Hire a campervan and base yourself at Wānaka for Lake Hāwea, Glendhu Bay, Mt Iron, alpine shorelines and easy Otago trails at your own pace.
Hiring a campervan for Wānaka puts you within reach of two of Otago’s clearest alpine lakes, a network of short and medium tracks through beech forest and ridge country, and some of the quietest shoreline driving in the South Island. Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea sit in a wide mountain bowl with long views to the Southern Alps. The town is small, the lakefront is walkable, and everything from Glendhu Bay to the Clutha River outlet is within a short drive. Campervan hire operators including Britz, Apollo, Maui, JUCY and Travellers Autobarn have depots in Queenstown, approximately one hour from Wānaka, with additional options in Christchurch for those driving the full South Island route.
You can hire a campervan from Queenstown (ZQN, about 1 hour from Wānaka) or from Christchurch (CHC, about 4.5 hours) and base yourself at campgrounds in and around Wānaka for as few as two nights or as long as a week. Freedom camping in the Queenstown Lakes district requires a certified self-contained vehicle. Summer (December to February) is the busiest and warmest season; autumn (March to May) offers the most photogenic conditions with golden lakeside trees and smaller crowds. Book your campervan and any holiday park sites at least three months ahead for December through January.
This guide covers Wānaka in the Queenstown Lakes district of Otago, New Zealand’s South Island. Not to be confused with Wanaka as sometimes spelled without the macron in older sources. The town is on the southern shore of Lake Wānaka, 118 km north-east of Queenstown via State Highway 6 and the Crown Range Road, or 145 km via Cromwell and SH8.
There is no commercial campervan depot in Wānaka itself. The two practical pickup cities are Queenstown and Christchurch.
Queenstown (ZQN) is the closest major depot location to Wānaka, approximately 1 hour away via either the Crown Range Road (SH89, scenic but steep and winding, not recommended for large motorhomes) or the Cromwell route via SH6 and SH8 (flatter and more suitable for all vehicle sizes, 145 km, about 1 hour 45 minutes). Queenstown Airport is served by Air New Zealand, Jetstar and Qantas from Auckland, Wellington, Sydney and Melbourne.
Christchurch (CHC) is approximately 4.5 hours from Wānaka via SH1, SH8 and the Lindis Pass. Christchurch is the most commonly used pickup city for travellers doing a full South Island loop, particularly those arriving from overseas. Christchurch Airport is the main South Island international gateway.
Most Queenstown campervan depots are located within 10 to 20 minutes of the airport terminal.
| Pickup Location | Drive to Wānaka | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queenstown (ZQN depots) | ~1 hr (Crown Range) or ~1 hr 45 min (Cromwell) | SH89 or SH6/SH8 | Crown Range is scenic but steep; avoid in large motorhomes |
| Christchurch (CHC depots) | ~4.5 hrs | SH1 south then SH8 via Lindis Pass | Standard South Island loop route |
| Dunedin (DUD) | ~3 hrs | SH1 north then SH8 | Useful for travellers flying into Dunedin |
| Lake Tekapo | ~2 hrs | SH8 via Lindis Pass | Good intermediate stop on Christchurch route |
| Cromwell | ~45 min | SH8 | No major depots; pass through on the Queenstown route |
Event Campers compares campervan hire from Britz, Apollo, Maui, Mighty, JUCY, Star RV, Travellers Autobarn, Trek Campers and Happy Campers across Queenstown and Christchurch depots. Prices are in NZD.
Britz, Apollo, Maui, and Mighty are all part of the THL group and share parent company THL. In Queenstown and Christchurch, THL brands frequently share the same depot address. If one brand shows no availability for your dates, check the others as they draw from the same general fleet pool. Maui is the premium end of the THL range; Cheapa Campa and Mighty are the budget end.
JUCY operates independently with compact, brightly coloured campervans well suited to Wānaka’s narrower lakeside roads and town parking. Their 2-berth and 4-berth options are popular with couples and small groups.
Travellers Autobarn offers campervans at the budget to mid-range level, with a younger demographic focus. Good option for travellers prioritising price over premium features.
Trek Campers and Happy Campers are smaller independent operators with depots in Christchurch and Queenstown. Worth comparing for competitive pricing on shorter hire periods.
Star RV is the premium independent option, with well-equipped motorhomes and strong customer support. Worth comparing against Maui for those wanting a higher-spec vehicle.
Wānaka sits in one of the most competitive campervan hire markets in New Zealand. Queenstown and Christchurch depots both have strong operator coverage, which keeps pricing competitive across most of the year.
| Vehicle Type | Approx. Daily Rate (NZD) | Sleeps | Self-Contained | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact campervan (2-berth) | NZD 120-200/day | 2 | Usually yes | JUCY, Travellers Autobarn, Trek |
| Mid-size campervan (2-3 berth) | NZD 160-260/day | 2-3 | Yes | Apollo, Britz, Happy Campers |
| Family motorhome (4-6 berth) | NZD 200-360/day | 4-6 | Yes | Maui, Apollo, Star RV |
| Budget campervan | NZD 90-150/day | 2 | Varies | Mighty, Travellers Autobarn |
These are indicative ranges. Summer (December to February) rates are consistently higher than shoulder and off-peak periods.
A critical note on self-contained certification: freedom camping in the Queenstown Lakes district requires a vehicle that is certified self-contained to the NZS 5465 standard. This means an onboard toilet, grey water tank and fresh water supply. When comparing campervans, confirm the self-contained certification status before booking if you intend to freedom camp at any point during your Wānaka stay. Holiday park sites are available for non-self-contained vehicles but must be booked ahead.
Weather flexibility: Mountain weather in Otago changes quickly. A campervan lets you move between Glendhu Bay (which can be calmer on westerly days), the town lakefront and the Lake Hāwea shore depending on conditions, without losing your accommodation.
Early morning access: The light on Lake Wānaka before 8 am is one of the most photographed scenes in the South Island. Camping close to the lakefront means you are already in position for sunrise without a drive from Queenstown.
Moderate cost for groups: Holiday accommodation in Wānaka is expensive relative to the rest of the South Island, particularly in summer. A campervan with a holiday park site for two to four people is often cheaper than equivalent hotel rooms for the same dates.
Carrying gear: Wānaka rewards travellers who bring bikes, paddleboards, kayaks and hiking gear. A campervan provides secure storage and a loading base for all of it.
Day trips without a return drive to town: Glendhu Bay is 11 km from Wānaka. Lake Hāwea is 16 km. The Neck (the isthmus between the two lakes) is 18 km. Makarora and the Blue Pools are 66 km. Being based in a campervan means you can stage these day trips from your campsite rather than driving back and forth from town accommodation.
Summer (December to February): The most popular season. Long daylight hours (sunset after 9 pm in December), warm water temperatures suitable for swimming in Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea and consistent weather across most weeks. Holiday parks fill quickly and must be booked months ahead for December and January dates. Wānaka town is at its busiest.
Autumn (March to May): Widely considered the best season for photography and relaxed travel. The poplar and willow trees around Lake Wānaka and at Glendhu Bay turn gold through April and early May. Temperatures are cooler but pleasant for walking. Crowds thin out noticeably after Easter. Campground availability is easier than summer.
Winter (June to August): Cold, crisp and quiet. Treble Cone ski field (19 km from Wānaka) and Cardrona Alpine Resort (34 km) are both operating in winter, making Wānaka a practical base for a ski touring road trip by campervan. Overnight temperatures drop well below zero at campgrounds. A campervan with adequate heating and insulation is essential in winter. Some campgrounds reduce capacity or close outside of peak season.
Spring (September to November): Shoulder season with fresh snow on the high peaks, calm mornings and the best conditions for walking tracks before the summer crowds arrive. Water levels in the lake and rivers are higher from snowmelt. Some high-country tracks may still be snow-covered in September and October.
Freedom camping in the Queenstown Lakes district requires a certified self-contained vehicle and is subject to local bylaws that change periodically. Check the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) website for current approved freedom camping locations before your trip. Using non-approved areas is subject to fines.
| Campground | Location | Full Hookups | Distance to Wānaka Town | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wānaka Top 10 Holiday Park | 212 Brownston St, Wānaka | Yes | In town | Closest full-service option to lakefront |
| Glendhu Bay Motor Camp | Glendhu Bay Rd, 11 km west | Yes | 11 km | Lakefront sites, popular in summer |
| Lake Hāwea Holiday Park | 1 Main Rd, Lake Hāwea | Yes | 16 km north | Quieter feel, Lake Hāwea views |
| Outlet Camp (DOC) | Lake Wānaka outlet, 2 km east | Powered sites limited | 2 km | Self-contained required for some sites |
| Albert Town Camp | Albert Town, 4 km east | Basic | 4 km | Clutha River access, basic facilities |
Glendhu Bay Motor Camp is the most popular campground in the Wānaka area for those wanting lakefront positions. It books out months ahead for the Christmas and New Year period. Book directly with the campground as early as possible for January dates.
Day 1: Arrival and Wānaka Town
Pick up your campervan from Queenstown and drive to Wānaka via the Cromwell route (SH6 and SH8 through Cromwell and Tarras, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes). This route is suitable for all vehicle sizes including large motorhomes. The Crown Range Road alternative (SH89 via Cardrona, approximately 1 hour) is shorter but steep with tight corners; suitable for compact campervans and experienced drivers only.
Stock up on groceries in Wānaka before checking into your campground. The Countdown (now Woolworths) and New World supermarkets in Wānaka are the last large grocery options before entering the more remote parts of the route.
Spend the afternoon walking the Wānaka lakefront track from town to Eely Point (approximately 3 km return, flat, suitable for all fitness levels). Eely Point is a sheltered swimming bay with grass and picnic areas. Sunset over the lake from the town foreshore is at its most photogenic in autumn and winter.
Day 2: Mt Iron and Lake Hāwea
Mt Iron is the most accessible viewpoint walk from Wānaka town (approximately 1.5 hours return from the SH84 carpark, 247 m elevation gain). The summit gives 360-degree views over both Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, the Clutha River valley and the Southern Alps from Mt Aspiring to the Pisa Range. Start before 9 am in summer to avoid the midday heat and peak foot traffic.
Drive to Lake Hāwea (16 km north of Wānaka via SH6) for the afternoon. The Lake Hāwea shoreline is quieter than Wānaka with a small beach and picnic area in the township. The Hāwea River walk (2 km return from the township, flat) follows the outlet channel toward the Clutha River confluence.
Day 3: Glendhu Bay and the Glendhu Bay Track
Drive west from Wānaka to Glendhu Bay (11 km, approximately 15 minutes on the unsealed Glendhu Bay Road, suitable for 2WD campervans driven carefully). Glendhu Bay is one of the most sheltered swimming spots on Lake Wānaka with a long gravel beach and clear shallow water.
The Glendhu Bay Track runs along the lake edge from the motor camp toward Diamond Lake (approximately 4 km one way to Diamond Lake, moderate, 1.5 hours). Diamond Lake itself sits above the shoreline and can be extended to Rocky Mountain summit (360-degree views, add approximately 1 hour return from Diamond Lake).
Return to Wānaka for the evening.
Day 4: Blue Pools and Makarora (optional extension)
For those with additional days, the Blue Pools track at Makarora (66 km north of Wānaka via SH6, approximately 50 minutes) is one of the most rewarding short walks in the Haast Pass corridor. The track (45 minutes return from the car park) leads through red beech forest to swing bridges over pools of extraordinarily clear turquoise water fed by the Makarora River.
Makarora is also the entry point for the Gillespie Pass Circuit (a 3-day backcountry route) for those with the appropriate experience and equipment.
Layers for alpine conditions: Morning temperatures at Wānaka campgrounds can be cool even in summer. A sun shirt, warm fleece and a windproof shell cover all conditions from lakefront swimming to exposed ridge tracks.
Swim gear and quick-dry towels: Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea are clear and swimmable from late November through to March. Water temperatures peak in January and February.
Reusable water bottles and a thermos: Fill your campervan tank at each campground. A thermos for early morning starts means you are not waiting for coffee before a sunrise walk.
Trail runners or hiking boots: Mt Iron and Diamond Lake are both suitable for trail runners. The Rocky Mountain extension and higher tracks benefit from proper hiking boots.
Bike lock and basic repair kit: Wānaka has a good network of mountain bike tracks. Many campervans can carry bikes on a rear rack; confirm with your operator before booking.
Offline maps: Download the NZ Topo maps or maps.me offline data for the Wānaka and Makarora areas before you leave Queenstown. Cell coverage on the road to Makarora is limited.
Self-contained documentation: If freedom camping, carry your vehicle’s self-contained certification documentation. It can be requested by rangers.
NZTA road condition app: The Crown Range Road and Haast Pass are subject to snow and ice closures in winter and spring. Check NZ Transport Agency road conditions before driving either route.
| Track | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wānaka Lakefront Track | 6 km return (to Eely Point) | 1.5 hrs | Easy | Flat, lakeside, suitable for all |
| Mt Iron | 4.5 km return | 1.5 hrs | Moderate | 247 m gain, panoramic views |
| Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain | 6-9 km return | 2.5-4 hrs | Moderate | Rocky Mountain adds significant gain |
| Glendhu Bay Track | 4 km one way | 1.5 hrs one way | Easy-moderate | Lake edge, beautiful in autumn |
| Blue Pools, Makarora | 2.5 km return | 45 min | Easy | Short but exceptional; worth the drive |
| Rob Roy Glacier Valley | 10 km return | 3-4 hrs | Moderate | From Raspberry Creek carpark, 66 km from Wānaka |
The Rob Roy Glacier Valley walk is one of the most rewarding half-day walks accessible from Wānaka. The access road to Raspberry Creek carpark (via the Matukituki Valley Road) is unsealed and requires a high-clearance vehicle for the last section. Confirm current road conditions before driving a low-clearance campervan on this route; many travellers park at the farming area before the rough section and walk the additional distance.
The Queenstown Lakes district has implemented progressive camping management rules in response to overcrowding and environmental impact. The key rules for campervan travellers are as follows.
Freedom camping requires a certified self-contained vehicle (NZS 5465) and is only permitted at QLDC-approved sites. Never use unapproved areas; fines apply and enforcement has increased in recent years.
Grey water (from sinks and showers) must not be discharged except at designated dump stations. Never discharge grey water near the lake edge, in car parks or on roadside verges. Dump stations are located at Wānaka Top 10 Holiday Park, the Wānaka i-SITE and at several campgrounds.
Take all rubbish out with you. Wānaka’s lakefront and campground facilities are under significant pressure in summer. Pack out everything you bring in.
Follow Leave No Trace principles on all tracks. Brush boots before and after use to prevent the spread of didymo (rock snot) and other aquatic weeds between waterways. Never take lake or river water between catchments without treating it first.
Keep noise low at campgrounds during quiet hours, typically 10 pm to 7 am, and respect other campers in adjacent sites.
Wānaka is well positioned as a base for several of the South Island’s most rewarding road trip extensions.
| Destination | Drive from Wānaka | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown | 1 hr (Cromwell route) | Skyline Gondola, Milford Sound day trip base |
| Milford Sound | 4 hrs via Te Anau | Book Milford Sound cruise in advance |
| Aoraki / Mount Cook NP | 2.5 hrs via Lindis Pass | Hooker Valley Track, glacier views |
| Haast and the West Coast | 2 hrs via Haast Pass | Glacier country, pancake rocks |
| Dunedin | 3 hrs via Cromwell and SH1 | Otago Peninsula, yellow-eyed penguins |
| Cromwell and Central Otago wine region | 45 min south | Pinot Noir trail, Bannockburn |
Wānaka to Milford Sound via Queenstown and Te Anau (approximately 5 hours driving) is one of the classic South Island motorhome routes. Book the Milford Sound cruise well ahead; departures fill quickly in summer.
Which campervan hire operators are available near Wānaka?
Event Campers compares Britz, Apollo, Maui, Cheapa Campa, Mighty, JUCY, Star RV, Travellers Autobarn, Trek Campers and Happy Campers from Queenstown and Christchurch depots. Britz, Apollo, Maui, Cheapa Campa and Mighty are all THL group brands and often share the same depot address in Queenstown.
How much does campervan hire near Wānaka cost?
Indicative rates in NZD: compact campervans from NZD 120 to 200 per day, mid-size campervans from NZD 160 to 260 per day, family motorhomes from NZD 200 to 360 per day and budget campervans from NZD 90 to 150 per day. Summer rates are higher than autumn, winter and spring.
Do I need a self-contained campervan for Wānaka?
Yes, if you intend to freedom camp at any point in the Queenstown Lakes district. Freedom camping requires a vehicle certified self-contained to the NZS 5465 standard (onboard toilet, grey water tank, fresh water supply). For stays entirely at holiday parks, self-contained certification is not required but still strongly recommended for flexibility.
Where do I pick up a campervan for Wānaka?
The two main pickup cities are Queenstown (approximately 1 to 1 hour 45 minutes from Wānaka depending on route) and Christchurch (approximately 4.5 hours). Most Queenstown depots are within 10 to 20 minutes of Queenstown Airport (ZQN).
Can I drive a large motorhome on the Crown Range Road to Wānaka?
The Crown Range Road (SH89 via Cardrona) is steep with tight switchbacks and is not recommended for large motorhomes or vehicles towing. The Cromwell route via SH6 and SH8 (through Cromwell and Tarras) is flatter and suitable for all vehicle sizes, and adds approximately 45 minutes to the journey.
What is the best campground near Wānaka?
Glendhu Bay Motor Camp (11 km west of Wānaka) is the most popular lakefront campground in the area, with powered and unpowered sites directly on the lake edge. It books out months ahead for the Christmas period. Wānaka Top 10 Holiday Park is the closest full-service option to the town centre.
What is the best time of year to hire a campervan in Wānaka?
Autumn (March to May) for photography and comfortable walking conditions with smaller crowds. Summer (December to February) for warm swimming and long evenings. Winter (June to August) for ski access and quiet campgrounds. Book at least three months ahead for December and January.
Is the Rob Roy Glacier walk suitable for a standard campervan?
The access road to Raspberry Creek (Rob Roy Glacier trailhead) is unsealed and has a rough section near the carpark that is not suitable for low-clearance campervans. Many travellers park at the early farming access area and walk the additional distance. Check current track and road conditions with DOC before driving.
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Compare campervans and motorhomes from Britz, Apollo, Maui, Mighty, JUCY, Star RV and Travellers Autobarn at Queenstown and Christchurch depots. Use the search widget to check live availability and compare prices in NZD for your dates. Autumn and summer book fastest; secure your campervan and campground reservations together for the dates you need.
