Waihola Holiday Park
About the campsite:
Located on the shores of Lake Waihola, Waihola Holiday Park offers lakeside camping in one of Otago most accessible and recreation-focused freshwater environments. Positioned along the Southern Scenic Route corridor, this holiday park serves as both a destination stop and a convenient transit base for campervan travellers heading toward the Catlins or continuing south toward Invercargill.
The park layout provides flat, sheltered sites suitable for campervans and motorhomes of all sizes. Powered options, clean amenities and communal facilities support extended stays and mid-trip reset days. The lakeside positioning allows many sites to enjoy water views, while tree shelter helps protect against prevailing winds. The relaxed layout creates space for outdoor seating and social interaction without overcrowding.
Lake Waihola is the centrepiece of the experience. Known for jet skiing, fishing and water recreation, the lake offers constant activity throughout warmer months. Calm mornings often produce mirror reflections across the water, while evenings bring colourful skies and long twilight conditions. The lakeside walking routes provide easy exercise opportunities directly from the campground, making it ideal for travellers who enjoy staying active without driving.
The surrounding township offers basic services including cafés, takeaway food and fuel access, reducing the need for long resupply drives. Waihola also sits strategically between Dunedin and the Catlins coast, making it a useful stop for breaking up long travel days. Its location on the Southern Scenic Route adds logistical value for travellers mapping coastal itineraries.
For campervan travellers, Waihola Holiday Park works well both as an overnight transit stop and as a short multi-night base. Arriving earlier in the afternoon allows visitors to enjoy lake activities and evening walks along the shoreline. During summer periods, booking ahead is recommended due to strong demand from water sports enthusiasts and touring travellers.
Waihola Holiday Park delivers a balanced combination of recreation access, convenience and lakeside atmosphere, making it a dependable and flexible stop on southern South Island road trips.
Address:
10 Sanday Street, Palmerston 9430, New Zealand
Region:
Otago
Campsite Type:
Holiday Park
Cost(pp) NZD:
25
Certified Self-Contain Only?
No