New Zealand is highly acclaimed worldwide for its beaches, scenic islands, forests, mountains and wide array of adventure sports and other recreations. To top it up, camping in New Zealand is also famous and exciting too. There are many scenic and surreal camping places in New Zealand, where one can trek, watch wildlife, indulge in adventure sports and enjoy overnight camping. Here is the handy guide on all details about various camp spots in New Zealand.
Best time for camping in New Zealand: The best time for camping in New Zealand is from October to March. This is spring and summer season there with bright and sunny days. These months, especially February and March are warm and dry and absolutely conducive to camping.
15 Best Sites For Camping In New Zealand
New Zealand boasts of many interesting camping sites. Some are by the lake or on the beach while some are inside the forests. We have handpicked the top 15 places, so read through this detailed New Zealand camping guide.
1. Motuora Island
Motuora Island is the most popular and scenic camping in New Zealand North Island. Featuring sun-kissed beaches, picnic spots and hiking trails; this island is a favourite camping site in New Zealand both amongst locals and tourists. Enjoy overnight camping while relishing the beauty of azure ocean and spotting wildlife like seal and kiwi.
Location: North Island, Auckland, New Zealand
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2. Matauri Bay
Matauri Bay is a popular camping hotspot in New Zealand. Located north of Bay of Islands; Matauri Bay is known for cobalt blue water and golden sand beaches. This is a huge campground, where one can enjoy tent accomodation, shower and restroom facilities and food joints. Moreover, this is one of the best places for camping in New Zealand, which is ideal for diving, swimming and snorkelling,
Location: Matauri Bay Rd, Matauri Bay 0478, New Zealand
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3. Urupukapuka Bay Campsite
Ideal for a fun-filled family vacation, Urupukapuka Bay Campsite is another name in the New Zealand camping guide. Relax and unwind under the sun in the sprawling campground and enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing and kayaking. Surrounded by crystal blue water, Urupukapuka Bay Campsite has some thrilling walking tracks through the forests, where one can enjoy hiking and trekking there.
Location: Urupukapuka Island, Russell, New Zealand
4. Robin Hood Bay
If you are looking for a camping in New Zealand South Island, plan for Robin Hood Bay. This is pet-friendly camp spot, with all kinds of essential facilities, tent facilities and adventure activities. Located by the beach, Robin Hood Bay is quite famous for fishing and spotting Hector’s dolphins.
Location: Blenheim area – New Zealand
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5. Poukaraka Flats
Perched inside Whakanewha Regional Park, Poukaraka Flats is a picturesque waterfront camping site in New Zealand. Bordered by a beautiful sun-kissed beach, this camp spot is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Facilities like camping rentals, restrooms, outdoor shower and barbeque facilities are available for all, but you can carry your own tent and other equipment as well.
Location: 75 Gordons Rd, Waiheke Island, Auckland 1971, New Zealand
6. Fantail Bay
Enjoy camping under the lush green Pohutukawa trees in Fantail Bay and make your holiday in New Zealand worth in every sense. Fantail Bay offers mesmeric view of the ocean and there is a beach, ideal for swimming. There are many walking tracks so those who love adventure and thrill, enjoy wholehearted trekking and hiking.
Location: Northern Coromandel, New Zealand
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7. Spirits Bay
Out of many camping places in New Zealand, Spirits Bay, also known as Kapowairuais a popular name. Surrounded by verdant forests and sandy beaches; Spirits Bay is best known for wildlife and bird watching, fishing, swimming and trekking. There are almost 45 well-equipped tents available for rent, but you can always carry your own. With all these activities and such a beautiful location; Spirits Bay is definitely the most sought-after camping in New Zealand North Island.
Location: Cape Reinga, New Zealand
8. Matai Bay
Set in the Kaitaia area, Matai Bay is a scenic and popular place for tent camping in New Zealand. The place offers 100 tent accomodation in a sheltered bay, surrounding by Pohutukawa trees. Elevated campground and white sand beach, perfect for swimming and kayaking; are the highlights of the place. Unwind and relax in the beach or enjoy some adventure like surfing and diving. Choice is yours!
Location: Karikari Peninsula 0483, New Zealand
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9. Opoutere Coastal Camping
If you wish for a fascinating luxury camping in New Zealand, head to Opoutere Coastal Camping. Nestled near Wharekawa Harbour, this coastal camp retreat comprises of luxury tents and wooden cabins. If you love adventure and thrill, indulge with surf, swim and hike and if relaxation is what you are looking at; take a leisure stroll on the beach and watch sunset.
Location: 460 Ohui Rd, Opoutere 3691, New Zealand
10. Totaranui Campground
Totaranui Campground is another famous spot for camping in New Zealand, located inside Abel Tasman National Park. Enclosed by the gorgeous Totaranui beach, this waterfront camping ground features facilities like campfire, barbeque, restroom and drinking water. This is a huge sprawling campsite, with space for almost 269 tents. You can also enjoy swimming, boating, canoeing, hiking and mountain biking.
Location: Abel Tasman National Park 105 Totaranui Rd, Golden Bay 7183, New Zealand
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11. Pohara Beach Holiday Park
Pohara Beach Holiday Park is one among the most buzzing and happening camping places in New Zealand. Located by the Pohara Beach, this huge and beautiful campsite offers a large variety of accomodation like motels, cabins and tents. Spend your day, relaxing on the beach, watching sunset, spotting wildlife, kayaking and indulging with horse trekking on the beach.
Location: 809 Abel Tasman Dr, Pohara 7183, New Zealand
12. Waikawau Bay
A long white sand surf beach, scenic backdrop and serenity all around- sum up camp site at Waikawau Bay. Decent facilities, spacious campground and powered and non-powered tents are available there for all. Moreover, camp fire and barbeque are not permitted and this is not a pet-friendly camp site.
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
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13. Whitikau Campsite
Another camping in New Zealand North Island, Whitikau is a small, cozy and remote place. Perfectly set at the entrance of Raukumara Conservation Park, this campground attracts those who wish to trek inside the national park or enjoy some cozy moments with their beloved, amid nature. Famous for trekking, fishing and hunting; Whitikau Campsite allows visitors on first cum first serve basis. This place is known for the best camping in New Zealand.
Location: 802 Takaputahi Rd, Toatoa 3197, New Zealand
14. Anaura Bay Motor Camp
Perhaps the most scenic and breathtakingly beautiful spot that New Zealand camping guide speaks of is Anaura Bay Motor Camp. Tucked away from the main road, all the camps enjoy beachfront location. With decent facilities and camp shop selling daily needs, Anaura Bay Motor Camp has gained popularity amongst all. This is one of the few camping places in New Zealand, where WIFI is available.
Location: 680 Anaura Rd, Anaura Bay, 4077, New Zealand
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15. Blue Lake Holiday Park
Located by Lake Tikitapu and the surrounding valley, this camping ground is just 10 minutes from Rotorua. Enjoy absolute relaxation in the lap of nature, fishing, boating and kayaking and walk through luxuriant forests. There are family cabins and tents, along with kitchen spaces, playground and tennis court for a perfect fun-filled holiday. This is one of the best camping sites in New Zealand.
Location: 723 Tarawera Rd, Lake Okareka 3040, New Zealand
Tips For Camping
Planning to go for camping in New Zealand? Read the following tips for camping that will surely make your stay comfortable on your next trek:
- Familiarize yourself with your gears
- Buy tent that is big enough
- Make a checklist and carry all the necessary requirements
- Reach your campsite early
- Plan your meals in advance
- Follow the rules mentioned by your camp master
- Carry comfortable clothes
Further Read: Bay Of Islands In New Zealand: Your Guide To A Tryst With Untainted Natural Beauty
Since you know where you should be heading to go camping in New Zealand, you can plan your New Zealand trip with us. You can also get an itinerary optimized according to your preferences. If you have already been to New Zealand then share your travel story with us and inspire the travelers of this community.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Camping In New Zealand
Can you do camping anywhere in New Zealand?
No, you can’t do camping anywhere in New Zealand but you can head to some of the best camping grounds in New Zealand and can easily find out the cost of camping in New Zealand and enjoy at a spot which is in your budget.
Can you do wild camping in New Zealand?
Yes, wild camping is legal in New Zealand and so, you can do it whenever you want to.
What are the best places for camping in New Zealand?
The following are the most popular camping sites in New Zealand:
1. Blue Lake Holiday Park
2. Anaura Bay Motor Camp
3. Whitikau Campsite
Is camping safe in New Zealand?
Yes, it is one of the most popular adventure here.
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
