25 Best Campsites on the North Island (2023)

6. Maitai Bay Campsite

Located on the picturesque Karikari Peninsula in Northland, the 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 Bay.

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. 

I recommend camping at Maitai Bay during spring or autumn if you want a camping trip without crowds.

There are no rubbish bins at Maitai Bay. During peak season, rubbish bags will be collected for a small fee, but otherwise, there’s a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy. It’s a small price to pay for camping in paradise!

✅ Things to do near the Maitai Bay Campsite

• Swim, snorkel, or relax at the beach.

• Hike the Maitai Bay Headland Track (1.5 hours/3.5km return).

7. Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite

The Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite is a special place full of incredible natural beauty. 

This is a campground to visit when you want to get away from it all—it’s located at the very top of the North Island and feels like a real edge-of-the-world kind of spot.

I love camping at Spirits Bay because it’s right near a stunning beach, which is tinted pink with shell-crushed sand. The ocean here is crystal-clear and great for swimming and fishing. 

There’s actually a good surf break here, too, when the conditions are right. 

Wild horses roam the headland above the campground, and the whole place is wildly beautiful.

As to be expected from a DOC campsite, the facilities are basic—but you honestly don’t need much when you get to camp in paradise! 

Definitely pack all of the food, drinks, and gear you need for your camping trip at Spirits Bay. This is one of the most remote camping sites on the North Island, and you won’t want to backtrack for supplies. 

Don’t forget insect repellent, either—mosquitoes can be prolific, particularly in summer.

During peak season (December to February), there are camp managers on site who will collect your rubbish for a small fee. 

The rest of the year, there is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy, so ensure you take all of your rubbish with you.

✅ Things to do near the Kapowairua / Spirits Bay Campsite

• Swim, fish, surf, and hang out at the amazing sandy beach.
  
  
• Day trip to Cape Reinga and the Te Paki sand dunes.
  
  
• Hike a section of the Te Paki Coastal Track to Pandora Beach (about 3 hours one-way).

8. Puriri Bay (Whangaruru North Head) Campsite

The Puriri Bay (Whangaruru North Head) Campsite is undoubtedly one of the best DOC campsites on the North Island.

Overlooking the Whangaruru Harbour, this idyllic campsite is perched above a sheltered bay with a soft sandy beach. The calm waters are excellent for swimming and boating. And if you have a kayak or SUP, you’ll definitely want to bring them here! 

The pitches at this campsite are grassy and great for tent camping or for parking up your van. However, the grassed areas are blocked off from the end of April until Labour weekend; you can still park in the parking area during those off-season months, but you might not want to tent camp then (unless you don’t mind hard ground, but I sure do!).

There’s no rubbish collection at this campsite, so you’ll need to pack out anything you bring in.

This is such a pretty, peaceful place to go off-grid for a couple of days. It’s one of those spots that just makes you feel so grateful to be in NZ.

✅ Things to do near the Puriri Bay (Whangaruru North Head) Campsite

• Go swimming, kayaking, or boating in the beautiful sheltered bay.
  
  
• Try your hand at rock fishing.
  
  
• Enjoy the lovely walking tracks that start right from the campground.

9. Waikawau Bay Campsite

Looking for an epic DOC campsite in the Coromandel?

Then head to the Waikawau Bay Campsite!

This campsite is located on the northeastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula, and it is quite a journey to get there. 

However, your effort will be well-rewarded when you set eyes on Waikawau Bay. It’s one of the best beach campsites on the North Island, with a long crescent of white sandy beach within mere steps from camp.

Unlike most DOC campsites, this campground has some powered campsites (12, to be exact) along with 120 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 in particular, make sure you book well in advance and be prepared for crowds! 

During the off-season, this campground is way less busy and, in my opinion, a lot more enjoyable.

✅ Things to do near the Waikawau Bay Campsite

• Enjoy days at the beach—honestly, you won’t want to leave.
  
  
• For walks/day hikes nearby, try the Matamataharakeke Walk, which starts right at camp; or do part of the Coromandel Coastal Walkway, 20km north of camp

10. Mangahuia Campsite

The Mangahuia Campsite is in a prime location in 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, there’s a refreshing swimming hole to plunge into.

The facilities at this DOC camp are basic, but the location is really what you should come here for.

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 a lot to do in Tongariro National Park. 

Or, simply sit back and enjoy the starry night sky from your campsite as you relax in one of the North Island’s best campgrounds.

✅ Things to do near the Mangahuia Campsite

• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing! As mentioned above, you can book a shuttle to pick you up from this campsite and take you to and from the track.
  
  
• Or do some of the other awesome, shorter hikes in Tongariro National Park, like Taranaki Falls and Tama Lakes. You could also make a whole day out of hiking to waterfalls in Tongariro National Park!
  
  
• Lord of the Rings buffs will love seeing some of the local scenery that featured in the films, including Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom) and Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s Pool).
  
  
• Go hang out in Ohakune, a relaxed mountain town at the southern end of Tongariro National Park. 

11. Holdsworth Campsite

The Holdsworth Campsite is a gorgeous place to camp in the Wellington Region.

This campsite is set in a beautiful wilderness area near Carterton, and it’s one of the best camping spots on the lower North Island.

Set beneath the looming Tararua mountain ranges with heaps of spacious, forest-fringed campsites (and a couple of clear, cool creeks nearby), Holdsworth Campsite is a pleasant place for a camping trip.

You’ll find plenty of room here—take your pick from sites out in the open, or those with more privacy. It’s great for either tents or campervans. 

There are a couple of fire pits around the campground and collecting firewood (from non-living trees!) is permitted, but check with the friendly camp host first as there are seasonal fire bans at times.

It’s the perfect place to bask in the sun with a beer in hand—but also a great starting point for some awesome hiking trails! 

✅ Things to do near the Holdsworth Campsite

• Take a cold plunge into the swimming hole along the river—it’s just across from the Holdsworth Lodge (a 5-minute walk from the campground).

• Walk to Donnelly Flat (1 hour return), and bring a picnic to enjoy once you get there!
  
  
• Hike up the Gentle Annie Track to the Rocky Lookout (1.5 hours return), where you’ll get one of the best viewpoints over the Wairarapa Region.
  
  
• If you want a full-day, challenging hike, you could hike to Powell Hut, which is part of the multiday Holdsworth-Jumbo Circuit.
  
  
• On the drive to/from Holdsworth Campsite, don’t miss a pit stop at Clareville Bakery. 

Best Holiday Parks on the North Island

Holiday Parks in New Zealand have a lot more amenities than DOC campsites, but they also tend to be busier and have less of a “natural feel.”

At these North Island holiday parks, you can expect to find facilities like a camp kitchen; bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers; drinking water; laundry facilities; and often a whole lot more. 

Holiday parks are usually very family-friendly and often provide fun things for kids to do, like playgrounds, games rooms, and bouncing pillows or trampolines.

While holiday parks have camp kitchens with stovetops, toasters, and kettles for boiling water, they don’t usually provide cooking gear.  So, always come prepared with your own pots, pans, plates, and cutlery. 

Many holiday parks also have camping cabins available, which makes it easy to go camping without requiring lots of gear. 

Here are my top picks for North Island holiday parks!

12. Camp Waipu Cove

Camp Waipu Cove is an awesome beachfront holiday park in the coastal town of Waipu.

This campground is so well-run 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 so much to do around Waipu, too—if you can pry yourself away from the beach, that is!

✅ Things to do near Camp Waipu Cove

• Hang out all day at Waipu Beach! 

• Enjoy Waipu’s delicious eateries. The Cove Cafe makes excellent all-day meals and also does takeaways (their fish ‘n chips are a must-try). For pizza and craft beer, head to McLeod’s Pizza Barn. 

• Visit Piroa Falls and go for a swim under the waterfall.

• See glow worms for free at the amazing Waipu Caves.

• Hike the Waipu Coastal Walkway to Lang’s Beach, and check out the Waipu pancake rocks along the way. Bring a picnic!

13. Piha Domain Motor 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 the Piha Domain Motor 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. 

Spend your days hiking in the rainforest, hanging out at the beach, and relaxing at camp.

✅ Things to do near the Piha Domain Motor Camp

• Swim, surf, or just hang out at Piha Beach! (If you’re swimming, though, make sure to stay within the swim area marked by flags as there can be dangerous currents and rip tides).

• Go on a hike. Kitekite Falls and the Mercer Bay Loop walk are two awesome trails close by. 

• Visit Karekare Falls.

• Check out nearby Anawhata Beach, a secluded hike-in beach that’s absolutely gorgeous.

14. Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

The Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park is one of the nicest holiday parks on the North Island.

With immaculately maintained grounds and top-notch facilities, this is a luxe place to go camping.

The campground’s location is hard to beat, too—you can walk to Hot Water Beach right from your campsite!

It only takes about 10 minutes to walk to Hot Water Beach along a well-maintained path, and there are spades (shovels) for hire right at the campground—so you can easily access one of the Coromandel’s top attractions right at your doorstep.

I really love the plush NZ-timber camping cabins here, which are surprisingly affordable and so comfy—ask for one close to the bush, and you might even hear kiwi calls at night. 

✅ Things to do near the Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

• Dig your own hot pool in the sand at Hot Water Beach at low tide.
  
  
• Visit Cathedral Cove; at the moment the only access to Cathedral Cove is via a boat tour or kayak tour.

• Sample beers at the local craft breweries—try Pour House in Hahei or Hot Water Beach Brewing in Whenuakite.

• Visit one of the many gorgeous beaches in the Coromandel.

15. Hahei Beach Resort

The Hahei Beach Resort is an excellent Coromandel campground in a prime beachfront location.

When you camp here, you’re just moments away from Hahei Beach, where you can soak in the sunshine and sink your toes into the soft white sand. 

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 some good dining options in Hahei, and the campground itself also has a takeaways bar.

I often have a hard time choosing between this campground and the nearby Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park; they’re really two of the best North Island campsites, and I’m going to leave that difficult choice up to you!

✅ Things to do near the Hahei Beach Resort

• See Cathedral Cove. At the time of writing this, Cathedral Cove is closed due to cyclone damage. However, you can still see Cathedral Cove by taking a scenic boat cruise or doing a kayak tour! 
  

🚤 Tip: Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours and the Hahei Explorer Boat are both within short walking distance of camp!

• Hang out at Hahei Beach! It’s a stunner.
  
  
• Walk up to the Te Pare Point Pā for incredible views. You can access the trail at the southern end of Hahei Beach around low tide.
  
  
• Visit Hot Water Beach. It’s just a 10-minute drive from camp and is best visited during the two hours on either side of low tide.
  
  
• Day trip to New Chums Beach.
  
  
• Enjoy a meal out in Hahei. I love the Pour House for a craft beer and woodfired pizza.

16. Raglan Holiday Park

The Raglan Holiday Park is located in such a convenient spot in Raglan, one of the North Island’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 to explore Raglan from, 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. 

Kids and adults alike have a blast camping here. There’s a lot to keep kids entertained, including a bouncing pillow and indoor games room. Within a short walk from camp, there’s the Raglan playground and pump track. Not to mention the beach, which is of course excellent for swimming during the warmer months!

Being so close to town means that you can simply walk to a plethora of Raglan restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s so nice being able to pop over to town for dinner and drinks, and then simply wander back to camp at your leisure!

✅ Things to do near the Raglan Holiday Park

• Go surfing, or simply watch surfers in action from the carpark at Manu Bay.
  
  
• Enjoy a long beach walk or a refreshing swim in the sea.
  
  
• Walk into town to grab a bite to eat and peruse the shops. Don’t miss Ulo’s Kitchen!
  
  
• Grab fish & chips at the Raglan Wharf.
  
  
• Take a trip to Bridalveil Falls.

17. 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 28km south of Raglan along an unpaved coastal road, this campground is out-of-the-way in the best way possible.

Set in a peaceful valley within walking distance to 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. You’ll definitely want to wander from camp to the beach for happy hour!

Make sure you have a well-stocked chilly bin, as there are no shops out this way (the closest supermarkets are in Raglan). 

✅ Things to do near the Ruapuke Motor Camp

• Stop by the Te Toto Gorge Lookout on the drive to/from the campground.
  
  
• Visit Ruapuke Beach, one of the most beautiful black sand beaches in New Zealand. You can walk to the beach from camp along a path over the hills.
  
  
• Drive to Raglan for the day.
  
  
• Explore nearby Bridal Veil Falls.

18. Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park

Out of all the Tauranga campsites, the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park is a standout.

Situated right at the base of the town’s namesake Mount Maunganui, the surroundings here are pretty epic. 

You’ll be just steps away from Mount Maunganui Beach, one of the most gorgeous beaches on the North Island.

From camp, you can easily enjoy all of the fun things to do in Mount Maunganui. Within minutes, you can be lounging at the beach or eating and drinking your way around the Mount. 

If you’re wanting peace, solitude, and privacy while you camp, then this campground might be one to skip. 

However, if you want to camp right in the heart of Mount Maunganui in a fun and lively setting, then this is one fantastic camping destination!

✅ Things to do near the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park

• Tackle Mount Maunganui’s walking trails—either hike up to the Mount Maunganui Summit, or enjoy the easy Mount Base Track (or do both!).
  
  
• Soak in the Mount Maunganui Hot Pools (they’re right next to the campground!).
  
  
• Hang out at the beach, and go for long beach walks.
  
  
• Hire kayaks or SUPs at Pilot Bay.
  
  
• Enjoy some delicious meals out. I’m a big fan of the General for brunch, Rice Rice Baby for dinner, and the Rising Tide for craft beers and dumplings.

19. Martinborough Top 10 Holiday Park

At the Martinborough Top 10 Holiday Park, you’ll get to camp right near the fields of vineyards Martinborough is famous for. 

If you like wine country and you like camping, you are going to love this spot!

Choose from grassy campsites or modern camping cabins, and make sure to hire a bike from the front office. Cycling around town is the best way to visit a couple of the local wineries. 

While you’re cycling about and tasting the local drops, make sure to pick up a bottle to bring back to camp for the evening. A little sausage sizzle on the complimentary BBQs along with a glass of local pinot noir is the perfect way to end the day!

✅ Things to do near the Martinborough Top 10 Holiday Park

• Go wine tasting! Hiring a bike is a super fun way to visit the wineries in Martinborough—either hire bikes from the campground or from Green Jersey in town.

• Stargaze at night under Martinborough’s clear skies—this area has been deemed a “Dark Sky Reserve” and the stargazing opportunities are fantastic.

• Day trip to Cape Palliser to see the lighthouse and one of the best seal colonies in New Zealand.

• Explore the Patuna Chasm, located about a 20-minute drive from camp. There’s an entrance fee for this place and bookings are required, but it’s really cool and well worth it. 

20. Ōhope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

At the Ōhope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, you get to camp right next to one of New Zealand’s most-loved beaches. 

Located in the Bay of Plenty, Ōhope Beach is an 11km stretch of gorgeous golden-white sand. It’s a popular summertime destination for local families, who return year after year to swim, surf and enjoy the abundant sunshine. 

The holiday park is outstanding in every way; not only is the beachside location amazing, but the campground itself is top-notch. Camp at a grassy campsite surrounded by pohutukawa trees, stay in a camping cabin, or splurge on one of their fancier accommodation options.

When you’re not hanging out at the beach, take advantage of the holiday park’s amenities, because they’ve got a lot of them—including a heated pool! There’s also a sauna and some ocean-view hot tubs available, which you can book at reception.

✅ Things to do near the Ōhope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

• Hang out at Ōhope Beach! This long stretch of beach is great for walking, swimming, and often surfing, too. 

• Hike to Ōtarawairere Bay along the Kohi Point Track, starting from the western end of Ohope Beach. Make sure to time your walk with low tide so you can enjoy this hidden shelly beach—it’s a stunner.

• Enjoy some good food in Ōhope. Fisherman’s Wharf Cafe is right by the campground in Port Ōhope. In Ōhope Beach, Cadera has great Mexican food and margaritas. 

21. Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park

Located just outside of the Rotorua City Centre, the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park is my top choice for campgrounds in Rotorua. 

Because it’s located a bit out of town, you don’t get the sulphur-y 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 Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake). 

Lake Tikitapu is a gem of a lake, fringed with trees and circled by a peaceful walking track. It’s a great spot to bring your kayak or SUP along with you, or just go for a swim on a warm day!

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 found it to be great value for money!

✅ Things to do near the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park

• Spend some time at Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake). Walk the Blue Lake Track, go for a swim, or just hang out and BBQ by the lake! At night, you can walk to a glow worm colony by the lake, too.
  
  
• Soak in a hot pool. The Polynesian Spa is a great paid option, but there are lots of free hot pools nearby, too.
  
  
• Visit a Geothermal Park. Te Puia, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and Wai-o-Tapu are all great choices. For one of the best free things to do in Rotorua, visit Kuirau Park.
  
  
• Walk through the Whakarewarewa Redwoods.
  
  
• After an adrenaline rush? Check out the luge, ZORB, white water rafting, or a canopy tour.

22. Tatapouri Bay Oceanside Accommodation & Campground

Gisborne is known for being the first region in the world to see the sunrise each morning, and what better way to greet the sun than by peeking out from your cosy tent?!

At the Tatapouri Bay Oceanside Campground, you can do just that. 

This locally-run campsite is such a special spot. With friendly hosts, amazing vibes, and a boutique feel, this is a campground that really stands out from the rest.

Located right by the beach in Tatapouri Bay, you can listen to the ocean from your campsite at night. 

In addition to both powered and unpowered campsites, they have some incredible accommodation options on offer, too. Choose from their oceanfront zen cabins or glamping tents, or book a stay in a log cabin or tiny home.

Other things that make this one of the top North Island campsites include their onsite cafe and “rise & shine” yoga on Sunday mornings (it’s $10, and bring your own mat).

✅ Things to do near the Tatapouri Bay Campground

• Go surfing—Gisborne is one of the best surf destinations in the whole country!
  
  
• Eat and drink your way through Gisborne. I love Sunshine Brewery and Neighbourhood Pizzeria.
  
  
• Head north to Tolaga Bay to see the historic pier and hike the beautiful Cook’s Cove Walkway.
  
  
• Venture to the Rere Rockslide for a free slip N slide courtesy of Mother Nature.
  
  
• Experience a Reef Ecology Tour and stingray encounter with Dive Tatapouri.
  

23. Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park

There are a few excellent holiday parks to choose from around New Plymouth, but the Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park is always my go-to campground when I’m in Taranaki.

The campground is positioned on a clifftop overlooking the ocean, and a lot of the campsites and cabins have excellent ocean views.

While its seaside location feels worlds away from a city, this campground is actually just a 20-minute walk (or 5-minute drive) into the New Plymouth CBD, 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!). 

✅ Things to do near the Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park

• Walk or bike the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway! The trail runs right below the campground. Contact Chaddy’s Charter’s for bike hire.
  
  
• Climb up Paritutu Rock.
  
  
• Surf or hang out at Back Beach.
  
  
• Eat and drink your way through New Plymouth—I recommend Bleached Coffee, Billow Bakery, and Shining Peak Brewing.
  
  
• Wander through the lush gardens at Pukekura Park.
  
  
• Day trip to Egmont National Park and hike the Dawsons Falls and Wilkies Pools Loop.

The Lake Taupō Holiday Resort is a tropical oasis in the lakeside town of Taupō.

At this Taupō camping ground, you’ll get to camp near a geothermally-heated lagoon pool complete with a swim-up bar—now how’s that for a camping holiday?!

Kids in particular will be in paradise at this campground—it’s one of the best family campsites on the North Island. There’s a lot to keep kids entertained, including a giant poolside movie screen, hydroslides, a pump track, and a games room.

There is so much to do around Taupō, too—you certainly won’t get bored!