Accommodation
Campsite bases across South Island
Base 1: Kaikoura
Friday April 11, 5:00 PM
Sunday April 13, morning (Seal Kayaking then drive to Christchurch)
Campsite Options
34 Beach Road, Kaikoura 7300
TOP 10 quality, heated pool, central location, walking distance to town and beach, excellent facilities
Premium Gravel Powered Sites Β· 400m north of town centre, easy walk to shops, cafes and tours
Booking Notes
- β’β BOOKED: Ref E343T408457 | $198.19 NZD paid
- β’2 adults, 2 children | Van dimensions: 2Γ8 meter motorhome
- β’Arrive ~5 PM after 2.5 hr drive from Christchurch airport
- β’TOP 10 heated pool is great for kids after a big activity day!
- β’Day 3: Seal Kayaking morning β drive to Christchurch
Base 1b: Christchurch (Transit)
Sunday April 13, 3:00 PM
Monday April 14, morning
Campsite Options
100 Heyders Road, Spencerville, Christchurch 8083
242 powered sites (10mΓ10m), excellent facilities, 70-hectare forested reserve, near beach
Powered Site Β· 20 min drive to CBD, 10 min walk to beach
Booking Notes
- β’β BOOKED: Ref P59H408458 | $71.57 NZD paid
- β’2 adults, 2 children | 1 night
- β’β οΈ Bring your own RCD power lead β not available to hire
- β’Transit night between Kaikoura and Lake Tekapo
Base 2: Lake Tekapo
Tuesday April 14, 4:00 PM
Wednesday April 15, morning
Campsite Options
2 Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo 7999
Right on the lake! Stunning turquoise views, walk to Church of the Good Shepherd, great base for stargazing
Premium Power Sites - Premium Powered Site Β· 5 min walk to village
Booking Notes
- β’β BOOKED: Ref 520899 | $105.00 NZD (charged on check-in morning)
- β’2 adults, 2 children (children 4-14 yrs $15/child)
- β’Lake Tekapo is a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve β stargazing is incredible!
- β’Church of the Good Shepherd is walking distance from the campground
- β’Cancellation: 48 hrs notice required, else 100% charge
Base 2b: Twizel
Wednesday April 15, 5:00 PM
Thursday April 16, morning
Campsite Options
122 MacKenzie Drive, Twizel 7901
Convenient location, good facilities, close to Mt Cook (45 min drive), stunning alpine views
Powered Site - Campervan Only (2-6 people) Β· 5 min walk to Twizel town center
Booking Notes
- β’β BOOKED: Ref 70012 | $78.51 NZD (fully paid)
- β’2 adults, 2 children
- β’Twizel saves driving time β closer to Queenstown!
- β’Mt Cook is only ~45 min drive from Twizel
- β’Cancellation: 25% non-refundable, 75% refundable if >2 days before
Base 3: Queenstown
Thursday April 16, 2:00 PM
Saturday April 18 morning (~9:30 AM β Arrowtown Autumn Festival!)
Campsite Options
70 Arthurs Point Road, Queenstown 9348
All-weather concrete/gravel sites for campervans with stunning alpine views. 6km via Gorge Road, 1km beyond Edith Cavell bridge.
Powered Site - Campervan Only Β· 6km from Queenstown, via Arrowtown shortcut
Booking Notes
- β’β BOOKED: Ref W197N408459 | $175.86 NZD paid (AUTUMN2026 discount applied)
- β’2 adults, 2 children | Van: 2Γ8m motorhome
- β’β οΈ Strictly no cancellation or refunds
- β’Both families: 2 nights (Apr 16β17). Day 8: Arrowtown Festival then Omarama.
- β’Book Skyline Gondola + Luge in advance!
Base 4: Omarama
Saturday April 18, afternoon/evening (~6 PM)
Sunday April 19, morning (~9:30 AM)
Campsite Options
State Highway 8, Omarama
Convenient campervan stop on SH8, good facilities, gateway to Omarama Hot Tubs and Lake Ohau
Powered campervan site Β· 5 min walk to Omarama village
Booking Notes
- β’π΄ NOT BOOKED β action required!
- β’Omarama Hot Tubs MUST be booked in advance for BOTH families β very popular! ~$50/person
- β’Both families: just 2.5 hrs to Christchurch next morning β very relaxed!
- β’Dark skies here are excellent β last night together, bring kids out for stargazing!
Base 5 (Chris): Christchurch
Sunday April 19, late afternoon (~4 PM)
Monday April 20, morning (~8:30 AM)
Campsite Options
39 Meadow Street, Papanui, Christchurch
Close to airport (~15 min), excellent facilities, easy access to Bottle Lake Forest Park (20 min drive)
Powered campervan site Β· 15 min drive to Christchurch CBD
Booking Notes
- β’π΄ NOT BOOKED β action required! (Chris's family only)
- β’Rose's family departs NZ from Christchurch on Day 9 (does not stay overnight)
- β’Bottle Lake Forest Park is the perfect final morning activity β pine mushroom foraging (FREE)
- β’JUCY campervan return is at Christchurch Airport β ~15 min from here
