ULTIMATE SOUTH ISLAND MOTORHOME ROAD TRIP: THE BEST LAKES & OVERNIGHT STAYS
- Rach Stewart
- 5 days ago
- 14 min read
Embarking on a road trip through New Zealand’s South Island offers some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world. I know I am a little bias since New Zealand is my home and I've been photographing it for over a decade, but hiring a motorhome and seeing some of the most beautiful lakes nature has created is THE best way to travel Aotearoa.
My partner and I have travelled New Zealand countless times from top to bottom, and when it comes to photography, a motorhome is the absolute way to go. Being able to park at your destination, roll out of bed for the sunrise, go back to motorhome after being out in the cold for a hot cuppa, and having your little home on wheels right there is the actual best.
Recently we hired a Wilderness Motorhome for our trip to the South Island. If you want premium service, a luxury motorhome with everything you could possibly need, and a friendly team to deal with, they should be your first pick. We chose the Twin King for 4 model, which meant we had a great amount of space for two people (and all our camera gear), but it wasn't overly large for just us two.
As for scenery ... among the highlights of a South Island Road Trip are the crystal clear lakes scattered across the region, each offering unique experiences and perfect spots to stay overnight. Whether you want to freedom camp under the stars, enjoy a cozy lakeside lodge, or explore nearby camp grounds and trails, these lakes provide unforgettable stops on your journey.
This guide covers the best lakes to visit and stay overnight during your South Island Motorhome road trip, helping you plan an adventure filled holiday with breathtaking views, outdoor activities, and restful nights.
For ease of use and exact locations you can download my New Zealand Map and Guide, plus have access to travel itineraries and over 700 epic New Zealand photo locations, activities and places to stay.
South Island Motorhome Road Trip - The Best Lakes & Overnight Stays
Hakatere Conservation Park – A Stunning Start to Your Trip
I can't think of a better first place to explore and stay overnight in your motorhome (especially if you've landed in Christchurch or are beginning your trip from there) than the Hakatere Conservation Park. For those looking to venture beyond the well known South Island destinations, Hakatere Conservation Park offers an incredible off the beaten path experience filled with rugged landscapes, turquoise lakes, and some pretty famous LOTR locations.
Located between Ashburton Lakes and the Southern Alps, this spectacular area is home to some of
Canterbury’s most beautiful hidden gems, including Lake Camp, Lake Clearwater, and Lake Heron.
Year round the raw beauty of this part of New Zealand’s high country is an absolute must do. With peaceful campsites, incredible photography opportunities, and some of the clearest night skies in the region, Hakatere Conservation Park is a must visit stop for motorhome travellers exploring the South Island.
Activities Around Hakatere Conservation Park
Enjoy the incredible scenery and reflections at Lake Camp, Lake Clearwater, and Lake Heron.
Explore the surrounding walking tracks.
Visit Mount Sunday aka Edoras from LOTR.
Experience incredible stargazing under the dark skies of the Canterbury high country.
Accommodation Options
Overnight camping options include:
Lake Camp DOC Campsite for unpowered public camping (amazing location and wake up by the lake).
Lake Clearwater DOC Campsite for unpowered public camping (also amazing location).
Lake Heron Campground for unpowered public camping.
Nearby accommodation options include:
Mount Somers Holiday Park
Methven accommodation options
Ashburton accommodation options
Photography Info
All three lakes in the Hakatere Conservation Park are incredible to photograph and look stunning during golden hours. For Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater you want to be up for the sunrise and when the first light touches the mountain peaks, and for Lake Heron you want to arrive during golden hour and at sunset when the last light touches those mountain ranges.
You can find these exact locations in the Hakatere Conservation Reserve in my New Zealand Map and Guide
Lake Tekapo – Stargazing, Scenic Walks & Stunning Mountain Views
Lake Tekapo is one of my absolute favourite small towns to stay, famous for its vibrant turquoise water lake, surrounding mountains and lakeside trails. If you're travelling from Christchurch it is one of the first scenic stops you will make on your trip of the South Island. Although it is one of the more popular destinations for travellers and tourists, if you visit during the winter months it definitely has that cute small town vibe. If you're looking to combine natural beauty with comfort then the town of Tekapo offers a range of accommodation options, restaurants and cafes.
What to Do at Lake Tekapo
Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd for iconic photo opportunities.
Relax in the Tekapo Springs hot pools after a day of photographing and hiking.
Stargaze in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for clear night skies.
Where to Stay
Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park provides amazing powered and non-powered sites with incredible views. It is also very close to the Tekapo Springs Hot pools.
Photography Info
I have a detailed blog on everything you need to know when visiting Lake Tekapo for photography.
Lake Pukaki – Gateway to Aoraki Mount Cook
Driving from Tekapo to Lake Pukaki, you’ll find another absolute jewel of a lake with striking blue water and a backdrop of New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook. This area is a little less developed, and although still popular with tourists, it offers a more tranquil and quiet experience. There are a few more options for accommodation for motorhome travellers also, even some free ones! So if you are looking to stay in one of the most beautiful locations with views of New Zealand's tallest mountain, Lake Pukaki is a definite must do stop.
Activities Around Lake Pukaki
Take a scenic drive down the Road to Mount Cook to Mount Cook Village.
Hike one of the many trails on offer in Mount Cook Village.
Visit the Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre.
Accommodation Options
Lake Pukaki Overnight Freedom Camping for self contained vehicles.
Lake Wardell Reserve Freedom Camping for self contained vehicles.
Nearby campsites include:
Glentanner Holiday Park
Twizel Holiday Park
Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park
Photography Info
I have a detailed blog on everything you need to know when visiting Aoraki Mount Cook for photography.
Tasman Lake & Hooker Lake - Experience the heart of Aoraki Mount Cook
If you want to overnight stay right in the heart of the Southern Alps and be in close proximity to two of New Zealand's most outstanding lakes, plus still have a few nearby luxuries like a cafe and restaurant, then Mount Cook Village is your place to be.
Nestled within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Tasman Lake and Hooker Lake are two of New Zealand’s most spectacular glacial lakes. Fed by the mighty Tasman and Hooker Glaciers, both lakes are famous for their milky turquoise water, floating icebergs, and breathtaking mountain scenes. While they are only a short drive apart to get to, each offers a unique experience. The Tasman Lake hike provides the rare opportunity to see icebergs up close, while Hooker Lake is reached via the iconic Hooker Valley Track, one of New Zealand’s most scenic walks.
Whether you're visiting for hiking, photography, or simply to soak in the incredible mountain landscapes, these two lakes are absolute highlights of any trip to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
Activities Around Tasman Lake & Hooker Lake
Walk to the Tasman Lake River view or Upper Viewpoint and see floating icebergs.
Hike the famous Hooker Valley Track to Hooker Lake.
Take a glacier boat tour on Tasman Lake (seasonal).
Fly up to the Tasman Glacier and experience walking on thousand year old ice.
Accommodation Options
White Horse Hill DOC Campground for unpowered public camping (incredible location).
Glentanner Holiday Park.
Other accommodation options include:
Mount Cook Lodge & Motels
The Hermitage Hotel
Photography Info
I have a detailed photography guide covering everything you need to know about photographing Tasman Lake and Hooker Lake when visiting Aoraki Mount Cook for photography.
Twizel Lakes – A Relaxed Escape in the Mackenzie Region
Surrounded by snow capped mountains and crystal clear waterways, Twizel is home to a some of the prettiest lakes in the Mackenzie Country, which include Lake Ruataniwha, Lake Poaka, the Wairepo Arm and Kelland Ponds, and nearby Lake Ohau.
While Twizel is best known as another gateway in to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, it also offers easy access to overnight camping on your road trip, walking trails, and scenic drives.
Lake Ruataniwha is an amazing location for photography, especially if you're lucky enough to experience a hoar frost in the winter. The Wairepo Arm is incredibly beautiful during the Autumn months with changing colours of the surrounding trees, and the same goes with Lake Poaka.
Twizel provides a great selection of accommodation, cafés, and essential services. Whether you're staying for a night or using it as a base to explore the region, Twizel is a destination well worth adding to your New Zealand road trip itinerary.
Activities Around Lake Ruataniwha, Twizel and Ohau Area
Take in the amazing views at Lake Ruataniwha.
Explore the scenic walking and cycling trails around Twizel.
Visit the nearby High Country Salmon Farm.
Take day trips to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Lake Pukaki, Lake Ohau and the Omarama Clay Cliffs.
Accommodation Options
Nearby accommodation includes:
Lake Poaka Freedom Camping.
Lake Ruataniwha Freedom Camping (west end only).
Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park powered and non powered sites.
Twizel Holiday Park powered and non powered sites.
Numerous motels, holiday homes, and lodges throughout Twizel.
Photography Info
In my opinion the best photo locations around Twizel, Lake Ruataniwha, and the surrounding Mackenzie Region are the most magical during the winter time. You have a chance of catching a hoar frost in this area in particular, there is some snow dusting the mountain tops, and the lakes generally tend to be more calm.
You can find these exact locations in the Twizel area in my New Zealand Map and Guide
Lake Wanaka – Adventure and Relaxation Combined
Lake Wanaka is a favourite for any traveller who wants a mix of outdoor adventure and town amenities. There is a lot to do in the town of Wanaka, which can still have that small town vibe even though it is a tourist hot spot. The lake is large and surrounded by mountains, and of course it has that famous little tree standing proud in it. There are plenty of activities on offer in Wanaka and places to overnight stay.
Highlights at Lake Wanaka
Hike Roys Peak for panoramic views.
Explore the nearby Mount Aspiring National Park.
Enjoy water sports like paddleboarding and boating.
Visit the Wanaka Tree.
Accommodation Options
These three camp sites are all close to Lake Wanaka and the Wanaka Tree:
Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park provides powered and non powered sites.
Tasman Holiday Parks Wanaka provides powered and non powered sites.
Edgewater Wanaka offers lakeside rooms with private beach access.
Photography Info
I have a detailed photography guide covering everything you need to know about photographing The Wanaka Tree.
Lake Hawea – Quiet and Scenic
Just a short drive from Wanaka, Lake Hawea is quieter and less commercialised. It’s ideal for travellers seeking solitude and natural beauty and a less crowded option than Wanaka for an overnight stay.
Things to Experience
Walk or cycle the Hawea River Trail.
Visit nearby Blue Pools for a short nature walk.
Accommodation
Camphill Road Carpark freedom camping for self contained vehicles.
Lake Hawea Holiday Park for powered and non powered sites.
Private holiday homes and lodges are available for rent.
Photography Info
If you stay overnight at the Lake Hawea Holiday Park, wake up early for sunrise and just stroll down to the lake edge from your powered site (that's what I did).
You can also take a drive along State Highway 6 towards The Neck and stop at the Lake Hawea lookout for some incredible views towards the mountains. If you plan to visit the Blue Pools you'll drive out this way and can stop at the lookout along the way, as well as the Lake Wanaka lookout.
You can find these exact locations from Lake Hawea in my New Zealand Map and Guide
Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Lakes - Adventure meets Alpine Beauty
Lake Wakatipu is the sparkling heart of Queenstown, surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges and some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery. Stretching over 80 kilometres, it is New Zealands third largest lake and the centrepiece of the Queenstown Lakes region. Whether you're looking for world class adventure, scenic cruises, lakeside walks, or simply somewhere to relax with incredible views, Lake Wakatipu offers something for everyone and is an amazing location for an overnight (or extended!) stay.
Activities Around Lake Wakatipu & Queenstown Lakes
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw.
Walk or cycle sections of the Queenstown Trail along the lakefront.
Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu and have fun on the luge.
Explore nearby destinations including Moke Lake, Glenorchy, Arrowtown, and the Gibbston Valley wine region.
Accommodation Options
Driftaway Queenstown for powered and non powered sites (and they have hot tubs!).
Top 10 Holiday Park Queenstown for powered and non powered sites.
Hampshire Holiday Parks Arrowtown for powered and non powered sites.
Hampshire Holiday Parks Queenstown for powered and non powered sites.
12 Mile Delta DOC Camp for cheap unpowered public camping with great views.
Moke Lake DOC Camp for cheap unpowered public camping with great views.
Mrs Woolley's campground Glenorchy for powered and non powered sites.
Numerous hotels, apartments, lodges, and holiday homes throughout Queenstown.
Photography Info
I have a detailed guide covering the best Queenstown photo locations around Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, Glenorchy, and the wider Queenstown Lakes region.
Lake Te Anau – The Gateway to Fiordland
Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island and serves as the base for exploring Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. The town of Te Anau has plenty of accommodation and services and is a great place to stay overnight.
What to Do
Take a boat cruise on the lake.
Start the famous Milford Track or Kepler Track hikes.
Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and scenic walks.
Where to Stay
Tasman Holiday Parks Te Anau for powered and non powered sites.
Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park for powered and non powered sites.
Photography Info
If you stay overnight at either of the holiday parks in Te Anau you will be within walking distance to the Te Anau jetty which makes for a beautiful sunrise photo.
Milford Sound - New Zealand's Eighth Wonder
Often described as the Eighth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound is one of New Zealand's most iconic natural attractions. Towering waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, native rainforest, and the towering presence of Mitre Peak combine to create an unforgettable destination in the heart of Fiordland National Park. The journey to Milford Sound is just as spectacular as the destination itself, with countless scenic stops, mirror like lakes, waterfalls, and overnight campgrounds along the famous Milford Road. Whether you're cruising the fiord, kayaking beneath waterfalls, or capturing sunrise and moody mountain landscapes, Milford Sound is an absolute must visit on any South Island road trip with some pretty good options to stay in the motorhome.
Activities Around Milford Sound
Cruise through Milford Sound and experience its spectacular waterfalls and wildlife.
Kayak beneath towering cliffs for a unique perspective of the fiord.
Stop at iconic viewpoints along the Milford Road, including Mirror Lakes, The Chasm, and Pops View Lookout.
Photograph Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Marian Falls and the stunning scenery throughout Fiordland National Park.
Accommodation Options
Milford Sound Lodge (the only accommodation within Milford Sound).
Cascade Creek DOC Campsite for non powered sites.
Kiosk Creek DOC Campsite for cheap unpowered public camping.
Deer Flat DOC Campsite for cheap unpowered public camping.
Totara DOC Campsite for cheap unpowered public camping.
Henry Creek DOC Campsite (closer to Te Anau) for cheap unpowered public camping.
Photography Info
I have a detailed photography guide covering the best photo locations throughout Milford Sound, the Milford Road, and Fiordland National Park.
Lake Hauroko – Fiordland's Hidden Gem
Tucked away in the remote reaches of Fiordland, Lake Hauroko is New Zealand's deepest lake and one of the South Island's best kept secrets. Surrounded by native forest and rugged mountains, this peaceful destination offers a true wilderness experience far from the crowds. You can overnight stay in the carpark by the lake, however watch for sandflies - they are notoriously bad here and you might be better off staying at one of the campsites further from the lake!
Activities Around Lake Hauroko
Take in the stunning lake views from the shoreline.
Enjoy birdwatching and the incredible night skies in this remote part of Fiordland.
Accommodation Options
Lake Hauroko Carpark.
Thicket Burn DOC CampSite for cheap unpowered public camping.
Clifden Suspension Bridge DOC Campsite for cheap unpowered public camping.
Final Thoughts – Exploring the South Island by Motorhome
A South Island road trip by motorhome is one of the best ways to experience New Zealand’s incredible landscapes, giving you the freedom to wake up beside turquoise lakes, snow capped mountains, and some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.
The destinations featured in this guide are just a small taste of the many incredible places waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re chasing sunrise locations, peaceful overnight stays, or unforgettable photography spots, there is always another hidden gem waiting around the next corner.
To help you plan your own adventure, my New Zealand Travel Guide & Interactive Map features 700+ hand-picked locations across New Zealand, including the best photo spots, hidden gems, scenic walks, waterfalls, viewpoints, places to stay, and unique experiences — all mapped out to make planning your trip easier.
I hope this guide helps inspire your next South Island adventure. Happy exploring!
If you are interested in prints of any of the New Zealand Landscape Photography seen in this blog, please feel free to head on over to my New Zealand Photography Print Store and have a little look around.