Looking to get down and dirty this travel season by soaking in the great outdoors? A night out under the stars may just be the perfect way for a getaway for you in the Land of the Long White Cloud! Here are nine of the best camping sites in New Zealand to set up camp in.
Camping can be an extremely fulfilling activity for families and friends to partake in due to its added benefit of fostering stronger bonds amidst the grandeur of mother nature. This is especially true for New Zealanders during the warmer months of summer! Selecting the best campsite to suit your needs and wants may be challenging for the inexperienced camper. But from the modest tent with minimal facilities to the lavish campervans and cabins, there’s a myriad of ways for you to experience the perfect camping trip.
So, if you’re looking to head down south soon and would like to try your hand at the wonderful activity that is camping, don’t fret because we’ve got you covered! Our list of the nine best camping sites in New Zealand situated in both the North and South Islands is sure to come in handy when the time comes for you to plan your visit.
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North Island:
1. Opoutere Coastal Camping (Coromandel)
Image credits: Opoutere Beach Limited
Featuring white sandy beaches, beautiful forests, and tranquil waters, this coastal hideaway is nestled near the Wharekawa Harbour, and less than two hours away from Auckland.
The campsite provides would-be visitors with luxurious tents and cosy wooden cabins among ancient Pohutukawa trees, so you can be sure that you’ll not miss out on the splendour of nature while staying comfortable. Who says you can’t camp in style?
Location: Opoutere Coastal Camping, 460 Ohui Rd, Opoutere 3691, New Zealand
Best Camping Sites In New Zealand 2022: Find out more about Opoutere Coastal Camping here.
2. Whitikau Campsite (Bay of Plenty)
Image credits: Auckland i-SITE
Located at the entrance of Raukumara Conservation Park, this remote campsite is famous among fishermen, trekkers, and mountain bikers. A must-try for any trekkers looking to visit the national park, this quaint camping ground presents the perfect opportunity for visitors to connect with their loved ones while marvelling at the wide expanse of nature.
This campsite has limited facilities, aside from the toilets and some benches. So be sure that you have all that you would require to enjoy your stay here to the fullest!
Location: 802 Takaputahi Rd, Toatoa 3197, New Zealand
Best Camping Sites In New Zealand 2022: Find out more about Whitikau Campsite here.
3. Anaura Bay Motor Camp (Gisborne)
Image credits: Pauline Moore
Looking to go camping but still want to stay connected to the conveniences of city life? Well, look no further than the Anaura Bay Motor Camp because this campsite has WiFi available! Yes, you heard right. 😉
In addition to this, the spot features decent facilities and a camp shop that sells some daily necessities and snacks. However, even with all these added conveniences, Anaura Bay Motor Camp never fails to wow its visitors with its magnificent scenic views of stunning beaches and rolling hills.
Location: 680 Anaura Rd, Anaura Bay, 4077, New Zealand
Best Camping Sites In New Zealand 2022: Find out more about Anaura Bay Motor Camp here.
4. Urupukapuka Bay Campsite (Bay of Islands)
Image credits: Auckland i-SITE
Being the largest campsite on the island and facing the open ocean, there’s no shortage of activities to experience here at Urupukapuka Bay Campsite.
From surfing and kayaking to hiking and trekking, this beautiful seaside campground has it all! The campsite is owned by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and is split into four different zones — each being able to host a varying number of people.
Accessible by water taxi and passenger ferries departing from Russell and Paihia, the island may get quite busy during peak season. Be sure to make your bookings in advance!
Location: Urupukapuka Island, Russell, Northland 0184, New Zealand
Best Camping Sites In New Zealand 2022: Find out more about Urupukapuka Bay Campsite here.
5. Matauri Bay Holiday Park (Northland)
Image credits: Holiday Parks Association
Located close to the northern tip of North Island, this beachfront campsite is a camping hotspot, owing to its picturesque cobalt blue waters and golden sand beaches.
Adequate shower and restroom facilities, as well as restaurants, are located on campgrounds or nearby. So you rest assured that your necessities are settled. Besides the ever-popular water sports activities, like diving, swimming, and snorkelling, Matauri Bay is also perfect for campers who are looking to embark on a day trip to the stunning Cape Reinga.
Location: Matauri Bay Rd, Matauri Bay 0478, New Zealand
Best Camping Sites In New Zealand 2022: Find out more about Matauri Bay Holiday Park here.
South Island:
6. Totaranui Campground (Abel Tasman National Park)
Image credits: See the South Island NZ Travel Blog
Kicking off the list for South Island spots is the Totaranui Campground. This massive campsite is said to be able to host up to 850 people and features facilities like campfire sites, barbecue pits, toilets, and clean drinking water taps.
A clear favourite amongst visitors looking to conquer the 51-Kilometre Abel Tasman Coastal Walk, this campground also provides a breathtaking view of the one-and-only, Totaranui beach. And who doesn’t love a good beach day?
Location: Abel Tasman National Park 105 Totaranui Rd, Golden Bay 7183, New Zealand
Best Camping Sites In New Zealand 2022: Find out more about Totaranui Campground here.
7. Rakaia Gorge Campground (Mount Hutt, Canterbury)
Image credits: Spaceships Rental
Providing a stunning view of the Rakaia Gorge, this campsite is located 80 Kilometres away from Christchurch and features extensive facilities like a kitchen, laundry facilities, toilets, and showers.
In addition to the Instagram-worthy view, some fun-filled activities like jet boating and salmon fishing can also be experienced nearby. Unlike many of the other campsites on our list, this one’s managed by the non-profit, Rakaia Gorge Society Incorporated, instead of the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Location: 6686 Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road, Mount Hutt 7782, New Zealand
Best Camping Sites In New Zealand 2022: Find out more about Rakaia Gorge Campground here.
8. Glendhu Bay Motor Camp (Wanaka, Otago)
Image credits: Glendhu Bay Motor Camp
Being Wanaka’s only lakeside holiday park, the Glendhu Bay Motor Camp has earned itself the reputation of providing the ultimate natural experience.
This comes as no surprise as the campsite features 355,000 hectares of pristine land overlooking the dense forests and tall mountains of Wanaka. Trekkers and hikers rejoice because the campground is the closest one to Roys Peak and popular Diamond Lake trails! Time to get your hike on.
Location: 1127 Wanaka Mount Aspiring Road, Glendhu Bay 9382, New Zealand
Best Camping Sites In New Zealand 2022: Find out more about Glendhu Bay Motor Camp here.
9. Pohara Beach Holiday Park (Golden Bay)
Image credits: Nelson Regional Development Agency
The last entry on our list of the best camping sites in New Zealand is the Pohara Beach Holiday Park. Located in the South Island’s famous Golden Bay, this campsite is one of the busiest during the warmer months, owing to the nearby beautiful beaches, a myriad of water sports activities, and the magnificent orange glow of its sunsets.
The campground is also relatively close to popular destinations like the Kahurangi National Park, Abel Tasman National Park, and Te Waikoropupu Springs. You’ll definitely be spoilt for choice deciding your next activity.
Location: 809 Abel Tasman Dr, Pohara 7183, New Zealand
Best Camping Sites In New Zealand 2022: Find out more about Pohara Beach Holiday Park (Golden Bay) here.
Gather Round The Campfire!
And here you have it — nine of the best camping sites in New Zealand to get down and dirty with. Whether you’re paying for your tickets or renting yourself a good campervan, don’t forget to use your YouTrip Card to lock in our ever-reliable wholesale exchange rates!
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