Camping is a popular pastime in New Zealand, and there are plaenty of camp grounds. These rangef rom the free DOC informal sites, upto large Holiday Parks with all the facilities.

Holiday Parks

There are plenty of these large sites around - they all provide camping, with other options like powered pitches, bunkhouses and self contained flats available at some. Many provide cooking, washing, TV and other facilities.

Cost - $10-12 per person per night

DOC Campsites

DOC campsites range from ‘Informal” which are free but often limited to a running water supply, with “Standard” and “Serviced” sites cost $3-12 per person per night. The DOC provide PDF downloads showing all the sites.

DOC Huts

The DOC also maintains around 1000 huts all over New Zealand. These huts are primarily for Tramping, but can be used as a base for a quiet break (not on the great walks though).

• Basic - $free, no facilities, like a UK Bothy
• Standard - $?, bunks, water, toilets
• Serviced - $?, bunks, matresses, heating, cooking etc

These feature on the Great Walks as well.

Free Camping / Wild Camping / Car Camping

It is legal in NZ to camp - so wild camping or parking up and sleeping in your car is OK, but obviously there are safty / security concerns. Nevertheless, with an estate (station wagon) or a motorhome, this is the cheapest way to sleep.