One of the best parts about a road trip through Australia or New Zealand is figuring out where you’ll sleep each night. Whether you're after that perfect #roomwithaview, a place to plug in and recharge, or a quiet corner of the countryside, both countries have plenty of options for every kind of traveller. 

Where You Can Camp

Both Australia and New Zealand are camping paradises, but there are rules and options to know before you pull over for the night. 

• Holiday Parks: Paid parks, from basic to resort-style, usually offer toilets, showers, BBQs, laundry, and sometimes even a pool or playground. Prices and facilities vary, but they’re a solid bet if you want amenities. If you are in a camper without a toilet or shower, you could even try for an ensuite site that features a small private bathroom exclusive to your site!
• National Parks: These offer some of the most beautiful, affordable camping near iconic sights. Facilities are simpler, but you’re paying for scenery and serenity.
• Roadhouses (Australia): Common in outback areas, these are safe places to park, often with a small shop or restaurant.
• Freedom Camping: Free spots are available in both countries, but you need a self-contained camper, and you must only stay in approved locations. Facilities are basic or non-existent, so you’ll need to be self-sufficient and leave no trace.
• Farmstays and outback station stays are a really unique experience for families and a great way to experience authentic outback hospitality. These are fully functional working properties where you can interact with the animals and learn about life on the land.

Always check local rules—some places restrict how long you can stay, and fines for illegal camping are steep. Respect sacred sites and always take your rubbish with you. 

Campervan Stays in Australia

If you’re planning an adventure across Australia in a campervan, you’ll find a mix of campgrounds, holiday parks, and freedom camping spots to choose from. 

Powered and Unpowered Sites

Want to plug in and enjoy some home comforts? Powered camping sites at campgrounds or holiday parks are your best bet. Prefer to go off-grid and wake up somewhere wild? Australia’s freedom camping areas—sometimes called free camping—let you soak up the countryside, bush, or coast for little to no cost. Just remember: you can’t park up anywhere you please. Each state has its own rules about freedom camping, so always check local regulations in advance and look for designated free camping spots. 

Keep in mind, even at free campsites, there might be a small fee managed by an honesty box. And no matter where you stay, always leave your site as you found it—take your rubbish with you and use dump stations where available. The free thl Roadtrip App can help you find dump stations, fuel, free WiFi and everything else you’ll need on the road. 

Campgrounds and Caravan Parks

Australia is dotted with campgrounds and caravan parks, ranging from basic bush sites to well-equipped holiday parks. Most offer amenities like bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, and even activities for the kids. Before you book, check the campground’s website to make sure it has what you need, including whether they are pet-friendly, if you have your furry one with you. 

Holiday Park Networks

For extra comfort and reliable facilities, Australia’s top holiday park networks—like BIG4, Aspen, Discovery Parks, Top Parks, Ingenia, Tasman, Reflections or motoring groups like RAC and NRMA —are hard to beat. They offer powered sites, friendly staff, and plenty of advice for making the most of your trip. 

You can search for and book these parks in the thl Roadtrip App, under the “All Campgrounds” dropdown menu. 

Extra Accommodation Tips

• Rest after your flight: If you’re flying into Australia from overseas, book a hotel or motel near your campervan pick-up branch for your first night. You’ll start your journey fresh, avoiding the dangers of driving tired or jet lagged.
• Book ahead in peak season: The best campsites fill up quickly, especially during peak holiday seasons. Booking in advance can save you a lot of hassle.
• Meet other travellers: Caravan and holiday parks are great places to swap stories and pick up tips from fellow road trippers. Don’t be shy—most Australian campervan travellers are a friendly bunch.

Camping in New Zealand

We love New Zealand for its wild beauty and friendly locals, but it’s also a place that takes environmental care seriously. That means following a few rules to keep the country clean and green for everyone. 

Self-Contained Vehicles

A self-contained campervan has everything you need to camp without outside help for at least three days: fresh water, a toilet, and waste tanks. In New Zealand, you must be in a certified self-contained vehicle to freedom camp. Some Mighty campers qualify, but always check when you book. 

If your campervan isn’t self-contained (no toilet, shower, or grey water storage), you must stay at sites with toilet facilities. And remember to always empty waste tanks at official dump stations, which you can locate using the thl Roadtrip app. 

Local Stays Membership

Want to get off the beaten path? Add the Local Stays membership to your booking for $59 per year and unlock access to a network of over a hundred overnight spots at local businesses—wineries, olive groves, breweries, farms, and more. Meet the people behind the products, try their food or wine, and in exchange, stay overnight at no extra charge. All Mighty campers except the Highball and Double Down are eligible. 

With Local Stays, you’ll:

• Connect with real Kiwis and local artisans
• Park overnight in safe, welcoming surroundings
• Experience unique regional products and hidden gems

Where Can You Camp?

• Department of Conservation Campsites: Open to all vehicle types.
• Holiday Park Association of NZ: All vehicles welcome.
• Designated campsites with toilets: Any campervan.
• Designated campsites without toilets: Self-contained vehicles only.
• Local Stays: Toilet/shower-equipped vehicles only

Holiday Park Networks

For extra comfort and reliable facilities, New Zealand’s top holiday park networks—like Tasman and Top10 —are hard to beat. They offer powered sites, friendly staff, and plenty of advice for making the most of your trip. 

You can search for and book these parks in the thl Roadtrip App, under the “All Campgrounds” dropdown menu. 

Ready to Start Your Road Trip?

Whether you’re exploring Australia’s coastlines or New Zealand’s mountain passes, planning where to stay is half the fun—and key to a stress-free trip. Book your campsites in advance, download the thl Roadtrip App, and make the most of the welcoming campervan community. With Mighty, you can pick up and drop off your campervan from 10 locations across Australia and dozens more in New Zealand, making it easy to get started wherever your adventure begins. 

Start planning your ultimate campervan holiday today and discover the best places to stay across Australia and New Zealand.