.png)
The drive from Queenstown to Glendhu Bay is nothing short of breathtaking. Winding through the Crown Range, the road rises steeply, revealing sweeping views of golden tussock hills rolling into the horizon. The deep blue sky stretches endlessly above, and with each turn, the fresh mountain air fills the car—a scent of earth, adventure, and the promise of a perfect weekend away.
Wānaka greets you like an old friend, its lake shimmering in the midday sun. From here, it’s an easy 10-minute drive along the lake’s edge to Glendhu Bay Holiday Park, now owned by Hampshire Holiday Parks. The journey itself is part of the magic, the rugged peaks of Mt Aspiring National Park standing tall in the distance, and the road hugging the shore as if guiding you straight into paradise.
Glendhu Bay Motor Camp
Arriving at Glendhu Bay feels like stepping into a postcard. Check-in is effortless—the staff are always welcoming, and whether you’re pitching a tent, parking up a campervan, or settling into a cozy cabin, there’s an option for everyone. Powered and unpowered sites stretch along the lakefront, offering unbeatable views. It’s no wonder this place is always fully booked over Christmas. Families return year after year, setting up their summer home away from home, catching up on a year’s worth of stories while the kids roam free in the playgrounds, forming friendships that will last a lifetime.
For years, this has been our go-to camping spot, a place where the kids and their mates have spent what felt like endless days swimming in the crystal-clear lake, water skiing until their arms ached, casting lines off the shore in hopes of catching dinner, and tearing across the Matukituki River on jet boats. As the sun dips behind the mountains, the campground comes alive with BBQs sizzling, the smell of sausages and fresh fish in the air, and the familiar hum of tall tales being told over a cold drink.
Facilities here make camping a breeze—well-equipped kitchens, hot showers (absolute bliss after a day on the lake), and washing machines that come in handy after a week of kids covered in sunscreen and lake water. Social gatherings and summer events add to the sense of community, making it more than just a campground—it’s a summer tradition.
But it’s the views that truly steal the show. In the early morning, the lake is a perfect mirror, reflecting the rugged hills and soft clouds drifting lazily above. By evening, the sky ignites in a symphony of pinks, oranges, and purples, the water lapping gently at the shore as the last boats pull in for the night. And no matter how many times we visit, that first breath of crisp alpine air in the morning still feels like pure magic.
Glendhu Bay is more than just a campsite—it’s a place where summer memories are made, where adventure is just outside your tent flap, and where the beauty of New Zealand’s South Island is on full display. And as always, the hardest part is packing up to leave, already counting down the days until we return.
Things to Do
Roys Peak is one of Wānaka’s most iconic hikes, offering breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Wānaka, the surrounding mountains, and Mt Aspiring in the distance. The 16km return track is a challenging climb, but the famous summit viewpoint makes it one of the most rewarding walks in New Zealand.
Read our blog - The Best Walks & Hikes in Wānaka
Visit the Wānaka Tree - a lone willow growing out of the lake, is one of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks, known for its serene beauty and ever-changing reflections against the stunning mountain backdrop.
Enjoy local vineyards, galleries and restaurants - read our blogs Favourite Dining Spots in Wanaka
Visit our Wānaka page for more tours, activities and experiences!
Arrowtown, Wānaka 6 Hours Tour from Queenstown
Wānaka And Hāwea: Trail Ride on Bike or E-Bike
Lord of the Rungs - Rock Climbing
Quintessential Wānaka Wine Tour
Getting to Glendhu Bay Holiday Park
From Queenstown (1 hr 15 min, 80km):
Follow SH6 past Frankton towards Cromwell.
Turn left onto SH89 (Cardrona Valley Road) and drive over the Crown Range.
Enter Wānaka and take Wānaka-Mount Aspiring Road.
Drive 10 minutes past Roys Peak to Glendhu Bay Holiday Park.
From Wanaka (10 min, 11km):
Follow Wānaka-Mount Aspiring Road west along the lake.
Pass Roys Peak and continue to the holiday park on your left.
From Cromwell (1 hr 10 min, 85km):
Take SH6 to Luggate and Wānaka.
Follow SH84 into Wānaka, then Wānaka-Mount Aspiring Road to Glendhu Bay.
Travel Tips:
The Crown Range is steep and winding; use SH6 via Cromwell if towing.
Check road conditions in winter—chains may be needed.
The drive from Wānaka is easy with stunning lake views.
Pack for the conditions and the activities you would like to do as the weather can be unpredictable.
Need help planning your trip? Use our AI Assist Travel Tool!
Comments