Lake Poaka Campsite — Hotel in South Island

This spot by the lake is a great place to stay overnight if you have a self-contained car. The location is absolutely beautiful, with a charming small lake right next to a canal. The peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy some quiet time surrounded by nature. On a sunny day, the scenery is even more stunning, and it’s the perfect place to unwind and take in the view.

However, be prepared for the downside – the mosquitoes. They come out in full force, and there are thousands of them buzzing around, which can get quite annoying. Make sure to bring insect repellent to make your stay more comfortable.

The access road to the site is a gravel path, and there are quite a few potholes along the way. While this might be a minor inconvenience, it’s something to keep in mind, especially if you’re traveling in a larger vehicle or one that isn’t suited for rough roads.

Overall, despite the mosquitoes and the bumpy access road, this spot is definitely worth it for the serene environment and the chance to stay right by the water. It’s a great free option for anyone traveling in a...

We stayed here in January 2018 for two nights. Since it is a free campsite run by DOC I suggest getting there early enough to secure yourself a good spot if you have a tent. If you're in a van anywhere is fine! The toilets are basic, but there was toilet paper and they were clean enough. The view is fairly scenic. The trees around the water help to create small "private" camping areas for you to enjoy if you have a tent. There are picnic tables to grill or eat, but it would be nice if there were more. Probably one of the best free campsites we stayed at with easy access to Hooker Valley Track and Lake...

The worst road we have driven in New Zealand. If you do not know an alternative route, do not follow the Canal Road one on Google Maps. We were so worried about our car. No informative sign on the way other than the one saying you should drive at your own risk! Do not count on this free site especially if you will arrive at night.

UPDATE: Tried an alternative route shown on Google Maps. At some point, we saw a line closing the road. It was barely visible during the day. So be careful if you will drive at night. Cannot tell whether the site was closed but we did not risk driving...