The best forest camping in New Zealand

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New Zealand’s forests aren’t just for hiking—you’ll find 27 forest campsites scattered from the mossy beech groves of the South Island to the fern-lined paths up north. Pitch your tent among towering podocarps or set up near quiet streams. Top picks include Brackenthwaite (43 reviews), where birdsong greets you at sunrise, and Blue Spur Farmstay Hokitika (8 reviews), tucked just outside the West Coast rainforest. For a spot near Middle-earth, Camp in nature close to Hobbiton (5 reviews) puts you steps from farmland and leafy trails. Expect campfires, hot showers, and basic toilets at most spots. Keep an eye out for native birds, try your luck at fishing, or saddle up for horseback riding. Prices start at $12 a night, with most sites averaging $30. Bring your own rubbish bags—many sites are pack-in, pack-out. Local tip: the forest gets damp after rain, so waterproof your gear and prepare for sandflies.

95% (96) 285 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in New Zealand

River Bends

1. River Bends

99%
(102)
Te Kuiti · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
River Bends is a private site in the bend of a river flowing through a deep limestone ravine and old Totara and Matai forest, the site is situated in open space allowing access to stunning views of the surrounding rock formations river features and bushland. Composting toilet and clean water on tap are provided at the site.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
Dickson Holiday Park

2. Dickson Holiday Park

Thames · 88 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
WELCOME TO THAMES Only 90 minutes from Auckland International Airport and to the cities of Hamilton and Tauranga. Bush, scenic bays, mountains, and cycling trails are all in the immediate vicinity. Museums, eateries, art and antiques shopping, a coastal walk, all part of the Thames. Thames is your basecamp on the Coromandel Peninsula, the perfect holiday destination for enjoying magnificent scenery, beautiful bush walks, cycling, playing, swimming, great fishing, and simply relaxing. DICKSON HOLIDAY PARK Set beside a stream and surrounded by native bush, Dickson Holiday Park offers peace and tranquility. We are only three kilometres from the centre of the town of Thames, and ideally located to explore the scenic wonders of the Coromandel Peninsula. A RICH HISTORY Dickson Holiday Park is located in the old Tararu gardens, planted late last century by the settlers looking to beautify this thriving gold town. It is also the site of the remains of the Brown and Campbell gold processing stamper battery. The Gold is mostly gone, or best left in the ground to preserve the scenic wealth of this beautiful area, but the history remains and is a part of life in the Coromandel. Enjoy our: Ebike Hires Normal bike Hire Swimming pool in summer 9 hole mini golf course Basketball court Games room River that you can find crystals and rocks in.
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Hideaway Ranch

3. Hideaway Ranch

100%
(3)
Maungaturoto, NZ · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Hideaway Ranch is a family owned farm that raises beef cattle. It is steep to broken country with many patches of bush. The bush is filled with a variety of native birds and introduced species such as pheasants, peacock and quails. During rainier seasons, there is a creek flowing through the property which we’ve named The Oasis. This is a lovely spot for a picnic. A steep trek will give you one of the best sweeping views of the Kaipara. We are currently developing improved access for 4wd camp sites. Access by plane is available to our private airstrip. Please Note access my be limited during wet weather, just get in contact to confirm. Thanks
Campfires
Dune Lakes Lodge - Retreat & Horses

4. Dune Lakes Lodge - Retreat & Horses

South Head · 1 site
Dune Lakes Retreat & Horse Inspired Learning Centre is nestled on the wild South Kaipara Head Peninsula, just 60 minutes from Auckland CBD, yet it feels far removed from everyday life. Set among ancient sand hills, pristine wetlands, native bush, and the calm waters of Lake Kereta — a rare freshwater dune lake — this is a landscape shaped by deep time, quiet balance and wonderful for safe swimming. The South Kaipara Head is an ancient sand barrier separating the vast Kaipara Harbour from the Tasman Sea. Between the dunes, groundwater has gathered over thousands of years to form freshwater lakes and wetlands that filter water, support rich biodiversity, and create a profound sense of calm. Guests may choose from a range of camping sites — some nestled near the wetlands, others more open with wide skies and lake views. Facilities include excellent water quality, toilets, and showers. Accommodation includes the Flying Horse Barn with three studio rooms at $150 per night per room, and a cabin available for $100 per night (bring your own linen/towels etc or $25 extra per stay for supplied linen for all accommodation) To the west lies the dramatic Muriwai / Rangatira coastline with sweeping Tasman Sea sunsets. To the east is the sheltered Kaipara Harbour, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and a vital feeding ground for marine life and migratory birds such as godwits, knots, plovers, and terns. A quiet lagoon to the north shelters swans, ducks, pūkeko, paradise shelduck, kingfisher, fantail, warbler, and silvereye. At dawn, birdsong fills the air. At dusk, frogs rise in chorus, and from deep within the reedbeds the rare Australasian bittern calls — a nationally threatened bird whose presence signals an intact wetland. The retreat is also home to a free-roaming herd of horses at the Horse Inspired Learning Centre. The horses are free-roaming, barefoot, unridden, and without covers. Mindful, non-riding interactions grounded in Natural Horse Friendship and Equine-Assisted Learning sessions are available by arrangement at $250 per morning session) A place to rest, reflect, and reconnect — where land, water, wildlife, horses, and quiet beauty meet.
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Hampshire Holidays Parks Arrowtown

5. Hampshire Holidays Parks Arrowtown

100%
(11)
Arrowtown · 171 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Stay just a minutes’ walk from Arrowtown’s charming main street, where heritage buildings, boutique eateries, and leafy lanes create one of New Zealand’s most atmospheric small towns. Hampshire Holiday Parks – Arrowtown offers powered and unpowered sites in a peaceful, tree-lined setting with mountain views. Our spacious, level sites make accessing your vehicle easy, and you’ll find free Wi-Fi across the park, laundry, and BBQ/kitchen facilities all on-site. Kids will love the outdoor playground, and active travellers can enjoy the tennis court or hop onto nearby walking and cycling trails. A wide selection of cabins is also available for those wanting more than camping. Located just a short stroll from Arrowtown’s historic river, boutique shops and cafés, and only a short drive to Queenstown and local skifields, the park offers the perfect mix of relaxed village charm and access to big-weekend adventure.
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Blue Spur Farmstay Hokitika

6. Blue Spur Farmstay Hokitika

88%
(12)
Arahura Valley · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The camp site is a private spot away from it all but only 10mins to the town. You'll have the whole camp to yourselves. Total privacy! • Families absolutely love staying on our eco-farm among the many farm animals. Friendly free ranging kune kune pigs, goats and a flock of coloured sheep as well as our cows, peacocks and ducks. You can walk the farm and get up close to all our animals. • Camp kitchen, firepit, shower and composting toilet on site. • Bring matches, paper and your firewood and marshmallows!
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Dream Weavers Farm

7. Dream Weavers Farm

100%
(1)
Kawakawa · 4 sites
Beautiful farm with horses, cattle, sheep, goats, cooks and more. Surrounded by native bush with views. Camp next to our clear water river with water holes where you may have a dip or swim and walk your dog. Dream Weavers Farm is a quiet retreat away from it all where you can get back to nature and relax and unwind. Sites are for self contained campers priced at $25 per camper for up to 2 people and a pet or child. Extra campers and guests will incur a extra fee thankyou.
Pets
Dominic E.’s Land

8. Dominic E.’s Land

100%
(4)
Waipapa, NZ · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to our paradise Ocean views over the bay of islands from our 10 acre block of farm land and native bush with a spectacular small waterfall and swimming hole andl gardens . Approximately 10 km from the town of Kerikeri and 6 km from Waipapa easy access to the beautiful beaches of Northland
Nature's Haven

9. Nature's Haven

Tuakau · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
23 Arces - large amount of fruit trees and natural springs. From plums, mandarins, nectarines and cherry plums. Berries of all kinds, blueberries, blackberries etc Birds ranging from Tuis, parrots and cockatoos. Thundercross dirt bike park within 12 minutes and Naike Cafe and caves 12 minutes away in opposite direction.
Pets
Potable water
Belfast orchard

10. Belfast orchard

100%
(1)
Whangarei · 1 site · Tent, RV
Belfast orchard Is very quite and very picturesque Lovely spot Walk to local golf course and very handy to town Horse riding available on property too Horse stables available. Just find a lovely spot and park up Fruit and vege shop also on site with barrister coffee. Bring your pet if you want just look after it Come on in and enjoy
Pets
Water hookup
Potable water
Forest & Bird Sanctuary

11. Forest & Bird Sanctuary

South Island · 1 site · Tent, RV
Kia ora! / Hello! We’re situated just five minutes from the main town — but you’d never know it. Surrounded by native New Zealand forest filled with birdsong, the property overlooks the local mountain ranges, offering peace and privacy in a beautiful natural setting. We’re in the process of establishing organic food forests and vegetable gardens, creating a space that’s both sustainable and serene. Enjoy our stainless-steel, wood-fired hot tub, which uses purified rainwater — no chemicals added. There’s free Wi-Fi, purified drinking rainwater, power hookups, and a compost toilet available for guests. This is a place to relax, reconnect, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the West Coast, with plenty of nature adventures nearby.
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Electrical hookup
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Twin Coast Cycle Trail Nature Lodge

12. Twin Coast Cycle Trail Nature Lodge

100%
(2)
Ōkaihau · 1 site
Reset Retreat is an eco-retreat nestled away on 25 acres of private, native forest filled with Northland Brown Kiwis, glow worms, freshwater springs, Rurus, and resident native birds. We are right on the Twin Coast Cycle Trail and have access to several kilometers of private hiking trails that are yours to explore. You will have your own private guest wing and balcony with gorgeous views over this hidden valley. At night, you can sit by the fire and take in the stars, glow worms and kiwi calls. By day, you can explore the cycle trail and all the awesome local tourism Northland has on offer. You will have your own covered balcony and outdoor cooking space (pictured), your own entry and room (pictured), and private ensuite with shower. We have worked hard as Kaitiaki of this land over the last three years, working alongside the Northland Council to protect the kiwis, forest and animals here. As a result (alongside Kiwis) you can also see Titiwai/glow worms, Kererū, Tui, Tomtits, we have spotted longtailed bats outside our house on dusk, Ruru, Riroriro, Cave and Tree Wetas, the rare and gorgeous, large, green Puriri Moths, Piwakawakas, Peacocks, and a host of other native and non-native animals, insects and plants. Reset Retreat is fully off-grid – that means our power comes from the sun, our water comes from the rain, our internet comes from Starlink satellites and our heat comes from our fireplace (with a heat transfer system that disperses the heat throughout the house).
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Māra Kokotoha

13. Māra Kokotoha

Whangarei · 1 site · Tent, RV
We are 16 acres on a gentle slope at the west end of Whangārei near the Pukenui forest. We are in the process of rebuilding native forest as well as developing a new orchard. We have a well established banana grove which we harvest throughout the year. We are in a relatively quiet space for being just 15 minutes to town center and you'll wake up to rich bird song every morning and fall asleep to the sound of ruru calling from the trees. We are a few minutes to the lovely Pukenui forest reserve, 15 minutes to Parihaka, 20 minutes to Whangārei Falls and Abbey Caves, 35-50 minutes to bay and open ocean beaches. LGBTQIA2SP+ friendly! Kid friendly!
Campfires
Potable water
Picnic table
Driftwood Seaside Escapes

14. Driftwood Seaside Escapes

Kerikeri · 2 sites
Driftwood has been providing beachfront boutique accommodation for 23 years. We have now opened four stunning private sites for self-contained RVs. Each site features a fire pit, dry wood, and marshmallows! You may even spot wild kiwi roaming the property—it’s not uncommon to receive a visit from one. The private beach is yours to enjoy, as is our extensive herb garden and seasonal vegetables. Driftwood is all about sharing this extraordinary land in the Bay of Islands with fellow travelers. We offer forest, lawn, and bush park-ups. Sadly, due to the presence of kiwi, we cannot host dogs. The last 15 minutes of the drive from Kerikeri is on a well-formed gravel road. Bring supplies—no one ever wants to leave to go to the supermarket! We also have plenty of delicious artisan well water available to top up your tanks.
Water hookup

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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