If you're driving from Christchurch, especially on your first day and during winter, consider arriving a bit earlier. We faced challenging conditions at night, including thunderstorms and lightning, and the road was quite hard! However, the breathtaking scenery in the morning made it all worthwhile. This camping spot is one of the best in the South Island, with a serene lake, swans, ducks, mountains, and snow-capped summits. It's an ideal starting point for your road trip!

Really beautiful spot

Charming lake and stunning mountain views, absolutely no one around at this time of year... bliss! Perfect internet signal here (Spark). 😁

DOC campsite facing the beautiful lake.Many locations. 2 very clean dry toilets.But it can be really cold during this period.$15 per person to book online

Stunning views, lots of space, good solid level ground. Only facilities are long drop toilets so make sure you have your water and appropriate facilities in check. Probably easier to book online ahead of time, phone signal was fine though to use data if needed. Such a low price for the beautiful location, more than worth it.

We stayed at the DOC camp for the first time, remember to book an appointment in advance on the site, and if not, to the camp, be sure to fill in information and pay!

Nice lakeside campsite - cooler evenings once you lose the sun (due to the mountains). Clean loos

It is closed. But you can still book the site!

A quiet, spacious campsite with stunning mountain scenery and a beautiful lake. Clean toilets, 2 water taps.

Great campsite near Arthur’s Pass village - easy enough to book, fairly cheap and quiet. Lovely views of the lake (which you can take a dip in) and pretty clean toilets.