Looking for the best camping grounds in Christchurch for a tent, caravan or campervan stay? Camping in Christchurch covers everything from a forested reserve near Spencer Beach and a seaside ground by the South Brighton estuary to parks in Papanui, Templeton and beside the airport, most with powered sites, communal kitchens and cabins for when the weather turns. Christchurch Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park and North South Holiday Park are two well-placed starting points.
1Christchurch Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Christchurch Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park is a large campground set in the middle of a 70-hectare forested reserve at Spencerville, about 20 minutes from the city. Campers can choose sunny or sheltered spots across wide grassed fields, with forest bike trails and the beach a short walk away. It suits families, tenters and campervan travellers wanting space and a quieter, bush-edged setting.
Services
- Powered and non-powered tent sites
- Caravan, campervan and motorhome parking
- Studio units and tourist flats
- Cabins and larger family accommodation
- Dump station
Highlights
- Set within a 70-hectare forested reserve beside Bottle Lake Forest trails
- Jumping pillow, mini golf and kids’ playground
- Pets accepted by prior arrangement between 1 May and 1 September
- Member of the TOP 10 Holiday Parks group, with TOP 10 Club discounts
Location & Contact
Name: Christchurch Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Address: 100 Heyders Road, Spencerville, Christchurch 8083
Phone: 03 329 8721
Website: top10.co.nz/park/canterbury/spencer-beach-top-10-holiday-park/
2North South Holiday Park
North South Holiday Park is a family-owned holiday park on Sawyers Arms Road, five minutes from Christchurch Airport and most major campervan and car rental depots. Its tree-lined grounds take motorhomes, RVs, caravans and tents, which makes it a practical first or last night for South Island road trips. It is also set up for travellers bringing a dog, with pet-friendly campsites as well as units and cabins.
Services
- Powered sites with power point and water supply
- Non-powered and tent sites on a large grass area
- Self-contained units and cabins
- Group accommodation
- Airport shuttle
Highlights
- Pet-friendly campsites, units and cabins
- Heated swimming pool (October to April) and jumping pillow
- Free unlimited WiFi, car wash and dump station
- NZMCA member discounts on powered sites
- Member of Holiday Parks Aotearoa
Location & Contact
Name: North South Holiday Park
Address: 530 Sawyers Arms Road, Christchurch
Phone: 03 359 5993
Website: northsouth.co.nz
3South Brighton Holiday Park
South Brighton Holiday Park is a family-owned and operated camping ground in South New Brighton, a five-minute flat walk from the beach with walking and cycling tracks along the estuary right behind the grounds. A city bus leaves from outside the gate every 30 minutes, so it works for travellers without their own vehicle. It suits campers after a relaxed, old-style seaside ground close to New Brighton’s shops and hot pools.
Services
- Powered campsites, including sites for motorhomes and caravans over 7 metres
- Non-powered campsites
- Self-contained units
- Private cabins
Highlights
- Park-like grounds between South Brighton Beach and the estuary
- Dog-friendly campsites
- Playground and kids’ pool
- Bus to the city from outside the gate every 30 minutes
Location & Contact
Name: South Brighton Holiday Park
Address: 59 Halsey Street, South New Brighton, Christchurch 8062
Phone: 03 388 9844
Website: southbrightonholidaypark.co.nz
4Tasman Holiday Parks – Christchurch
Tasman Holiday Parks – Christchurch sits on Meadow Street in Papanui, about 15 minutes from both the CBD and the airport and 20 minutes from Lyttelton Harbour. The park offers campervan sites and camping sites alongside modern cabins, with a heated indoor pool and indoor and outdoor playgrounds. It suits families and short-stay visitors who want a camping base inside the city with plenty on site for children.
Services
- Powered and unpowered sites
- Campervan sites
- Cabins and villas
- Group accommodation bookings
- Tour bookings
Highlights
- Heated indoor pool kept at 28°C
- Woodfired pizza oven, camp kitchen and BBQs
- Pet-friendly sites
- Accessible units and facilities
- Games room, jump pad and pedal carts
Location & Contact
Name: Tasman Holiday Parks – Christchurch
Address: 39 Meadow Street, Papanui, Christchurch 8052
Phone: 03 352 9176
Website: tasmanholidayparks.com/south-island/canterbury/christchurch/
5Alpine View Holiday Park & Motels
Alpine View Holiday Park & Motels is a combined holiday park, motel and backpacker lodge on a sheltered six acres with tree-lined boundaries in Templeton, about 15 minutes south of Christchurch city. With 85 powered and 30 non-powered sites and parking for large vehicles, buses and trailers, it suits caravans, big motorhomes and groups. Its position on Main South Road gives easy access to the southern and northern highways and the route to Arthur’s Pass.
Services
- 85 powered sites
- 30 non-powered tent sites
- Self-contained and standard cabins
- Motel units, including spa bath and access units
- 20-bed backpacker lodge for group bookings
Highlights
- Sheltered six-acre site with tree-lined boundaries
- Parking for large vehicles, buses and trailers
- Pet friendly by arrangement
- Adventure playground for guests
Location & Contact
Name: Alpine View Holiday Park & Motels
Address: 650 Main South Road, Templeton, Christchurch
Phone: 03 349 7666
Website: alpineviewholidayparkmotels.co.nz
Camping Grounds in Christchurch at a Glance
| Business | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Christchurch Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park | Set within a 70-hectare forested reserve beside Bottle Lake Forest tr... |
| North South Holiday Park | Pet-friendly campsites, units and cabins |
| South Brighton Holiday Park | Park-like grounds between South Brighton Beach and the estuary |
| Tasman Holiday Parks - Christchurch | Heated indoor pool kept at 28°C |
| Alpine View Holiday Park & Motels | Sheltered six-acre site with tree-lined boundaries |
How to Choose the Right Camping Ground in Christchurch
- Site type: check whether you need a powered site for a campervan or caravan, a non-powered tent site, or a cabin as a fallback, and whether larger rigs over 7 metres can be accommodated.
- Location: airport-side parks suit first and last nights, seaside grounds suit beach and estuary walks, and parks near the southern highway suit travellers heading on towards Arthur’s Pass or down the coast.
- Facilities: compare communal kitchens, hot showers, laundry, dump stations and WiFi, plus pools and playgrounds if you are travelling with children.
- Pet policy: dog rules vary widely between holiday parks, from year-round pet-friendly sites to seasonal arrangements, and most require you to book pets in advance.
- Transport: if you are not driving, look for a park with an airport shuttle or a regular bus service to the city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christchurch Camping Grounds
What is the difference between a powered and a non-powered site?
A powered site gives you a power point, and often a water supply, for a campervan, caravan or motorhome. A non-powered site is a tent or sleeper-van pitch without a hook-up. Both usually include access to the park’s shared kitchens, showers and laundry.
Which campgrounds in Christchurch are closest to the airport?
Parks on the north-western side of the city, along Sawyers Arms Road, are within about five minutes of Christchurch Airport and the main campervan rental depots. Papanui is around 15 minutes away, which still works well for an early flight.
Can I camp near the beach in Christchurch?
Yes. There are camping grounds at South New Brighton, a short walk from the beach and the estuary, and at Spencerville, where the campground sits in a forested reserve a short walk from Spencer Beach. Both are within about 20 minutes of the central city.
Can I bring my dog to a camping ground in Christchurch?
Many holiday parks accept dogs, but conditions differ. Some offer pet-friendly sites all year, others only take pets in the off-season, and most do not allow dogs inside cabins or units. Always tell the park in advance and confirm its rules before you book.
Is freedom camping allowed in Christchurch?
Freedom camping in Christchurch is controlled by a council bylaw that sets where it is allowed, where it is banned and what vehicles qualify. Check the Christchurch City Council Freedom Camping Bylaw before parking up anywhere other than a camping ground, as fines apply for breaches.
Are there Department of Conservation campsites near Christchurch?
DOC runs campsites across Canterbury, including on Banks Peninsula and in the foothills, usually with simpler facilities than a commercial holiday park. The DOC places to stay pages list campsites, facilities and booking requirements.
Do I need to book a camping site in Christchurch in summer?
Booking is strongly recommended over the Christmas and New Year period and on long weekends, when family campgrounds fill quickly. Some parks process returning guests’ rebookings first, so peak dates can open to new bookings later than you might expect.
What does a camping ground in Christchurch usually provide?
Most offer shared bathrooms with hot showers, a communal kitchen, laundry, BBQs and a dump station for campervans. Many also have playgrounds, jumping pillows or pools, and cabins or motel units for guests who would rather not pitch a tent.
How We Chose the Best Camping Grounds in Christchurch
Every business in this guide was found by searching for camping grounds in Christchurch, then checked against what the business publishes itself: its own website, or where it has none, its official social or booking page. Names, addresses and phone numbers come from those pages rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what the business says about itself. We also check that each one is still trading and is actually based in or genuinely serving Christchurch, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business we can’t confirm from its own pages is not listed.