Best Campsites in the North Island: My Favourite Spots
If you’re planning a camping trip in the North Island, it’s safe to say you’ll be spoilt for choice.
But if you’re not sure where to go, I’m here to help.
I’m an avid camper and have spent years camping all over the North Island on my weekends and holidays.
In particular, I think the North Island shines when it comes to camping by the beach.
If you ask me, it’s pretty hard to beat the feeling of falling asleep to the sound of the waves, or waking up with a sandy beach just steps away from camp.
That said, there are also some gorgeous campsites in more inland areas near peaceful rivers and mountains.
In this guide, I’m sharing my favourite campsites in the North Island, including DOC and regional park campsites in the midst of nature, and some stellar holiday parks and private campgrounds.
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Map of the Best Campsites in the North Island
Map Legend:
💚 Green tent = DOC campsites & regional park campgrounds
🧡 Orange tent = Holiday parks & private campgrounds
Thinking of Hiring a Campervan for your North Island Camping Trip?
I recommend checking out Motorhome Republic to find campervan rentals in New Zealand. Their comparison tool makes it easy to compare rental companies and prices.
Auckland is the best place to hire a campervan or motorhome in the North Island.
🚐 Check campervan prices & availability on Motorhome Republic ➡️
North Island DOC Campsites & Regional Park Campgrounds
Note: expect basic facilities at most of these campsites, e.g. long-drop toilets and no rubbish bins.
Plan to pack out your own rubbish, and be prepared with your own drinking water along with anything else you need for camping.
Maitai Bay Campsite
Located on the picturesque Karikari Peninsula in Northland, Maitai Bay Campsite is quite possibly the ultimate beachfront DOC campground in the country.
Set up your tent or park your van on one of the grassy campsites, and be just steps away from the golden-white sands of two spectacular Northland beaches: Maitai Bay and Merita Beach.
On a sunny day, camping at Maitai Bay is as close as you can get to a tropical paradise in New Zealand.
The beach at Maitai Bay is fantastic for swimming and snorkelling, so don’t forget your swim gear!
This campsite is extremely popular during peak season (from Christmas through January) and during holiday weekends. Outside of these peak times, you will enjoy a much more peaceful experience.
Otamure Bay (Whananaki) Campsite
The Otamure Bay Campsite in Whananaki is a wonderful beachfront DOC campground.
This campground is flanked by pohutukawa trees and the ocean is just steps away.
There are friendly onsite camp managers here year-round, and while facilities are basic, you really don’t need much when you get to camp in paradise.
Uretiti Beach DOC Campsite
Once again, Northland is showing off with yet another DOC campground next to a stunning beach: Uretiti Beach Campsite.
This is a large campsite set behind the dunes, with spacious, grassy sites.
After a day spent at the beach, you can rinse off the sand in one of the coin-operated hot showers here (a real treat at a DOC campsite!).
I also like that there are camp managers onsite here to keep an eye on things.
As this spot is just off the main highway, it’s in a handy location if you’re going on a Northland road trip.
Tawharanui Campground
With its white sand beaches, rolling green hills and birdlife-rich wetlands, Tāwharanui Regional Park is the bee’s knees for an outdoor lover.
Adding to this is the fact that there’s a stunning campground within the regional park— Tāwharanui Campground—which makes this an incredible weekend trip from Auckland!
This is my favourite camping spot in the Auckland Region. It’s absolutely beautiful here.
The campground feels like a DOC campsite in the sense that it’s a back-to-basics experience in an absolutely gorgeous natural setting.
Choose between heaps of spacious, grassy campsites, with designated sections for both tents and campervans.
The best part about camping here, though, is that you’ll be right over the dunes from Anchor Bay beach…and what an incredible beach it is!
With pristine white sands and clear, swimmable waters, Anchor Bay is a straight-up paradise, and getting to camp next to it is a dream.
When you’re not hanging out at the beach, you can explore the scenic trails within the park. I love the Ecology Trail for a short hike featuring epic ocean views and a lush, birdsong-filled forest.
Waikawau Bay Campsite
Looking for an epic DOC campsite in the Coromandel?
Then the Waikawau Bay Campsite might be just the spot for you.
This campsite is located on the northeastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula, and it is quite a journey to get here.
However, your efforts will be well-rewarded when you set eyes on Waikawau Bay. It’s one of the best beach campsites in the North Island, with a long crescent of white sandy beach within mere steps from camp.
Unlike most DOC campsites, this campground has a small number of powered campsites along with many unpowered sites.
It’s a big place with a lot of space, but I do need to warn you that it gets jam-packed with campers during peak season from the end of December through the beginning of February.
Bookings are required year-round, but if you plan to camp at Waikawau Bay between Christmas and New Year’s in particular, make sure you book well in advance and be prepared for crowds.
During shoulder season, this campground is way less busy and, in my opinion, a lot more enjoyable. I’ve even been here on a mild weekend in winter, and it was absolutely delightful.
Note: If you’re hiring a campervan, do note that some campervan companies prohibit driving their vehicles on the roads above Colville. I’d check the terms and conditions of your rental before setting out.
Mangahuia Campsite
Mangahuia Campsite is in a lovely location on the edge of Tongariro National Park.
You’ll get to camp amongst beech forest, with views of the surrounding mountains right from camp.
There’s a stream that runs below the campground and in summertime, a refreshing swimming hole to plunge into.
The facilities at this DOC camp are basic, but the location is what makes it worth staying here.
If you’re planning to do the Tongariro Crossing, you can actually book a shuttle to transport you to and from the trail right from the campground.
Even if you’re not attempting the crossing, though, there is plenty to do in Tongariro National Park.
Some of my favourite North Island hikes are close by, including Taranaki Falls and Tama Lakes.
Holdsworth Campsite
Holdsworth Campsite is a gorgeous place to camp in the Wellington Region (the Wairarapa, to be specific).
This DOC campground is set beneath the Tararua mountain ranges with heaps of spacious, forest-fringed campsites and a couple of creeks close by.
It’s the perfect place to bask in the sun with a cold drink in hand, and it’s also a great starting point for some awesome hiking trails, like the Gentle Annie Track to the Rocky Lookout.
Kaitoke Regional Park Campground
Kaitoke Regional Park is home to my favourite campground close to Wellington City.
This is an absolutely lovely, leafy regional park with some easy walks that lead right from the campground—the Swingbridge Track is a nice one.
The Pākuratahi River runs through the campground and you can find some good swimming holes if you go exploring.
If you love having campfires like I do, you’ll be pleased to know that you can have a fire on the riverbed in designated areas (if no fire ban is in place). See the camp map to know where, and BYO firewood.
One more thing to note about this spot is that it was used as the filming site for Rivendell in the Lord of the Rings.
While the filming site isn’t that impressive anymore since the props have been removed, it’s still neat to see—and the fact that this place was used to depict the Elven kingdom speaks to how gorgeous it is here!
North Island Holiday Parks & Private Campgrounds
Matauri Bay Holiday Park
Matauri Bay Holiday Park has an old-school feel to it, and I mean that in the best way possible.
This is a classic Kiwi camping experience and, in my opinion, the type of spot that summer should be made of.
You can pitch a tent, park your van, or book one of the retro caravans and be steps away from a pristine white sand beach.
The beach at Matauri Bay is the #1 drawcard for camping here—it is one of the most gorgeous beaches in the country, and you’ll get direct access to it when you camp here.
From the campground, you can also go for a walk to see the Rainbow Warrior Memorial.
I also think this campground makes a good base for day trips to nearby places like the Bay of Islands or Duke’s Nose Track.
Motutara Farm Camping
Motutara Farm is a privately owned campground on a working farm, situated between two absolutely beautiful surf beaches – King’s Beach and Barron’s Beach.
There are loads of campsites here—all unpowered—and most have sweeping ocean views.
If you’re looking for beachfront camping in the North Island, you won’t find a better spot than Motutara Farm! This is easily one of the most incredible campgrounds in Northland.
The facilities at Motutara Farm are basic: there are non-flush toilets and cold showers, and no power hookups or cooking facilities.
It’s the perfect place to get away from it all—just be sure you’re self-sufficient and bring in your own supplies, including a camp stove or portable BBQ. A solar shower could also come in handy.
Note: This campground operates seasonally and is only open for a short window during the summer months. It’s worth planning ahead to visit this one, as it’s a goodie!
Camp Waipu Cove
Camp Waipu Cove is a large beachfront holiday park in the coastal town of Waipu.
This campground is well-run, tidy, and has heaps of facilities on offer, including three large amenities blocks, spacious kitchens, and even a tennis court.
In addition to campsites, they also have some great camping cabins and other accommodation on offer.
The best part about camping here, though, is that Waipu Beach will be right at your doorstep.
Spend long, sun-kissed days at the beach and then wander back to camp at your leisure.
There’s a lot to do around Waipu, too.
My favourite thing to do nearby is to visit the Waipu Glow Worm Cave, where you can see glow worms for free. Piroa Falls is another fun adventure in the area.
Prefer a camping cabin? I can highly recommend the cabins at Camp Waipu Cove, which are spacious and comfortable and make a camping trip very easy (sometimes, packing the tent and gear feels like a lot of work! 😅)
🛏️ Check cabin prices & availability on booking.com ➡️
Piha Camp
Piha Beach is one of the most beautiful black-sand beaches in New Zealand, and you’ll get to camp right near it at Piha Camp.
This campground has everything you need for a comfortable camping getaway, including hot showers and a camp kitchen.
It’s also the only campground in Piha, and the location really couldn’t be better: it’s backed by the jungly rainforest of the Waitākere Ranges, with Piha Beach just a 10-minute walk away.
You can spend your days hiking, hanging out at the beach, or just relaxing at camp.
I do need to mention that the ocean here can be extremely rough and dangerous, so caution is needed if you plan to swim (and make sure you swim between the flags if you do).
If you’re keen to hit the trails nearby, I highly recommend both Kitekite Falls and the Mercer Bay Loop Track.
Raglan Holiday Park Papahua
Raglan Holiday Park Papahua is located in such a convenient spot in Raglan, one of New Zealand’s best beach towns.
World-renowned for its surfing opportunities and beautiful black sand beaches, Raglan is a top-notch camping destination for beach lovers.
This campground is adjacent to the black sands of Te Kopua Beach, and it’s just a 5-minute walk over a picturesque footbridge to get to the pretty town of Raglan.
If you’re after a good base for exploring Raglan, then this is the place!
While the campsites here don’t have a lot of privacy, it’s honestly hard to beat the location.
If you’re after more of a natural feel, then consider booking one of the unpowered sites closest to the beach as they’re a bit more leafy than the other sites around camp.
Ruapuke Motor Camp
If you want to camp near Raglan but don’t want to stay at a busy holiday park in town, then Ruapuke Motor Camp is the perfect spot for you.
Located 28 km south of Raglan along a partly unsealed road, this campground is out-of-the-way in the best way possible.
Set in a peaceful valley near rugged Ruapuke Beach, this is a good place to camp if you want to get away from it all.
At the same time, you’re not far from Raglan, so you can still head into town for the day if you want to.
Ruapuke Beach is a gorgeous black sand surf beach that’s also great for long, relaxed beach strolls. Sunsets from Ruapuke Beach are really something special, too.
Make sure you have a well-stocked chilly bin, as there are no shops out this way (the closest supermarkets are in Raglan).
Note: This campsite doesn’t have an Eftpos machine, so make sure to book and pay online, or come prepared with cash.
Tasman Holiday Park – Hahei Beach
Tasman Holiday Park – Hahei Beach is an excellent Coromandel campground in a prime beachfront location.
When you camp here, you’re just steps away from Hahei Beach, where you can soak up the sunshine and sink your toes into the soft white sand. I really love this beach for swimming, too, as the water is often calm.
They honestly have the whole package at this campground, with top-notch facilities and a swoonworthy setting.
From camp, it’s a quick walk into the cute town of Hahei. If you don’t feel like cooking while you’re on holiday, there are a few dining options in Hahei (I like Pour House), and the campground itself also has a seasonal takeaways bar.
This campground makes a great base for visiting Cathedral Cove, and Hot Water Beach is also just a short drive away.
I also recommend walking to nearby Hereheretaura Pā when you camp here—it’s a gorgeous short walk with amazing views over Hahei and the marine reserve.
In addition to nice campsites, Tasman Holiday Park – Hahei Beach also has a range of camping cabins, ranging from basic to luxurious.
🛏️ Check cabin prices and availability on booking.com ➡️
Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park is easily one of the nicest holiday parks in the North Island.
With immaculately maintained grounds and top-notch facilities, this is a standout place to go camping.
The campground’s location is hard to beat, too—you can walk to Hot Water Beach right from your campsite in just about 15 minutes.
You can hire a spade (shovel) right at the campground to dig your own hot pool at the beach.
While I like camping here, I’ll admit that I usually opt for one of their timber camping cabins because I love them so much.
From here, you can also easily drive to Hahei to visit Cathedral Cove.
One more tip: the onsite pizza place—Hotspot Pizza and Brews—makes seriously amazing woodfired pizzas! If they’re open when you visit, I definitely recommend getting a pizza from them.
Tip: Hot Water Beach TOP 10 also has some of my favourite camping cabins in the entire country. So much so that my partner Ty and I have stayed in their cabins at least 10+ times over the years!
In particular, I love the timber “standard cabins,” which are so cute and cosy.
🛏️ Check cabin prices & availability on booking.com ➡️
Opoutere Coastal Camping
Opoutere Coastal Camping is my favourite Coromandel campground, which is saying a lot because there are lots of incredible camping spots in the Coromandel!
Opoutere is about 20 minutes north of Whangamatā. It’s a special haven that provides a mix of forest, beach, and estuary. There are endless opportunities to both relax and adventure to your heart’s content.
You can tent camp here, or stay in your van or caravan—they have both powered and non-powered sites. There are also a few rustic cabins on site.
The campground is right by a long stretch of gorgeous, white sandy beach. From camp, it takes just a few minutes to walk through a lovely pine forest to get to this beach heaven.
Camping in the Coromandel (or anywhere for that matter) doesn’t get better than this!
Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park
Located a short drive from the Rotorua city centre, the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park is a great spot for camping in Rotorua.
Because it’s located a bit out of town, you don’t get the sulphury smell that Rotorua is known for, but you’ll still be close to all of the wonderful attractions Rotorua has to offer.
As the name suggests, this holiday park is located lakeside by the picturesque Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu).
Lake Tikitapu is a gem of a lake, fringed with trees and circled by a peaceful walking track. It’s a great spot to have a picnic.
The Blue Lake Top 10 is great for all types of campers, whether you’re in a tent or van, or would prefer a cabin.
I’ve stayed in a wee cabin at this campground (the “Chateau Relaxo”) and thoroughly enjoyed my stay.
Waikite Valley Hot Pools Campground
Located between Rotorua and Taupo, Waikite Valley Hot Pools Campground is a fantastic spot to treat yourself to a relaxing camping experience.
The campground here is basic, and I do think it’s best suited to campervans (although I have tent camped here—the tent sites are just on the small side).
That said, the reason to camp here is because access to the onsite mineral hot pools is included in your camping fee, and they are absolutely wonderful.
As a camper, you’ll get early entry to the hot pools in the morning before they open to the general public, so you can enjoy a quiet soak before going on with your day.
Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park
There are a few excellent holiday parks to choose from around New Plymouth, but Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park is my go-to campground when I’m in Taranaki.
This campground is perched on a clifftop overlooking the ocean, and a lot of the campsites and cabins have excellent ocean views.
While its seaside location feels far from a city, this campground is actually just a short drive from the New Plymouth city centre, so it couldn’t be more convenient.
As if all of this wasn’t enough, the campground also has oceanview spa pools for hire. It’s the best way to relax after a day of exploring the region!
I do recommend splurging a bit on one of the oceanview campsites, as they’re in the best location and, of course, have the best views.
While I’ve camped at Belt Road in my tent a couple of times, I tend to go for one of their camping cabins as they’re great value (and are also a cosy option if the weather isn’t cooperating!).
This campground makes the perfect base for exploring all of the fun things to do around New Plymouth.
Prefer a camping cabin? I love the cabins at Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park and find them quite affordable for what you get.
🛏️ Check cabin prices & availability on booking.com ➡️
Martinborough Top 10 Holiday Park
If you like wine country and you like camping, I think you’re going to love Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park.
When I lived in the North Island, this spot used to be one of my favourite weekend trips from Wellington. My partner and I loved it here so much that we kept trying to figure out a way to move to Martinborough (alas, we ended up in the South Island).
The campground has both grassy campsites and modern camping cabins, which are a wonderful choice in winter.
And whatever you do, make sure to hire a bike from the front office. Cycling around town is, in my opinion, the best way to visit a couple of the local wineries (Poppies is my favourite for both their wine and lunch platters).
This campground also makes a good base for exploring the wider Wairarapa Region.
From here, you can day trip to Cape Palliser to see the lighthouse or seal colony, or visit nearby Patuna Chasm (open seasonally).
The cabins at Martinborough TOP 10 are modern and cosy, and make it easy to head out for a camping getaway without all of your gear in tow.
🛏️ Check cabin availability & prices on booking.com ➡️
Looking for Freedom Camping Spots in the North Island?
If you’re looking for freedom camping spots, read my guide to freedom camping in the North Island!
I also recommend checking out the free website called Rankers, where you’ll find loads of freedom campsite recommendations from fellow freedom campers.
Do keep in mind that in order to freedom camp in New Zealand, you typically need to be in a certified self-contained campervan.
Tips for Visiting these North Island Campsites
- Peak camping season runs from the end of December to the beginning of February each year. In particular, the weeks between Christmas (25 December) and the first weekend of January see campsites packed to the brim.
If you’re planning to camp during peak season, make sure you book your campsite well in advance and be prepared for crowds! - Some North Island campgrounds close during the winter months, so it’s best to check before making plans.
- If you’re tent camping, make sure to have a good waterproof rainfly and sturdy tent pegs. Nothing ruins a camping holiday like a leaky tent—or one that collapses in the wind!
- I know it should go without saying, but please remember to dispose of rubbish responsibly and leave no trace of your visit when you go camping in New Zealand.
Thanks for Reading my Guide to the Best Campsites in the North Island!
I hope this guide has helped you plan your next camping adventure.
As always, please leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback for me, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. I really love hearing from you!
Happy Camping! 🏕
Want More Camping Adventures in New Zealand?
If you liked this North Island camping guide, check out my guide to the best campsites in the South Island!
Planning your New Zealand trip right now?
Here are my go-to resources for planning and booking trips around New Zealand:
🛏️ Accommodation: Search for places to stay on Booking.com
🚗 Rental cars: Compare rates with Discover Cars or book direct with Apex Rentals
🚐 Campervans: Compare campervan rentals with Motorhome Republic
🥾 Tours & activities: Browse experiences on Viator or Get Your Guide
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Hi,! Loved your rep’s for campgrounds! I booked a night at Smith Farm in Feb. My husband and I will be landing in Wellington at 6 pm and will make our way up to Hamilton to see our daughter, but I think that is too far to go after arriving at 6 pm. Do you have any rec’s for a campground within 2-3 hrs from Wellington? We will only have a tent so we might go for a hotel room if need be. Any suggestions for hotels too?
Thanks so much,
Margaret
Hi Margaret! Thanks so much—I’m really happy to hear you liked the camping guides!
So I haven’t stayed here myself yet, but I’ve heard good things about the Mangaweka (Awastone) Camping Ground. They also have some cute-looking cabins that would be a nice option if you get in late and don’t want to set up your tent (check out the “Tui’s Flight” cabin; it looks lovely!).
For something a bit closer to Wellington, you could have a look at the Foxton Beach Top 10 or Himatangi Beach Top 10.
Hope that helps, and have a great time on your trip!
Cheers,
Jac
Thank you for your well written and informative guide.
I feel like I just traveled to all these places by reading your guide! 😊
Thanks so much for your kind words, Mia!
Very informative. Thank u. god bless you and good luck
Thanks so much, Pra – I’m happy to hear you liked the information! 🙂
This has been extremely helpful thanks 🙂
You are so welcome, Bree! Thanks for reading, and I’m really glad to hear it was helpful. Hope you have a great time camping ☺️