The Camp

Aotearoa, land of the great outdoors, is unsurprisingly a land of a long list of incredibly scenic sites to spend a night, too. Lake Hāwea, a sapphire in the Southern Lakes’ crown, boasts one of the best right on its waterfront: The Camp.

The Camp has been a popular, authentic destination for holidaying adventurers for over 50 years. The variety of accommodation options means there’s something to suit all budgets (and desired sleeping experiences). Of course, there are the quintessential tent or powered motorhome sites, cabins and cottages, but the possibilities don’t stop there. Discover glamping from the spacious confines of a bell tent, tepee, or even a geodesic dome; if you’d prefer a thicker roof build-up then the loft bed in the Little Lake House will be to your liking; and if your party is of stragglers, there’s a holiday house just up the hill where up to ten of you can sleep under one big roof.

A tranquil woodland zone with epic mountain views across Hāwea’s pristine waters, as your eyes scan this picturesque panorama it’s all too easy to imagine that you’ve found yourself a hidden sanctuary that’s much further from civilisation than it really is. Speaking of, The Camp is a great home base for a number of day trips. If remote is what you came for, you’re on the cusp of Te Waipounamu’s wild west coast; if you’d like to complement your leisurely getaway with some boutique shopping, fine dining and/or local wine tastings at the source, Wānaka is a mere 15-minute drive away and it’s only one hour to Queenstown and the Gibbston and Bannockburn vineyards. 

Aside from revelling in your wilderness sleeping set-up (and planning day trips if you can bring yourself to leave such peaceful surroundings), there’s plenty to do at The Camp. Explore the parklike grounds (also home to The Secret Sauna), hire a bike and cruise around one of the many nearby tracks, splash or lounge by the lake, even throw a line in – not only can guests borrow fishing rods but the friendly staff are more than happy to show you how to prepare the fish you’ve (hopefully) caught. In the summer months, the onsite food truck throws open its window and serves up delicious coffee and bites, cold drinks, and dinners on the weekend. 

Take time out, relax in nature, enjoy living simply, make memories and share stories at The Camp. Here, it’s easy to see that camping is about much more than just pitching a tent or parking a camper; community and environment are at the core as they strive to provide the best outdoor accommodation in the world. As well as some good old-school fun.