Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned nature wanderer, you probably already know that camping in the winter is a whole different experience. Getting amongst the elements when it’s cold will definitely put you outside your comfort zone, but as long as you have the right gear, the experience is so amazing and rewarding!

And when you camp with Mojo, you get to stay in a campervan that’s fully equipped with everything you need. Our certified self-contained vehicles come with a super comfortable and cosy bed, so you don’t have to worry about getting cold at night. Just pack your winter thermals, and you’ll be ready to go.

Winter is a great time of year to get out and explore what Aotearoa has to offer. Sure, summer is the most popular season, but the cold months are just as beautiful - and a lot quieter! If you enjoy a bit of peace and quiet, then winter camping is definitely for you.

You’ll feel totally at one with nature when you have campsites to yourself. Enjoy New Zealand’s incredible landscapes without a soul in sight.

Let us take you through some of our favourite places to camp in the New Zealand winter.

Glendhu Bay Motor Camp

Located just ten minutes from Wanaka, this is a fantastic winter camp spot. Park your Mojo Campervan right by the lake and enjoy the stunning mountain views. Wanaka has so much to offer in the wintertime, and you will have it all at your fingertips from this campsite.

This is the closest campsite to Roy’s Peak and the Diamond Lake walks, some of the best Central Otago has to offer. Here is a great place to base yourself during the ski season, with the closest ski field being Treble Cone.

Rakaia Gorge Campground

With river views, immaculate facilities, and lush grounds, this Canterbury campground is a hidden gem for anyone doing a South Island adventure. The area offers plenty of awesome hikes, and there is plenty of fun to be had on the river alone. For ski and snowboarding adventurers, Mount Hutt and Methven are reachable by a 15-minute drive.

You will be amazed at the bright blue waters of the gorge. It really is a million-dollar view. At night, the stars above this remote campsite are astonishing. A bonus of this campground is that showers and laundry facilities are available.

Blue Lake Holiday Park

Shooting up to the North Island, the Blue Lake Holiday Park is a ten-minute drive from the centre of Rotorua. Lake Tikitapu (aka Blue Lake) is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Bay of Plenty area, and it is close to a lot of other stunners, such as Lake Tarawera. From here, you’ll be in close proximity to a heap of cultural and outdoor activities.

You could in some goodness at a hot pool or brave a winter swim in the lake. Visit Whakarewarewa, Living Māori Village, for an awesome experience stepping into Te Ao Māori. If you want to live a little fancy, head into town and try out Rotorua’s pumping food scene - Poco is a great place for anyone who loves tapas and wine.

Hahei Holiday Resort

Find this gem up on the coast of the Coromandel. Just a short walk from one of the best beaches on the peninsula, you get to enjoy crystal clear waters, dramatic volcanic cliffs, the islands of Mercury Bay, and some gorgeous caves.

Hot Water Beach is only a ten-minute drive away from this campsite, an ideal place to go on your winter adventure. We recommend getting up early (in the winter, it’s not that bad!) and taking in the sunrise from Te Pare Point.

Kauri Coast Campsite

This is the perfect campsite to make the most of our country’s exceptional native wildlife. The Waipoua forest up near Dargaville is like nothing else, and you’ll be right in the middle of it at this campsite. Tane Mahuta, the legendary giant of the forest, is said to make his home there, which only makes sense when you have a look at Waipoua’s enormous kauri trees.

Only 20 minutes away from the crystal clear waters of the Kai Iwi lakes, at this campsite, you’ll be close to the lake and the forest, so you get the best of both worlds. It’s off the grid, so you get that precious peace and quiet, but there is WiFi available if you need it.

Don’t let the season stop you from getting out there!

Here at Mojo Campers, we want to encourage everyone to explore the beautiful countryside of Aotearoa. With the right facilities and enough warm gear, a winter camping trip can be just as amazing and enjoyable as the summer.