Bust out the marshmallows and stock up on bug spray, because we’re giving you the ultimate guide to camping in New Zealand.
Dying to lace up your hiking boots, bust out the fishing gear, or simply sit back and enjoy the beauty of nature? These top camping spots in New Zealand accommodate every type of camper.
Whether you’re looking to explore the North Island or the South Island, we’ve got your perfect camping adventure right here.
Best Camping Spots on the North Island
Tauranga Bay Holiday Park – 51-a Tauranga Bay Rd, Whangaroa
Beachside camping at its best, Tauranga Bay Holiday Park offers a relaxing escape from the busy city life. Spend your days swimming, fishing, snorkelling and canoeing away from the crowds and traffic noise. Tauranga Bay Holiday Park offers powered and unpowered campsites along with ensuite cabins, kitchen cabins and log cabins. So whether you want to get back to basics or you need your creature comforts, you’ll feel right at home.
Facilities
- Camp kitchens
- Barbecue area
- Laundries
- Bathrooms
Matauri Bay Holiday Park – Matauri Bay Rd, Matauri Bay
Fancy taking in the natural beauty of NZ between relaxing dips in the crystal-clear sea? Matauri Bay Holiday Park offers stunning views of the ocean, all the way out to the Cavalli Islands. This Bay of Islands gem provides a range of accommodation options including caravans, chalets, and units. Activity ideas include fishing, hiking, and diving… pretty much everything you’d expect from a beachside escape.
Facilities
- Camp kitchens
- Barbecue area
- Laundries
- Bathrooms
- Fish-filleting station
- Petrol and diesel pumps
- Takeaway bar
- General store
Opoutere Beach Coastal Camping – 460 Ohui Rd, Opoutere
This small, private campground provides powered and unpowered sites perfect for going off the grid and getting back to nature. Opoutere Beach Coastal Camping offers over 5km of white-sand beachfront, a stunning forest, and a harbour. Your digital detox awaits.
Facilities
- Camp kitchens
- Barbecue area
- Laundries
- Bathrooms
- Fish-cleaning facilities
- TV room with ping pong table
Graces Stream Campsite – Rimutaka Forest Park, Wellington
If you’re into nature, walking, and walking in nature, the Graces Stream Campsite is right up your ally. This backcountry campsite is home to plenty of hikes and walks where you can explore the Orongorongo Valley. Gather your thoughts by the beautiful stream surrounded by lush forest. Graces Stream Campsite is truly the top spot for nature-lovers.
Facilities
- None. But hey, it’s free.
Best Camping Spots on the South Island
Pelorus Bridge Campground – RD Rai Valley, Marlborough
Whether you like kicking back and relaxing to the sounds of nature or you’re up for adventure and activities every day, Pelorus Bridge Campground has something for every type of camper. Here you can walk, swim, fish and kayak among towering kahikatea, beech and rimu trees on the banks of the Te Hoiere/Pelorus River.
Facilities
- Camp kitchens
- Barbecue area
- Bathrooms
Wanaka Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels – 263 Studholme Rd North, Wanaka
Great for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, Wanaka Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels can accommodate campervans and tents and offers cabins, studios, and motel units. Situated at the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, you can enjoy incredible views of the mountains and lakes. Take advantage of their hire bikes for a fun day of exploring on two wheels.
Facilities
- Camp kitchens
- Barbecue area
- Bathrooms
- Spa and sauna (ooh la la)
- Playground
Parklands Marina Holiday Park – 10 Beach Rd, Picton
Located near picture-perfect Picton in the Marlborough Sounds, Parklands Marina Holiday Park gives you a quiet escape to recharge your batteries. With plenty of towering trees and well-kept lawn areas, you can spend your day fishing, boating, walking, diving, cycling, and canoeing. Not into camping in a tent? They also offer standard units and self-contained cabins.
Facilities
- Camp kitchens
- Barbecue area
- Laundries
- Bathrooms
- Fish-cleaning area
Doc Cameron Flat Campsite – Haast Pass-Makarora Rd, Haast
This stunning camping spot will have you in prime position in the Wanaka/Makarora area. Take in the natural beauty from the comfort of your site, or head off for a hiking or fishing adventure. Just be sure to get in quick, because the Doc Cameron Flat Campsite can’t be booked – it’s first in, best dressed.
Facilities
- Picnic shelter
Time to dismantle your tent and pack away the billy tin until next year? Keep your camping equipment safe and out of the way with a self-storage unit from National Storage.
