The secret's out - discover all the best lakeside and riverside spots
Wake up early to get a snap of the beautiful reflection on the lake and enjoy playing in and on the water. There's so many gorgeous places to stay right next to rivers and lakes. Here's some of our members' favourites for you to check out for your next adventure.
NZMCA Parks
Use our NZMCA app and online Travel Directory to discover our growing network of 54 NZMCA member-only Parks – 28 up north and 26 down south.
You can stay for the very affordable rate of $5 per adult per night (children stay free). If you just need to use the facilities and you’re not staying the night, you can fill up with freshwater, empty out at the dump station, rubbish and recycling bins - all for free. And bonus – arrive and leave when you’re ready. There’s no check in or out time at our NZMCA Parks.
Kaikoura Old Beach Rd NZMCA Park (Site ID 7140), Kaikoura
Great place to stay the night before our ferry home. An easy 1km bike ride from town and a great fish n chip shop within walking distance. Fantastic swim at Gooch's Beach and awesome to hear the sea pounding in. We rode to the seafood caravan at The Point - yummy paua pattie sandwich! The Kaikoura Cycle Trail starts just outside the gate. Lovely walking tour from the i-site. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Kaikoura.
Turangi NZMCA Park (Site ID 3432), Lake Taupo
Close to town and the Tongariro River trail for a walk or bike ride. Very easy access to Lake Taupo. Close to Turangi township and state highway, so very convenient.
Dargaville NZMCA Park (Site ID 476), Northland
A very peaceful place to camp by the river. Excellent book exchange. Very convenient spot, so close to town. Only 10 mins walk to the shops. Short walk to a Thai restaurant.
Park Over Properties
Explore more of our big backyard and experience our unique NZMCA network of awesome overnight parking spots on private land throughout New Zealand. Choose from locations near sandy beaches; rivers and lakes; hilltop vistas; on a farm or vineyard; or stay, eat and play at an iconic Kiwi pub or near a local attraction. Find your favourite spots using our NZMCA app and online Travel Directory.
Damfam Vineyard POP (Site ID 7011), Blenheim
Lovely peaceful spot by the river. Loved the hawks. Fishing in the river or 7km down the road to the river mouth. Couple of kms to NPD fuel and a very good Four Square at Spring Creek.
Sam Chase Estate POP (Site ID 3340), Taupo
This place is a hidden gem. What a find! The dogs loved swimming in Lake Taupo and so did we. Easy beach access, plenty of space and private access to the lake. Beautiful view of the lake and tranquil bird song. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Taupo.
Ohoka Stream POP (Site ID 7436), Ohoka
Lovely peaceful spot next to Ohoka Stream walk. Hostess brought us some lovely duck eggs. An easy walk to the Ohoka Farmers Markets on Fridays. The walk along the stream is like a house and garden tour.
Wairata Station POP (Site ID 3031), Waioeka Gorge, Eastern Bay of Plenty
What's not to love about this place! Fabulous. Cleanest river in New Zealand, surely. Hills, bush, trout, blue ducks, and quiet. We went for 1 night and stayed for 3. Could not recommend it more.
CampSaver Camps
A great option if you’re travelling with kids, need power, a bigger shower, or access to their other convenient facilities – without breaking the bank. You’re spoilt for choice with more than 80 camps nationwide. There’s no minimum night’s stay and you’ll save heaps. Use our NZMCA app or online Travel Directory to find all our CampSaver camps and see what rate and peak exclusion dates apply. You’ll save either 25% OR only pay a fixed rate of $22 for two adults ($18 for one), which applies to a vehicle, per night, on a powered site.
Mt Aspiring Holiday Park (Site ID 8504), Clutha Valley
Nice quiet camp with a great outlook to Lake Wanaka. Reasonably priced in a very touristy area. There's a spa available if you want it and a pool in summer. We rode our bikes into town and our kids rode their scooters. The quails were very cute in the morning.
Spring Creek Holiday Park (Site ID 7010), Marlborough
Nice quiet setting right by the creek. You've got to see the eels, which we fed. Make sure you visit the TV lounge, it's part of the homestead and the kauri is amazing. Close to wineries and a great cycling track to Blenheim on the doorstep.
Waipatiki Beach Holiday Park (Site ID 3718), Hawke's Bay
What a wonderful place in so many ways. Nature as good as it gets! There are beautiful bush walks, great views and a lovely lagoon with stunning bird life. Great campground and beach with plenty of kids having fun.
Great Lake Holiday Park (Site ID 3347), Lake Taupo
Easy walk to town. Took bikes on a 40km loop beside the lake then around the east side of town and eventually to Huka Falls. Close to Acacia Bay. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Taupo.
Tapu Creek Campervan Park (Site ID 2096), Hauraki Coromandel
Tranquility with the stream running past provides free white noise for a great night's sleep and a refreshing dip in the cool water during the daytime.
Riverside Motor Camp (Site ID 3661), Eastland
Lovely riverside spot with plenty of shade. Very dog-friendly with a river walk. There's even a herb garden that campers can use. Try the local fish n chips! Great place to explore Mahia, Lake Waikaremoana and to do a day trip to Gisborne.
Jacksons Retreat (Site ID 6681), West Coast
What a treasure - stunning views and the serenity we felt staying there was bliss. The waterfall walk in virgin native bush and glow worms is a bonus. Very quiet, surrounded by native forests with lots of bird song. Brilliant stars on a clear night.
Riverside Haven Lodge & Holiday Park (Site ID 8284), Otago
Gorgeous park-like setting on the banks of the river with short walks perfect for our dog. Riverside campsites sheltered under the trees - awesome in the summer. Great place for families. A beautiful spot to stop and pause and let the world go by.
Bay Of Islands Holiday Park (Site ID 295), Far North
Lovely picturesque camp with large sites on the banks of the Waitangi River. A lovely spot to camp, right on the river with a good covered outdoor seating area complete with BBQ and pizza oven! Great location between Kerikeri and Paihia.
Riversedge Holiday Park (Site ID 3931) , Hawke's Bay
Great spot excellent for dogs with a lovely walkway along the river and within walking distance of Waipawa shops. Two resident llamas and an excellent wee museum. You just gotta get some meat or sausages from the local first-class butcher - we recommend the pork and beef ones.
Department of Conservation
You can’t beat the feeling of escaping it all and getting amongst our beautiful landscape. NZMCA members save 30% on annual DOC campsite and backcountry hut passes; and 25% on casual visits to most DOC campsites and backcountry huts, the Great Walks, and sole occupancy lodges, cabins and cottages that the whole family can enjoy.
DOC White Horse Hill campground (Site ID 8077), South Canterbury
A lovely scenic spot with access to bike and walking trails nearby. Stunning Mt Cook views. Definitely recommend the Hooker Lake walk, Tasman Lake lookout, Tasman River walk, and Kea point with a good view of Mt Sefton. Sealey Tarns is 2200 stairs up and on a good day has amazing views but requires good fitness. Red tarns is a lovely walk as well.
DOC Pelorus Bridge Campsite (Site ID 6892), Marlborough
We parked in front of the river and it was very quiet. The swimming here is what dreams are made of. We brought inner tubes from the office to float down the river - so much fun. The cafe is a short walk through a beautiful bush. There are lots of walks for all fitness levels. One of the most scenic DOC parks I’ve stayed at.
DOC West Bay Campsite (Site ID 6357), Nelson/Tasman
A piece of paradise. Good lake swimming and a lovely area with lots of forest and mountain walks. Do the peninsula walk and Mt Robert circuit. Beautiful lakeside camping spots amongst manuka and kanuka forest with lots of native birdsong.
DOC Ngaherenga Campsite (Site ID 1891), Waikato
Surrounded by virgin bush, kereru ate berries in the trees right by our little camper, Tui sang all day, kaka screeched overhead and little native robins explored our spot for tit bits. Several sites had picnic tables and fireplaces. It's just down the road from the start of The Timber Trail, which we cycled with the use of local shuttles. There are some great walking tracks nearby. Recommend visiting nearby 'Pa Harakeke' run by the local Hapu which was really interesting. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Mangakino.
Freedom Camping
Use our NZMCA app or online Travel Directory to find out if there are any restrictions e.g max. nights stay or vehicle numbers before you go. Check the comments section for member intel about access, site conditions, facilities and popularity.
Mathesons Bay (Site ID 857), Auckland
Great site by the beach with an awesome forest walk. The Kohura Stream walk to the waterfall and kauris was a surprise bonus. Lovely place to stay especially with a dog.
The Cliffs Reserve (Site ID 5114), Wairarapa
So peaceful, right by the river. You can walk to Johner Estate winery along the road. Great wines, lovely service and not too far to waddle back with a bottle or two! More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Carterton.
Huka-Aratiatia Amenity Area (Site ID 3305), Lake Taupo
Fabulous spot with lovely lake views, and bike and hiking trails if you're keen. The rapids are always great to watch at 10am, 12 or 2pm. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Taupo.
Little Waipa Reserve (Site ID 1712), Waikato
A nice place to stay right on the river. We enjoyed kayaking through the glowworm canyon 5km down the road and being able to drive in and find a park easily in this huge area by the lake. Gorgeous spot. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Rotorua.
Tuapiro Reserve (Site ID 2411), Central Bay of Plenty
One of the loveliest freedom camping locations around. Beautiful estuary views, very quiet, and an adjacent flat 10 min walk to the point on a very pretty pine needle path. Can swim at low tide if wander out a little way. Lots of bird life. Stunning views and great for dogs. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Katikati.
Lake Opuha (south side) (Site ID 8024), South Canterbury
Wow, what an awesome place to stay. Beautiful view over the lake. Very peaceful and sunny. Walked around part of the foreshore, which was well worth doing. Did the 4km walk to the dam.
Otaki Beach - North Bank (Site ID 5184), Wellington
Great spot - we managed to park right at the river mouth. Bring your surf caster, bikes and wine.
Lakefront Parking (Site ID 3115), Rotorua
Great spot, close to the lake and the fabulous new walkway. Walking distance to eateries. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Rotorua.
Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve (Site ID 4261), Taranaki
Just in love with this place. Stunning bush and bird life. We could hear kiwis and morepork all night, and were greeted with saddlebacks and robins in the morning. The lake walk took us 2.5hrs. We stopped for photos and ambled along taking it all in. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Stratford.