If you’re a backpacker looking for a South Island adventure, look no further than Christchurch. As the region’s major hub, it’s got all the opportunities you need to work and play. The holiday parks in Christchurch cater to all forms of travellers with a generous mix of powered sites to plug up your campervan, along with campsites and hostels for those wanting some variety. Combine this with the perfect mix of hot summer days and sultry nights, you’ll be dashing off to Christchurch’s best camping spots in no time. 

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Christchurch’s top 7 campgrounds:

  1. Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday Park
  2. North South Holiday Park
  3. Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite
  4. Spencer Beach Kiwi Holiday Park
  5. Woodend Beach Holiday Park
  6. Rangiora Leigh Holiday Park
  7. South Brighton Reserve II

CHRISTCHURCH TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK

Papanui, Christchurch

Formerly known as Meadow Park, this family owned holiday park has a rich history for travellers. For more than ten years Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday park has been welcoming guests from all over New Zealand, Australia and the world so you can bet they know how to take care of you! With 12 acres of space, you might choose to enjoy the indoor heated pool, private spa or NZ’s only snookball table.

For ‘campervanners’ visiting this holiday park, there’s everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Shower and toilet blocks (as expected), kitchen and dining facilities with ovens, cook tops, microwaves, fridges, freezers, TV, and a communal dining area. There’s a laundry, dump station, late departure option and car washing facilities.

Kick your Christchurch camping trip off by visiting the Top 10 Holiday Park website here.

FEATURED AMENITIES

  • Toilets
  • Shower
  • Kitchen and dining facilities
  • Laundry
  • Car washing facilities

Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park


NORTH SOUTH HOLIDAY PARK

Harewood, Christchurch

Welcome to Christchurch’s closest Holiday Park to Christchurch International Airport! That’s the first thing you’ll see when you visit the North South Holiday Park website, so if you’re flying in or out of Christchurch, it’s the perfect base to set up camp.

There’s a great variety of accommodation onsite to cater to all types of travellers. At the more premium end you’ve got the Park Motel Units which are fully self contained and the Backpacker Units for those just wanting a bed for the night.

Due to being so centrally located, you have great access to all of Christchurch’s best activities and events. If you’re up for a round of golf, the Clearwater and Russley golf courses are just 5 minutes away. Perhaps something more breathtaking? How about a gondola ride over Christchurch.

If you’re planning a trip to Christchurch make sure you’re also checking in to North South.

FEATURED AMENITIES

  • Swimming pool
  • Laundry room
  • Car wash
  • BBQ area
  • Bathroom
  • Two communal kitchens
  • Playground
  • Internet
  • Trikes
  • Inflatable football
  • Kubb and giant Jenga
  • Trampoline
  • Arcade room
  • Table tennis
  • Jumping pillow

North South Holiday Park


AWAROA/GODLEY HEAD CAMPSITE

Summer, Christchurch

Escape the city to enjoy the wilderness of Godley Head. Located just 50 minutes from Christchurch centre, this low-cost campground (also a DOC Campsite) provides breath-taking 360 views from the headlands. Ranked as one of the top ten New Zealand coastal defence heritage sites, this campground offers access to some of the top walking trails in the area, renowned beaches and historical buildings from WWII.

Note to travellers – amenities are basic including clean toilets & free drinking water. 25 non-powered sites are available and bookings are required.

If you’re looking to get off the grind and unwind, and take in all that mother nature offers, Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite is for you.

FEATURED AMENITIES

  • Walking tracks
  • Toilets
  • Picnic tables
  • Free drinking water

Godley Head Campsite


SPENCER BEACH KIWI HOLIDAY PARK

Spencerville, Christchurch

The ultimate holiday park for families, visitors and travelling tourists. Spencer Park is located within 20 minutes of the city and airport and has a stack of attractions including mini-golf, mountain biking, bushwalks, tennis, fishing and swimming.

The accommodation ranges from simple non-powered sites to two bedrooms self contained studios – and they can also cater for large family groups, school groups or sports teams.

They’ve got all your standard holiday park requirements like shower and toilet blocks, playgrounds and BBQ areas.

Spencer Park is perfect for travellers looking for a friendly place on a budget.

FEATURED AMENITIES

  • Toilets
  • Playgrounds
  • Shower
  • BBQ areas
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi (100MB per day)
  • Communal kitchen & bathroom
  • Dump station

Spencer Beach Kiwi Holiday Park


WOODEND BEACH HOLIDAY PARK

Woodend, Christchurch0

This quintessential beachside holiday park is your go-to for a summer escape. It’s a short 2 minute walk to the beach and set on 55 acres of parkland, so you’ll certainly certainly feel like you’re one with nature. They cater really well for families or groups of travellers with stacks of activities to keep you and the kids busy.

For the golfers out there, there’s two courses located just 10 minutes away – and for those with kids, Wee Dram Farm Park and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve are also close by to get up close with some local wildlife. Outside of that, you’re not too far from central Christchurch if you’re after more hustle and bustle.

Being located so close to the beach, we’d recommend Woodend Beach Holiday Park in the warmer months (Dec – Mar) as a great spot to escape with a group for a few days.

You can check the park in full here.

FEATURED AMENITIES

  • Kitchen
  • Kitchen equipment (oven, microwave, jugs, toasters, and two family-sized fridge/freezers)
  • BBQ area
  • Showers
  • Laundry
  • WiFi
  • Toilet facilities

Woodend Beach Holiday Park


RANGIORA LEIGH HOLIDAY PARK

Rangiora, Christchurch

Located just a 20 minute drive from Christchurch International Airport, this idyllic holiday park is situated in a rural area with room to spread out and relax. Originally a church camp, the park has been restored to cater to all types of travellers.

Due to it’s rural setting, there’s several walking and biking tracks like Ashley Rakahuri, Mount Thomas, Glentui and Oxford Forest to explore throughout the day. At night, you can curl up next to a campfire to get ready for another day stacked with activities.

The camp itself is quite old, so be prepared for the basic amenities across powered and non-powered camping sites. For more, take a look at their site here.

FEATURED AMENITIES

  • 2 Laundry blocks
  • 2 Shower blocks
  • Toilets
  • 2 Kitchen blocks
  • Kitchen equipment (ovens, cook tops, microwaves, toasters, judges, and fridge freezers)
  • Dump station
  • Lounge area with large screen TV
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kids playground
  • Internet access

Rangiora Leigh Holiday Park


South Brighton Reserve II

South New Brighton, Christchurch

For travellers searching for the perfect seaside holiday park, South Brighton Holiday Park offers an ideal option. The eco-friendly park is situated closest to Christchurch and beside the stunning South Brighton beach, making it a great base for exploring the City and surrounding areas.

Visitors can choose to stay in private cabins or on sheltered camping sites nestled among mature native trees. Take a scenic walk along the stunning estuary, swim or surf at the picturesque South Brighton Beach while enjoying the tranquillity of the surroundings.

The park is conveniently located within the South Brighton Reserve and boasts a boat ramp, recreation field, and excellent public transport links. Visitors can also enjoy modern amenities while feeling a world away as they marvel at stunning sunsets on the estuary edge, watch the sunrise from the beach, or explore natural walking tracks through the trees.

FEATURED AMENITIES

  • Free parking
  • Outdoor pool
  • Beach
  • Playground
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor dining area
  • BBQ facilities
  • Shared kitchen
  • Kitchen equipment
  • Picnic area
  • Laundry

Beautiful sunrise at New Brighton Pier, Christchurch, New Zealand


If you’re travelling through Christchurch on a South Island adventure, there’s no shortage of holiday parks to stop off at or spend a few days with your feet up. With such a variety, there is a place to stay for every type of traveller, so remember to check out our campervan hire in Christchurch offers and deals.

Learn more about New Zealand’s best campgrounds so you can spend less time researching and more time exploring this beautiful country!

About the Author

Bastian Graf

Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.

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