At 600km long with some of the country’s most stunning scenery, travelling via motorhome is the ideal way to explore the West Coast.
While there are plenty of bucket list destinations such as Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, and the pancake rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki, there’s also plenty to encourage you off the beaten track. The region’s three main centres - Greymouth, Westport and Hokitika - are all Motorhome Friendly Towns and keen to welcome members. West Coasters are known for telling a good story, so no doubt you’ll meet some interesting locals on your travels. History buffs will be in their element with many ways to learn about the area’s rich past and the characters who shaped it. With five National parks with glaciers, rain forests, mountains, lakes and wetlands to explore, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to exploring natural wonders.
We'll be featuring all Campsaver Campgrounds by region over time, keep an eye out for further articles, including next week’s Waikato! For more information about the Campsaver Program, click here.
(Banner & tile image of Jacksons Retreat #6681)
Gentle Annie Seaside Accommodation and Camping Ground (CWO, #6436)
298 De Malmanches Rd, Gentle Annie, Westport
Beautiful camping ground (voted #3 in NZ) at the mouth of the Mokihinui River. Sheltered and private non-powered camping sites are set amongst landscaped gardens, all within a couple minutes’ walk to the river and beach The Cowshed Cafe /campers lounge, which has been converted from a once operating milking shed (!) provides a unique social space with free use of the outside wood-fired pizza oven. Kiwi camping like it used to be.
"Stay right next to the ocean or a little bit back on a powered site. Lovely cafe, outdoor wood fired pizza oven you can use which is a fun experience. Peaceful and relaxing place." - Chelsea
Lake Brunner Country Motel & Holiday Park (CDS, #6591)
2014 Arnold Valley Rd, Moana
The Park boasts a unique concept on 6 acres of landscaped park-like grounds surrounded by native forest and the Southern Alps as a backdrop. With a multitude of native bird life, fungi and glow worms – it’s a photographer’s dream. Head to Lake Brunner for brown trout fishing & boating, jump on the Tranzalpine Train, or try one of various walking trails. Situated just 2km from the lake and Moana village.
"What a find! Lovely friendly welcome. Great, well maintained grounds. Good facilities which are spotless. Awesome place for both couples and families. Parked near the glow worm walk and they were there! We will return." - Michael
Lake Brunner Motor Camp (CDS, #6594)
86 Ahau St, Moana, West Coast
This locally owned and operated camp ground promises a true kiwi experience - get to know wonderful people and enjoy the lifestyle. Offering the finest Brown Trout fishing in all of the South Island! Enjoy fly fishing, trolling and spinning all year round. Wake up to the subtle sound of birds chirping and enjoy astonishing walk tracks that are littered through spectacular rainforests and across thrilling swing bridges.
"Lovely Camp, immaculate facilities, host Jo was so welcoming and telling us about the walking tracks handy to camp which we did and were well worth doing and other facilities in Moana. Had a wonderful view of Lake Brunner from our Caravan. A must stop over. On leaving had one of Jo’s coffee’s, the best." - Judy
Central Park Camping (CDS, #6636)
117 Tainui St, Greymouth
Central Park Camping is situated in Greymouth, the largest town on the rugged West Coast and an end access point for the Tranz Alpine Train. Cycle the easy West Coast Wilderness Trail, hike the Croesus Track or visit Shantytown - a gold-rush town replica. Head to Monteith’s Brewery, for a tour or tasting, only 100 -150 metres away from Central Park Camping, and is a safe place to park whilst you enjoy their hospitality.
Sealed site, fitted our 11 meter motorhome in no problem. Close to town, facilities, immaculate. Came for 2 nights stayed 4. Very obliging owner." - Sue
"Behind the petrol station, quiet even though close to town/road. Toilets and showers were immaculate. Owner/operator very friendly and helpful. - Phil
Greymouth Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels (CDS, #6642)
318 Main South Rd, Greymouth
The West Coast is famous for its stunning scenery, and you can experience it at this Holiday Park. Situated at South Beach, adjacent to both the beautiful West Coast beach and the Wilderness Trail, you can stroll along the beach, admire the snow-capped mountains and in the evening experience the beautiful sunsets. Enjoy nearby white water and cave rafting, bush walks, 4-wheel biking, mountain biking, coastal and lake fishing, brewery tours, arts and crafts and scenic flights.
"Close to SH6 so a little road noise to be expected, great facilities and added bonus of dump station on most powered sites (not that we actually required them), Awesome host most obliging to allow us to extend our stay (and use the spa pool) thanks Kathy." - Grant
Greenstone Retreat (CWO, #6652)
45 Greenstone Rd, Kumara
Offering pet-friendly, quirky, and homely camping on the edge of Kumara village, with great kitchen, bathroom facilities and Wi-Fi. Relax in peaceful settings - yoga and massage may be available. Short walking distance to the West Coast Wilderness Trail, walking tracks, glow worms and the award winning Theatre Royal Hotel for a meal. Only 20 min drive to Hokitika or Greymouth and within an hour of Punakaiki and Arthurs Pass.
"A really quaint little (6 powered sites) camping ground but really cool. Beautiful showers, clean facilities, friendly staff and good wifi. Well priced. Even a massuese on site in need. Start of the Wilderness bike trail through to Hokitika. Don't miss Cowboy Paradise for novelty factor alone." - Tony
Jacksons Retreat (CDS, #6681)
4464 SH73 Alpine Hwy, Jacksons
Jackson’s Retreat Alpine Holiday Park set on fifteen acres, is located in the ever changing and beautifully diverse West Coast Glacier Region. Stay on their beautifully terraced powered, non-powered or all-weather sites allowing stunning views of the mighty Taramakau river, snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps, waterfalls and of course our own NZ Native Rain Forest. Experience the Ngarimu walking track, waterfall, quartz mine & glow worms exclusive to park guests.
"Lovely surrounds and activities. Didn’t use the facilities but all looked good. Owner Maxime very helpful." - Angela
"Great place to stay. Showers great. Good facilities Very secure Dump and good water on park site." - Helen
Links View Holiday Park (CWO, #6722)
340 Ruatapu Rd, Ruatapu, Hokitika
A boutique campground set in idyllic farm surroundings and lavender gardens. Overlooking Hokitika Golf Links, it’s a small walk to the beach and the Mahinapua river, running alongside the camp. Kayaks are available for hire and mountain bikes to use on Hokitika’s trails. There’s a netball hoop and volleyball area, a small shop, and if you want to see the glow worms – the camp provides free trips to the caves.
"Stayed three nights and will be back. Very clean and new facilities, always available, with lots of extra great touches. Flat site, close to Hokitika, but quiet. Free WiFi Happy Hour was always great, with Jules and Kev being very friendly, thoughtful and helpful hosts. I think this is the best place we have stayed in over ten years, Thank you!!" - Lynda
Rainforest Retreat (CDS, #6800)
46 Cron St, Franz Josef
Nestled amongst the Southern Alps close to Franz Josef Glacier and countless scenic spots - explore New Zealand’s Glacier Country with kayaking, glacier walks & heli-hikes, horse trekking, white heron tours, skydive, rafting or quad biking. Powered Sites are situated amongst lush rainforest and onsite access to the Monsoon Bar and Restaurant, a communal sauna and spa, BBQ area and playground, a well-equipped facilities block, laundry, TV lounge, complementary WIFI, and dump station.
"Staff so friendly and helpful. Spa (free) is pristine, Restaurant warm and inviting with delicious meals. Complimentary drink with meal. Clean facilities and a new facility block is to be built. Close walking proximity to Franz township and walking/cycling tracks. Free good WIFI. If you are towing a long caravan mention this at reception to get the larger sites." - Helen
Fox Glacier Lodge & Campervan Park (CDS, #6812)
41 Sullivan Rd, Fox Glacier
Experience our warm hospitality and the mountain views towards the glacier valley. Enjoy our tranquil private setting surrounded by temperate rainforest edging the Westland Tai Poutini National Park. The convenient location means a short stroll to all cafés, Fox Guiding, scenic helicopter flight offices, shops and the popular glow worm forest walk. There are 25 powered sites with the most amazing hot showers, kitchen, sheltered BBQ area, dump station and laundry.
"Nice quiet location with nice hard, flat and spaced parking. Clean and good quality amenities. Would definitely stay again." - Paul
Be in to WIN when you stay at any participating campground!
Three great years of CampSaver - giving members amazing savings and campgrounds additional business when they need it the most - is definitely worth celebrating.
And in celebration of that, we're giving away incredible prize packs that would certainly come in handy for your winter journeys ahead.
It's simple - stay at a campground, comment on their listing with the '#campsaver3' tag, and be in to WIN.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO ENTER
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