New Zealand Camp Thrives With $20 Sites and Free Showers

A camping ground on the shores of glacial blue Lake Hāwea is proving that listening to your customers never goes out of style.

When third-generation farmers Richard and Sarah Burdon bought The Camp in 2009, they asked regular visitors what changes they wanted. The answer was simple: none at all.

So the couple kept what worked. Tent sites still start at just $20 per night, showers remain free, and the relaxed atmosphere that drew families in the 1970s continues today. The 20-hectare property along State Highway 6 offers shady trees, clean facilities, and uninterrupted views of the turquoise lake backed by creased mountains.

But the Burdons didn't just preserve the past. They've added thoughtful upgrades that expand what camping can be without losing its soul.

Safari-style tents perched near the water feature four-poster beds and firepits. Denver Cove offers five tents arranged around a communal firepit, complete with a shared cooking tent that helps solo travelers and groups connect. Bell Rise provides similar community-focused camping with six tents and electric blankets for chilly Southern nights.

For guests seeking more comfort, luxury geo-domes come with tiled ensuites, heated towel rails, and dishwashers. These adult-only accommodations include access to Cross Hill Lodge for hosted meals and a wood-fired outdoor hot tub under dark skies perfect for stargazing.

The lakeside Secret Sauna offers another wellness option. Two wooden barrels with glass ends frame views of the mountains while guests alternate 20-minute sessions with bracing dips in Lake Hāwea's crystal-clear, nine-degree water.

Sunny's Take

What makes The Camp special isn't fancy amenities or Instagram-worthy features. It's the Burdons' commitment to accessibility and genuine hospitality.

Budget travelers can still afford a lakeside holiday. Families gather around firepits without breaking the bank. Free showers, affordable fishing rod rentals, and a food truck serving local venison keep things simple and satisfying.

The location helps too. Top-line bikes rent onsite for the nearby 30-kilometer Hāwea Trail, graded easy enough for most riders. Popular Wānaka sits just 15 minutes away, while Queenstown is about 90 minutes down the road.

By honoring what made the campground beloved while thoughtfully expanding options, the Burdons have created something increasingly rare: a place where budget campers and luxury seekers share the same beautiful space without anyone feeling out of place.

The Camp proves good hospitality doesn't require reinvention, just respect for what guests truly value and a willingness to grow without losing heart.