZ$81
 / night
Thornton Beach Holiday Park

3. Thornton Beach Holiday Park

62 sites · RVs, Lodging · Whakatāne
**Please note that our office is closed on Christmas Day (25 December), and we do not accept arrivals or departures on this date. Any bookings made with a check-in or check-out on 25 December will be cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.** Nestled between Whakatāne and Matatā in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, Thornton Beach is closer than Ōhope for many visitors and offers the quintessential New Zealand beach holiday: sun, surf, space to unwind, and plenty of fun for the whole family. Wake up to the sound of the waves, step straight onto the sand, and soak in uninterrupted views of Whale Island right in front of the park, with White Island visible in the distance. With the ocean on one side and the Rangitāiki River just metres away, you’re surrounded by nature at its very best. Thornton Beach is famous for its incredible fishing. Cast off from the shore and try your luck surfcasting towards Whale Island, or launch your boat from the boat ramp just 200m from the park and head out to deeper waters. This is one of the Bay of Plenty’s top spots to drop a line. Thornton Beach may be quiet and tranquil, but there’s no shortage of adventure. If you’re keen to get out on the water, SUP boards and kayaks are available for hire.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
from 
NZ$71
 / night
Peaceful Coastie

4. Peaceful Coastie

1 site · Tent, RV · Whangaparāoa
Tucked away at the end of a quiet back street and long driveway, our front yard offers a peaceful, private space perfect for a caravan or tiny home setup. The gravel area is flat and ready for parking, with easy access to power, water, and unlimited Wi-Fi – all included in the rent. Our property spans around 1,200 square meters, with half in gravel and the other half in lush grass. You’re welcome to make use of the grassy backyard area if you like, whether it’s for relaxing, gardening, or simply enjoying the space. We’re a friendly and respectful family who value privacy and peaceful living. You won’t hear the road from here – just birds and the breeze. If you're looking for a quiet, well-connected place with everything you need, this could be a great fit for you.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Potable water
from 
NZ$37
 / night
Forest & Bird Sanctuary

5. Forest & Bird Sanctuary

1 site · Tent, RV · South Island
Kia ora! / Hello! We’re situated just five minutes from the main town — but you’d never know it. Surrounded by native New Zealand forest filled with birdsong, the property overlooks the local mountain ranges, offering peace and privacy in a beautiful natural setting. We’re in the process of establishing organic food forests and vegetable gardens, creating a space that’s both sustainable and serene. Enjoy our stainless-steel, wood-fired hot tub, which uses purified rainwater — no chemicals added. There’s free Wi-Fi, purified drinking rainwater, power hookups, and a compost toilet available for guests. This is a place to relax, reconnect, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the West Coast, with plenty of nature adventures nearby.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
NZ$43
 / night

Ask a Kiwi what defines New Zealand (Aotearoa), and you'll get markedly different answers depending on where they hail from—even if they only grew up hours apart. That may be because New Zealand crams diverse landscapes and experiences into its 268,021 square kilometres. You can sleep at Māori maraes, park your campervan at the foot of active volcanoes, unroll your sleeping bag metres from the sea or deep in the rainforest, or pitch a tent at the foot of snow-capped mountains. Kiwis love road trips thanks to an extensive network of frontcountry, backcountry, and even urban camping areas. Freedom camping in New Zealand is also widespread, with free camping sites sometimes even equipped with flush toilets and hot showers. Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites and holiday parks can be found in even the most remote corners of the country, while local hosts are among the most welcoming you’ll find anywhere in the world.

93% (36) 49 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near New Zealand

Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

1. Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

120 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Queenstown
**Please note that our office is closed on Christmas Day (25 December), and we do not accept arrivals or departures on this date. Any bookings made with a check-in or check-out on 25 December will be cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.** Queenstown blends natural beauty with adventure. Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park puts you close to town, attractions, and alpine scenery. Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park offers a wide range of accommodation options for your holiday in Queenstown including self-contained units, one-bedroom studios and open plan studios. Our extensive camping area offers sites suitable for campervans, caravans, tenting, and are supported by modern, well serviced facilities. Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is set against the dramatic Alps of New Zealand’s South Island. Other than its undeniable beauty, the resort town is known as the adrenaline capital of the world, popular with adventure seekers all year round. Our holiday park boasts a central location so you can easily discover all that Queenstown has to offer. Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park is just a few minutes’ walk from the town center, lakefront and many of the local iconic attractions, including the Skyline Gondola and Luge.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
from 
NZ$73
 / night
Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park

2. Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park

39 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Nelson
**Please note that our office is closed on Christmas Day (25 December), and we do not accept arrivals or departures on this date. Any bookings made with a check-in or check-out on 25 December will be cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.** Kia ora! We are a cosy urban holiday park located in beautiful Nelson – arguably the sunniest place in New Zealand! Nelson Tasman’s desirable Mediterranean climate makes it an enjoyable place to visit all year round. Nelson City TOP 10 is located right at the center of it all, just 5 minutes from the CBD. With three stunning national parks also on our doorstep, it’s an ideal base for exploring our beautiful region! We offer a range of quality accommodation and campsite options that will appeal to everyone. Families, groups, couples, or solo travellers are all welcome! There are affordable motel units, comfortable cabins, and all-weather sites available. We also have plenty of great facilities and services to make you feel right at home during your stay!
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
from 
NZ$81
 / night
Thornton Beach Holiday Park

3. Thornton Beach Holiday Park

62 sites · RVs, Lodging · Whakatāne
**Please note that our office is closed on Christmas Day (25 December), and we do not accept arrivals or departures on this date. Any bookings made with a check-in or check-out on 25 December will be cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.** Nestled between Whakatāne and Matatā in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, Thornton Beach is closer than Ōhope for many visitors and offers the quintessential New Zealand beach holiday: sun, surf, space to unwind, and plenty of fun for the whole family. Wake up to the sound of the waves, step straight onto the sand, and soak in uninterrupted views of Whale Island right in front of the park, with White Island visible in the distance. With the ocean on one side and the Rangitāiki River just metres away, you’re surrounded by nature at its very best. Thornton Beach is famous for its incredible fishing. Cast off from the shore and try your luck surfcasting towards Whale Island, or launch your boat from the boat ramp just 200m from the park and head out to deeper waters. This is one of the Bay of Plenty’s top spots to drop a line. Thornton Beach may be quiet and tranquil, but there’s no shortage of adventure. If you’re keen to get out on the water, SUP boards and kayaks are available for hire.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
from 
NZ$71
 / night
Peaceful Coastie

4. Peaceful Coastie

1 site · Tent, RV · Whangaparāoa
Tucked away at the end of a quiet back street and long driveway, our front yard offers a peaceful, private space perfect for a caravan or tiny home setup. The gravel area is flat and ready for parking, with easy access to power, water, and unlimited Wi-Fi – all included in the rent. Our property spans around 1,200 square meters, with half in gravel and the other half in lush grass. You’re welcome to make use of the grassy backyard area if you like, whether it’s for relaxing, gardening, or simply enjoying the space. We’re a friendly and respectful family who value privacy and peaceful living. You won’t hear the road from here – just birds and the breeze. If you're looking for a quiet, well-connected place with everything you need, this could be a great fit for you.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Potable water
from 
NZ$37
 / night
Forest & Bird Sanctuary

5. Forest & Bird Sanctuary

1 site · Tent, RV · South Island
Kia ora! / Hello! We’re situated just five minutes from the main town — but you’d never know it. Surrounded by native New Zealand forest filled with birdsong, the property overlooks the local mountain ranges, offering peace and privacy in a beautiful natural setting. We’re in the process of establishing organic food forests and vegetable gardens, creating a space that’s both sustainable and serene. Enjoy our stainless-steel, wood-fired hot tub, which uses purified rainwater — no chemicals added. There’s free Wi-Fi, purified drinking rainwater, power hookups, and a compost toilet available for guests. This is a place to relax, reconnect, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the West Coast, with plenty of nature adventures nearby.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
NZ$43
 / night
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best dog-friendly caravan parks in New Zealand guide

Where to go

Northland (North Island)

This stretch of land north of Auckland is the birthplace of both Māoridom and modern New Zealand. Campsites in the Bay of Islands offer modern amenities and services, while seaside sites in the relatively unpopulated Far North region do justice to the phrase "winterless north."

Waikato (North Island)

Just south of Auckland, Waikato may be known for its cows, but this is also where you'll find some of the most dynamic camping in the region, including riverbanks and caves lit up at night with glowworms, surf beaches, and the bays and inlets of the Coromandel.

Bay of Plenty & Hawke's Bay (North Island)

Kiwifruits, wineries, and seafood are just part of what makes these two regions so plentiful. In addition to beachfront camping sites, you'll also find farm stays and further inland, camping among the misty mountain peaks of Te Urewera or beside the steaming geysers at Rotorua.

Ruapehu (North Island)

Within the volcanic heart of the North Island, the Ruapehu region also marks the start Whanganui River, with its headwaters in Tongariro National Park. Lava flows have defined this landscape, yet you can also park your motorhome among lush green rainforest.

Tasman/Nelson & Marlborough (South Island)

After a ferry ride from Wellington, you'll arrive to the northern end of the South Island, where these Tasman and Marlborough are known for their gold-hued beaches (especially in the aptly named Golden Bay and Abel Tasman National Park), plus kayaking, wineries, endless coastline, and native bush.

West Coast (South Island)

New Zealand's West Coast is known for being both wild and wet. It lives up to both descriptions, but it isn't all rain and gloom. Here, you'll find glaciers that nearly touch the sea, native rainforest, windswept beaches, and some of the country's most remote campsites.

Canterbury (South Island)

From the turquoise lakes of Mackenzie Country and the snow-capped peaks of Arthur's Pass to the braided rivers that cross the plains, Canterbury is as big as it is diverse. Want to camp beachside, riverside, oceanside, mountainside, lakeside, or even cityside in Christchurch? Find it all in Canterbury.

Otago (South Island)

Otago's urban centre of Queenstown is known for hustle and bustle, but it's easy to find yourself totally immersed in wilderness after just a short drive. With massive lakes, rushing rivers, and high mountain peaks, there's no shortage of adventure or camping grounds in the country's adrenaline capital.

Fiordland & Stewart Island (South Island)

Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand's most remote regions—yet it's also one of the most visited. The postcard-perfect Milford Sound is what lures many here, but for those who have time to camp for a few nights, it offers unparalleled wilderness opportunities starting from Te Anau.