Tent Camping in New Zealand: Everything You Need to Know

Tent camping in New Zealand doesn’t get the same spotlight as campervanning, but it can be just as magical for experiencing the country’s great outdoors.

New Zealand is a paradise for tent camping, in fact.

There are hundreds of campsites dotted around the country, many in beautiful, peaceful spots that are perfect for pitching a tent and getting out in nature.

If you’re new to tent camping in New Zealand, though, there are some things you should know. And that’s where I can help!

My partner Ty and I are keen campers and spend many of our weekends camping around New Zealand. 

In this guide, I’m sharing everything I’ve learnt over the years: where you can camp, my favourite spots for tent camping, and lots of tips to help you have the best possible camping experience.

A quick note: this guide covers drive-up tent camping (some people might call it “car camping”) rather than hike-in/tramping campsites. 

So let’s get to it—here’s the ultimate guide to tent camping in New Zealand!

Where you can tent camp in New Zealand

There are several different types of campgrounds in New Zealand, ranging from basic campsites to commercial campgrounds with lots of facilities. 

Here’s what you can expect from each type of campground.

DOC Campsites ($10-20 per person, per night)

DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites are where you’ll want to go if you want a back-to-basics camping experience in the midst of beautiful nature.

You can expect bare-bones facilities at DOC campsites. 

They’ll always have a toilet onsite (oftentimes a non-flush one), and some have water taps, but you may need to boil or treat the water before drinking it. There are typically no showers at DOC campsites, although a handful of campsites provide them.

Most DOC campsites offer unpowered sites only, although there are some exceptions. Usually, sites are unallocated at a DOC campsite, meaning you choose a site on arrival.

If you plan to camp at a DOC campsite, make sure to bring everything you’ll need with you. In addition to your tent and sleeping gear, this includes a camp stove and fuel, camp chairs and a table, drinking water jugs, and light source. A solar shower might be handy, too.

One thing worth noting: DOC campsites don’t often have rubbish and recycling facilities, so you’ll need to pack out anything you’ve packed in.

DOC campsites used to be mostly first-come, first-served, but DOC has started moving towards an online booking system for many sites. So, before heading out, check online to see if you need to book first.

Tip: If you’re planning to camp at lots of DOC campsites in New Zealand, a DOC campsite pass might be worth considering.

Regional Park Campsites ($10-18 per person, per night)

Regional Park campsites are similar in feel to DOC campsites, but they’re run by local councils rather than DOC.

As with a DOC site, you typically need to be self-sufficient. Toilets will be available, but you often won’t find many other facilities.

You’ll find a lot of regional park campsites in the Auckland region, and there are a handful around Tauranga, Wellington, and Christchurch as well.

Holiday Parks & Private Campgrounds ($15-25+ per person, per night)

Holiday parks are commercial campgrounds offering lots of facilities, like communal camp kitchens, bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets, laundry facilities, and more.

While holiday parks can sometimes feel a bit busy for my liking, they’re a great option if you’d like a proper shower, want to catch up on laundry, or need WiFi.

If you’re new to camping, holiday parks are a nice way to ease into it without fully roughing it. They also tend to be very kid friendly, and are a nice choice for families.

Private campgrounds vary in what facilities they offer, but you can expect toilets at the bare minimum.

My top tent camping spots in New Zealand

Tent Camping in New Zealand Map

North Island Tent Camping Sites

1. Tāwharanui Campground

The Tawharanui Campground is easily one of the best beachfront camping spots near Auckland.

Located in Tawharanui Regional Park just over the dunes from Anchor Bay Beach, this campsite is a stunning and peaceful place to sleep under the stars. The regional park is a predator-free bird sanctuary and a wonderful place to reconnect with nature.

Enjoy days at the beach and walking the park’s trails (I love the Ecology Trail). After dark, ook for kiwi and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

2. Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite

Spirits Bay is a remote campsite at the top of the North Island, flanked by a green headland and a sandy beach with crystal-clear water.

It’s a great choice if you’re keen to explore some of the Far North’s attractions like Cape Reinga and the Te Paki Sand Dunes. 

Pack insect repellent because the mosquitoes here can be fierce!

3. Maitai Bay Campsite

Beachfront camping doesn’t get much better than the Maitai Bay Campsite.

This large, grassy campsite sits above a sheltered bay, where you can swim, snorkel, and take beach naps to your heart’s content.

4. Puriri Bay (Whangaruru North Head) Campsite

Camp by the calm waters of the Whangaruru Harbour at the beautiful Puriri Bay Campsite.

The bay is great for swimming and kayaking, and you can set out on the Whangaruru North Head Walking Tracks right from camp.

5. Motutara Farm

Motutara Farm is my favourite campground in Northland. 

Set on a family-run farm above two gorgeous surf beaches, you can set up camp and spend sun-kissed days by the water.

6. Fletcher Bay Campsite

Getting to the Fletcher Bay Campsite is a bit of a mission involving a narrow unsealed road and a small ford (which can become impassable after rain), but it’s worth it if you’d like to get off the beaten track.

This campsite sits at the northwestern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, with the Coromandel Coastal Walkway starting right from camp.

7. Waikawau Bay Campsite

The Waikawau Bay Campsite is a remote beachfront DOC campsite in the Coromandel. 

The beach here is stunning, with white sand and clear water, and the large campground has lots of excellent tent sites.

8. Opoutere Coastal Camping

Stay at a classic Kiwi campground at Opoutere Coastal Camping, where you can walk to one of the Coromandel’s best beaches through a beautiful pine forest.

This is one of my favourite campgrounds in the Coromandel, especially for beach lovers.

9. Tuck’s Bay at Long Bay Motor Camp

Long Bay Motor Camp is a bustling holiday park near Coromandel Town, but they also have a stunning back-to-basics campsite at Tuck’s Bay, just one bay over from the main camp.

Tuck’s Bay is located right on the water in a sheltered bay, and it’s such a peaceful spot to go tent camping. 

Go swimming, paddling, or fishing in the bay, or head out on the Long Bay Kauri Walk right from camp.

10. Maraehako Campground

Maraehako Camping Ground offers a large grassy campground right by the sea, with a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for getting away from it all.

Spend your camp days reading under the pohutukawa trees, and kayaking or swimming in the bay. In the evening, enjoy a beach bonfire and stargazing.

This is a destination campground, as it’s quite out of the way from most places, but it’s well worth it if you’re craving some quiet time in nature.

The campground is seasonal and is closed between May until early December. I recommend calling ahead (07 974 6036) to confirm they’re open and have space.

11. Ruapuke Motor Camp

Ruapuke Motor Camp is a great spot for tent camping near Raglan, one of New Zealand’s best beach towns.

Set in a peaceful valley close to Ruapuke Beach, this simple campground has an old-school kind of charm.

There are lots of grassy tent sites dotted around camp and a lovely sense of being amidst nature.

Note: If you plan to pay on arrival, bring cash, as there’s no EFTPOS here.

12. Mangahuia Campsite

If you’re after a tent camping spot in Tongariro National Park, the Mangahuia Campsite is a good choice.

This small campsite is surrounded by native bush, and sits next to a peaceful stream with a good swimming hole when the water levels are high.

There are numerous hiking trails nearby, including Taranaki Falls, Tama Lakes, and the famous Tongariro Crossing. 

After a day of hiking, you can sit back and relax with gorgeous views of nature all around you.

13. Kuripapango Campsite

The Kuripapango Campsite sits in a remote spot off the Taihape-Napier Road. 

If you want a peaceful retreat with no cell service, this is a wonderful place to unplug. Sometimes, doing “nothing” is just what you want out of a camping trip (at least it is for me!).

At this off-grid location, you’ll be surrounded by native bush and close to a beautiful river that’s nice for swimming and fishing. Once the sun goes down, stargazing is awesome here, too.

P.s. – this campsite is free of charge.

14. Holdsworth Campsite

The Holdsworth Campsite sits in a peaceful, bush-clad valley beneath the Tararua Ranges.

Swim or fish in the river, go on a day hike in the Tararuas (the Rocky Lookout is a great trail), or simply relax in your camp chair with a good book. 

On your way to or from camp, stop by Clareville Bakery for excellent bread and pastries.

15. Putangirua Pinnacles Campsite

Lord of the Rings fans will want to put this one on their list. 

At the Putangirua Pinnacles Campsite, you can camp right by the filming site for the Paths of the Dead. Even if you’re not into the movies, the walk to the Pinnacles is worth doing—it’s one of the most unique rock formations in New Zealand.

Nearby, visit the Cape Palliser lighthouse and the North Island’s largest fur seal colony. 

This used to be one of my favourite weekend trips from Wellington when I lived in the city, and I think it’s such a fun camping destination for getting away from it all!

16. Kaitoke Regional Park Camping Ground

Looking for a good spot for tent camping near Wellington? 

Kaitoke Regional Park is a great choice.

This forested park is a 45-minute drive from central Wellington. It’s grassy, spacious, and surrounded by native bush.

The river here is lovely for swimming, and you can visit the Lord of the Rings filming site for Rivendell or walk the Swingbridge Track.

You’re allowed to have campfires on the river bed in designated spots—ask the camp manager when you arrive (and bring firewood with you)!

South Island Tent Camping Sites

17. Momorangi Bay Campground

The Momorangi Bay Campground sits on the shores of the Queen Charlotte Sound, with gorgeous views of the water and bush-clad hills.

Splash around in the water by day and, after dark, look for glow worms along the forest trail just behind the campground.

While it might be tempting to book one of the waterfront campsites, I actually recommend the inland sites for tents—the ground is softer up there and it’ll be easier to stake your tent pegs.

18. Pelorus Bridge Campground

At the Pelorus Bridge Campsite, you’ll camp near one of the South Island’s most beautiful rivers, with opportunities for swimming, walking, and fishing.

The facilities here are fantastic for a DOC site, and the grassy campground is surrounded by beautiful kahikatea, rimu and beech trees.

Go swimming in the river—which is one of my all-time favourite swimming spots in New Zealand—and enjoy the short walks that lead right from camp, including the Totara Walk and Circle Loop Track.

19. Totaranui Campground

Camp within the heart of Abel Tasman National Park at Totaranui Campground, located on the Golden Bay side of the national park.

This spacious campground is right next to one of the South Island’s most beautiful golden sand beaches—Totaranui Beach—and makes a good jumping-off point for several day walks on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. I love walking a section of the track to either Anapai Bay or Mutton Cove.

The drive to get to Totaranui Campground is quite narrow and winding, and this campground is remote. Bring everything you need with you, and plan to stay for at least a couple of days to make the most of your surroundings!

20. White’s Bay Campsite

The White’s Bay Campsite is a beautiful camping spot just 20 minutes out of Blenheim.

This lovely campsite is tucked away in the bush just steps away from a peaceful sandy beach.

I recommend choosing one of the sites at the upper end of the campsite, as the lower section can get busy with day-trippers (particularly on weekends). 

21. Peketa Campground

The Peketa Campground is my favourite spot for tent camping in Kaikoura.

You’ll get to camp right next to a beautiful Kaikoura surf beach, with mountain views and opportunities to spot dolphins offshore.

The campground has a relaxed vibe, and there are numerous grassy sites with easy access to the beach.

22. Gentle Annie Camping Ground

The Gentle Annie Campground is a friendly, family run campground on the South Island’s West Coast.

This campground is set right next to the beach at the mouth of the Mokihinui River, with sheltered, grassy sites tucked among landscaped grounds. 

You could easily spend your time just enjoying the beautiful surroundings here, but if you’re keen to venture further, there are some excellent adventures to be had close by. Walk the Charming Creek Walkway, visit the Oparara Arches, or head further north to do a day walk on the Heaphy Track.

23. Punakaiki Beach Camp

Punakaiki is one of the West Coast’s top destinations, and the Punakaiki Beach Camp couldn’t be in a better spot.

This campground is set beside a wild, beautiful beach, and it’s close to the Pororari River Trail, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, and Truman Track. 

Choose from sites close to the beach or more sheltered spots surrounded by native bush. Wherever you choose to set up, you’ll have gorgeous views of the limestone cliffs and lush greenery fringing the campground.

24. Okarito Camping Ground

Okarito is just a 30-minute drive from the bustling tourist hub of Franz Josef, but it feels like a hidden, peaceful oasis a world away from anywhere. And the Okarito Campground is a gem of a camping spot!

From this lovely, community-run campground, you can walk to a wild beach, hike the Okarito Trig Track, or go kayaking on the Okarito Lagoon. There’s an abundance of native birdlife in this area, and nature lovers will be in heaven.

25. Waihi Gorge Campsite

The Waihi Gorge Campsite is a convenient place to camp if you’re on a South Island road trip beginning or ending in Christchurch.

Located just 15 minutes out of Geraldine—and 2 hours from Christchurch—this basic but beautiful campground sits beside a peaceful river and has plenty of grassy sites that are great for tent camping.

The stargazing is incredible, and you can have a campfire in one of the fire rings provided when conditions allow.

It feels wonderfully remote here, but if you forget anything, it’s just a short drive to the shops in Geraldine.

26. White Horse Hill Campground

The White Horse HIll Campsite is the only campground in Mount Cook National Park, and it’s a stunner.

Set under the mountains with hiking trails leading straight from camp, it’s a dream of a spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

This campground can get extremely busy, particularly during the summer months, but if you’re tenting you can usually find a nice, peaceful spot in the meadow even if the rest of the campground feels packed.

27. Glentanner Park

If you’d like to camp near Mount Cook National Park but want good facilities (like hot showers), the Glentanner Holiday Park is a great choice.

This campground is just a 20-minute drive from the entrance to the national park, and it has everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay. 

For tent sites, I like the unpowered spots towards the front of the campground—it’s usually a bit quieter than the rows of powered campervan sites, and the mountain views are next-level gorgeous.

28. Kidds Bush Reserve Campsite

Located on the shores of Lake Hawea, the Kidds Bush Campsite is a beautiful spot for camping near Wanaka.

There are plenty of grassy sites to choose from here, and having easy access to the lake is just the best. 

If you’d like to stretch your legs, the Kidds Bush Nature Walk starts right from camp.

The only thing I don’t love about this spot are the toilets, which can get a bit unpleasant when it’s busy here, but the setting more than makes up for it.

29. Moke Lake Campsite

The peaceful Moke Lake DOC Campsite is located just a 20-minute drive from bustling Queenstown, but it feels far removed from everywhere.

This is my favourite campsite near Queenstown for tent camping.

Perched on the shores of picturesque Moke Lake, the grassy campsites here almost all have epic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Set up your tent and then walk the lovely Moke Lake Loop Track, a mellow 2-hour return hike. 

Make sure to peek outside of your tent after dark. On a clear night, the stargazing here is incredible.

30. Mavora Lakes Campsite

The Mavora Lakes Campsite is undoubtedly one of the best easily-accessible wilderness camps in New Zealand.

Choose from campsites at either South Mavora Lake or North Mavora Lake, and enjoy lake and mountain views from your tent.

If there’s no fire ban in place, you’re allowed to have campfires here in the fire braziers provided, so pack firewood.

Sandflies can sometimes be pretty bad at this campground, so don’t forget insect repellent.

31. Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park

The Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park is my favourite spot for tent camping in Te Anau.

This is a big, bustling holiday park and it can get quite busy, especially with campervanners. However, I’ve found that the back section of the campground is usually much quieter and has some peaceful spots for tenting.

One of the reasons I like camping here is because there usually aren’t many sandflies, whereas the wilder DOC campsites around Fiordland can be teeming with them. So, this makes for a nice sandfly-free base to set up camp and then explore nearby places like Milford Sound.

32. Cascade Creek Campsite

The Cascade Creek Campsite is the closest tent-friendly campground to Milford Sound. 

This is a large campground surrounded by native beech forest and mountains, with peaceful creeks running by it.

However, I do need to warn you that the sandflies here can be ferocious during the daytime. They go away after dark, but they can really put a damper on a camping experience.

I tend to tent camp in Te Anau instead (see above for my top spot), but if you’re keen to be closer to Milford Sound, this is still a solid choice—just be prepared for the sandflies!

33. Curio Bay Camping Ground

Wildlife enthusiasts will love camping at the Curio Bay Campground, one of the best places for camping in the Catlins. 

This campground sits on a bluff in between two bays—Porpoise Bay and Curio Bay. You can easily walk to both right from the campground.

Porpoise Bay is a lovely, sandy surf beach that’s home to Hector’s dolphins, NZ fur seals, and sea lions. Curio Bay, on the other hand, is a rugged bay that’s home to a petrified forest—and it also happens to be one of the best places to look for yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho).

A word of warning: this campsite (and much of the Catlins) can get very windy, so check the forecast before you plan to go tent camping.

34. Purakaunui Bay Campsite

It’s hard to think of a beachfront campsite that’s more scenic than the Purakaunui Bay Campsite.

This basic campsite is perched just above the beach at Purakaunui Bay, a Catlins surf beach that sits below impressive cliffs and is home to sea lions.

The sprawling campsite has a large grassy area for camping, and if you’re in a 4WD vehicle you can access some sites right above the sand. 

While this spot used to be somewhat of a hidden gem, it has become very popular. You’ll find it less busy if you visit on a weekday or outside of peak summer.

Tips for tent camping in New Zealand

• If you’re bringing a tent or other outdoor gear from overseas, make sure everything is spotlessly clean and declare it at Customs. New Zealand takes biosecurity very seriously to protect our fragile environment.
  
  
  
• Be prepared for wild weather. The weather in New Zealand can turn quickly, with strong wind and rain. Make sure you have a good rainfly, tent pegs, and guy ropes for your tent.
  
  
  
• Have a backup plan in case the weather turns on you. Camping cabins at holiday parks are a good option if the weather is too rough for tent camping.
  
  
  
• Bring your own drinking water if camping at DOC campsites. And if you’re heading somewhere remote, keep extra food in your camp box just in case.
  
  
  
• Follow Leave No Trace principles. Pack out your rubbish; don’t wash with soaps or shampoos in rivers or lakes; leave wildlife undisturbed; and don’t use the outdoors as a toilet (use the toilets provided at your campground).
  
  
  
• Know the rules around campfires. Campfires aren’t allowed at most campsites in New Zealand, although there are some exceptions. Only light campfires when and where they’re permitted, use established fire pits, and make sure your fire is fully out before going to sleep or leaving camp.
  
  
• Be respectful camping neighbours. Give fellow campers space where possible and keep noise to a minimum after 10pm.
  
  
• Avoid the busiest camping season if possible. The last two weeks of December through the first week of February is peak camping season in New Zealand. If you want to avoid crowds and have the best choice of campsites, go camping outside of these times.

Where to buy camping gear in New Zealand

• For good-quality tents and other outdoor gear, I recommend checking out these shops:
  
  
  • Torpedo 7 (online)
  • Land & Sea (Auckland)
  • Dwights Outdoors (Wellington)
  • MD Outdoors (Nelson)
  • Macpac (stores nationwide)
  • Kathmandu (stores nationwide)
  • Bivouac Outdoor (stores nationwide)
    

• If you already have a tent and just need budget-friendly camping accessories (like camping chairs and a table, a camp stove, or cookware), Kmart and the Warehouse are great options.
  
  
• You can also try your luck at op shops (thrift stores), which can be excellent for secondhand items like cookware, mugs, and camp chairs—especially if you’re happy to hunt around a bit.

Tent camping in New Zealand FAQs

Thanks for reading!

I truly hope this has helped you plan your camping trip in New Zealand.

As always, please leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback for me—I really love hearing from you!

More New Zealand guides for you

If you’re planning a camping road trip around New Zealand, you might find these articles helpful.

• Camping in New Zealand: everything you need to know
• The best campsites in the North Island
• The best campsites in the South Island
• Christchurch to Queenstown road trip (7 days)
• Auckland to Queenstown road trip (14 days)
• Auckland to Christchurch road trip (21 days)