Driftaway Campground

Campers can choose non‑powered tent/campervan sites (under ~6 m) or powered sites (up to ~8.5 m), including lakeview options. If you’d rather upgrade, there are modern cabins and self‑contained villas; some have private decks and kitchens, while cabin guests use the shared Hub facilities. Bookings are required for overnight stays, and this place fills fast in peak periods.

A signature extra here is the bookable private hot tubs right above the lake. Sessions run about an hour, towels are provided, and there’s a minimum of two adults per tub (max four). They’re soaking tubs (no jets) and hugely popular—reserve early.

Step through the coded lakefront gate to join the Queenstown Trail/Frankton Track for a flat walk or ride into town (about 6 km). Frankton shops are close for supplies, and the Frankton Marina water taxi is an easy, scenic hop to central Queenstown.

Scan the shoreline for New Zealand scaup, little pied cormorants, and black‑billed gulls; anglers work the Frankton Arm for trout and salmon. Lake Wakatipu itself has a quirky seiche—its level rises and falls around every 27 minutes—locals call it the lake’s “heartbeat.”

A few guests note occasional noise from a nearby pub or planes on the flight path. The park’s layout has one dump station and one main bathroom block, so expect a short walk from some sites. Check‑in/out times are enforced, which can feel strict if you’re hoping to linger.