Discover the best dog-friendly campgrounds in New Zealand

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Popular camping styles for New Zealand

Under $50

12 top dog-friendly campgrounds in New Zealand

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Hubbys retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Morrinsville

300 acre dairy farm with views right across the Waikato. Glow worms and a beautiful wetland and native bush patches. Loads of things to do or just a very quiet time for you. Very handy to great bush walks and only 20 mins away is the Hauraki rail trail karangahake gorge where the cycle trstarts

Dune Lakes Retreat

1 site · Lodging37 acres · Helensville

Dune Lakes Retreat and Equine Centre is situated on the beautiful South Kaipara Head Peninsula. The Kaipara South Head is a massive, ancient sand barrier that separates the South Kaipara Harbour from the Tasman Sea. A long line of inter-dune hollows runs up the Kaipara South Head, parallel to the coastline. These inter-dune hollows are lower than the groundwater level so they fill up with groundwater to create fresh water lakes. Lake Ototoa is the largest of these inter-dune lakes. Lake Kereta is another smaller example, as shown in the photo below. To the West The wild coastline and spectacular sunsets over the Tasman Sea and 65 kilometres of Muriwai/Rangatira Beach. To the East The sheltered waters and sunrises over the Kaipara Harbour and Shelly Beach to the east.The Kaipara is the largest harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a pristine and peaceful environment as well as a highly valued recreation area. It is an important feeding ground for marine mammals - orca and dolphins are often seen in the harbour - as well as an internationally significant roosting and feeding area for migratory birds. The keen bird watcher will find Bar-tailed Godwits, Knots, Turnstones, Pacific Golden Plover, Far-Eastern Curlew, Whimrel, New Zealand endemic Fairy Tern, Wrybill, Pied Oystercatcher, Variable Oystercatcher, Banded Dotterel, Pied Stilt, and Caspian Tern. Shelly Beach is a popular recreational beach with a beautiful backdrop of huge old Pohutakawa trees - with a kids play area, and a wharf where fishermen and boating enthusiasts gain access to the Kaipara Harbour. To the North The calm and tranquillity of lagoon at the top of the Peninsula. The wetland is home to mallard, grey duck, black swan, pied shag, pukeko, paradise shelduck. The sacred kingfisher nest around the wetland margins and flitting amongst the pine and native trees are North Island fantail, grey warbler and silvereye.

The Big Tree

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Tuakau

There is beautiful native bush On our property with large trees and a creek. We are close to Auckland and Auckland airport. The ideal spot for the start of your holiday or the last night of your trip. Camper toilet disposal facilities just around the corner. Great bars and restaurants in walking distance..

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Pats Place - Te Ngaere Bay

1 site · Tent1 acre · Kaeo

Available is a sheltered flat grass section near a stunning beach. It is sheltered from the wind yet only a 60m stroll to the beach. Take your morning coffee or evening wine to the beach (like I do). Lot's of fun nature hikes in the area, eg Mahineapua Track, Whangaroa Harbour. Nearby is Matauri Bay reknowned for it's great surf, or Kauri Cliffs Golf Resort.

Slobadogavich Acres

1 site · RV4 acres

Situated only 15 minutes from Raglan and about the same to the blissful and barely known about Aotea Harbour, keep going and in only 35 minutes you find yourself in Kawhia, another gorgeous harbour and also boasts it's own hot water beach, where at low tide you can just dig a hole and create your own spa pool - choose the right day and enjoy a spectacular and unforgettable sunset. Not forgetting of course the renowned Bridal Veil Falls, only 2km further up the road from this property. With the local social club directly across the road, you have the choice of peace and tranquility or a little socialising and getting to know the locals - with the possibility of being let in on further (lesser known and undiscovered) attractions which, believe me exist - but are accessable by permission only. With it's close proximity to Raglan and all that it beholds, it's a great place to park up away from the hustle and bustle (and the free camping Nazis, lol) take a breath and plan your next move. Stay a night or a week, I promise you that the longer you stay the more welcome you will feel - and be...

Saved 3 times

The Nest @ The Barn Cabins and Camp

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Marahau

Harmse Homestead

2 sites · Tents1 acre · Kimbolton

Enjoy watching dairy cows grazing peacefully, stunning sunsets and breathtaking stargazing. So many free hiking sites in the area. Glow worm cave nearby only few minutes away and absolutely free. Wild turkeys, peacocks, rabbits, occasional deer visiting from time to time and also a lot of sheeps around the property.

Saved 1 time

Waikato Highlands

6 sites · Tents35 acres · Huntly

Scottish Highland breeding Farm in the middle of north Waikato. Surrounded of Farms and Forests. You will wake up in the middle of the Nature surrounded of Cattle. Farm experience included in the stay. See the sunset over the Waikato and enjoy the sound of native Birds. Cuddle the horses and play with the donkeys

Saved 2 times

James' place

10 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Whangarei

55 Acres, half native bush, half pasture. Beautiful views over harbour. Small creek. Bush walks. Bike riding. About 10 mins drive to Whangarei. On the road to Smugglers Cove and Ocean's beach. We have a range of sites each with their own advantages. Some have better views of harbour and sunsets, others are more protected from the weather. Some are easier to get to, some are close to the main house. There is a large historical Pa (Maori fortified hill top) near by.

Beach Front Paradise

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres

Beautiful beach front, with lots to do or a great spot to relax in nature. White Island and Whale island located off shore is definitely a site to sea on the golden hour sunset. Motu trail bike track directly infront of property so if you love to bike this is perfect for you. Surfing and swimming is very popular, or long walks along the beach! Fishing is a must! So bring your gear along. An untouched slice of paradise that you can’t bet, fresh sea breeze and fresh air!

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Belfast orchard

1 site · RV, Tent16 acres · Whangarei

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

TItoki Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Whangarei

Great view over Mangakahia River including long 6 span bridge. Private and peaceful on road to Kaikohe. 15lms west of Maungatapere. Several camping sites on 4 acres. Rustic rural property with protected birdlife. River walks and eeling available. 30 minutes by car from Whangarei and 2 minutes to Titoki General Store. Limited fresh water available. Easy access.

Available this weekend

Slobadogavich Acres

1 site · RV4 acres

Situated only 15 minutes from Raglan and about the same to the blissful and barely known about Aotea Harbour, keep going and in only 35 minutes you find yourself in Kawhia, another gorgeous harbour and also boasts it's own hot water beach, where at low tide you can just dig a hole and create your own spa pool - choose the right day and enjoy a spectacular and unforgettable sunset. Not forgetting of course the renowned Bridal Veil Falls, only 2km further up the road from this property. With the local social club directly across the road, you have the choice of peace and tranquility or a little socialising and getting to know the locals - with the possibility of being let in on further (lesser known and undiscovered) attractions which, believe me exist - but are accessable by permission only. With it's close proximity to Raglan and all that it beholds, it's a great place to park up away from the hustle and bustle (and the free camping Nazis, lol) take a breath and plan your next move. Stay a night or a week, I promise you that the longer you stay the more welcome you will feel - and be...

The Big Tree

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Tuakau

There is beautiful native bush On our property with large trees and a creek. We are close to Auckland and Auckland airport. The ideal spot for the start of your holiday or the last night of your trip. Camper toilet disposal facilities just around the corner. Great bars and restaurants in walking distance..

Hubbys retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Morrinsville

300 acre dairy farm with views right across the Waikato. Glow worms and a beautiful wetland and native bush patches. Loads of things to do or just a very quiet time for you. Very handy to great bush walks and only 20 mins away is the Hauraki rail trail karangahake gorge where the cycle trstarts

Pats Place - Te Ngaere Bay

1 site · Tent1 acre · Kaeo

Available is a sheltered flat grass section near a stunning beach. It is sheltered from the wind yet only a 60m stroll to the beach. Take your morning coffee or evening wine to the beach (like I do). Lot's of fun nature hikes in the area, eg Mahineapua Track, Whangaroa Harbour. Nearby is Matauri Bay reknowned for it's great surf, or Kauri Cliffs Golf Resort.

Harmse Homestead

2 sites · Tents1 acre · Kimbolton

Enjoy watching dairy cows grazing peacefully, stunning sunsets and breathtaking stargazing. So many free hiking sites in the area. Glow worm cave nearby only few minutes away and absolutely free. Wild turkeys, peacocks, rabbits, occasional deer visiting from time to time and also a lot of sheeps around the property.

Dog-friendly camping in New Zealand guide

Overview

Ask a Kiwi what defines New Zealand (Aotearoa), and you'll get markedly different answers depending on where they hail from—even if they only grew up hours apart. That may be because New Zealand crams diverse landscapes and experiences into its 268,021 square kilometres. You can sleep at Māori maraes, park your campervan at the foot of active volcanoes, unroll your sleeping bag metres from the sea or deep in the rainforest, or pitch a tent at the foot of snow-capped mountains. Kiwis love road trips thanks to an extensive network of frontcountry, backcountry, and even urban camping areas. Freedom camping in New Zealand is also widespread, with free camping sites sometimes even equipped with flush toilets and hot showers. Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites and holiday parks can be found in even the most remote corners of the country, while local hosts are among the most welcoming you’ll find anywhere in the world.

Where to go

Northland (North Island)

This stretch of land north of Auckland is the birthplace of both Māoridom and modern New Zealand. Campsites in the Bay of Islands offer modern amenities and services, while seaside sites in the relatively unpopulated Far North region do justice to the phrase "winterless north."

Waikato (North Island)

Just south of Auckland, Waikato may be known for its cows, but this is also where you'll find some of the most dynamic camping in the region, including riverbanks and caves lit up at night with glowworms, surf beaches, and the bays and inlets of the Coromandel.

Bay of Plenty & Hawke's Bay (North Island)

Kiwifruits, wineries, and seafood are just part of what makes these two regions so plentiful. In addition to beachfront camping sites, you'll also find farm stays and further inland, camping among the misty mountain peaks of Te Urewera or beside the steaming geysers at Rotorua.

Ruapehu (North Island)

Within the volcanic heart of the North Island, the Ruapehu region also marks the start Whanganui River, with its headwaters in Tongariro National Park. Lava flows have defined this landscape, yet you can also park your motorhome among lush green rainforest.

Tasman/Nelson & Marlborough (South Island)

After a ferry ride from Wellington, you'll arrive to the northern end of the South Island, where these Tasman and Marlborough are known for their gold-hued beaches (especially in the aptly named Golden Bay and Abel Tasman National Park), plus kayaking, wineries, endless coastline, and native bush.

West Coast (South Island)

New Zealand's West Coast is known for being both wild and wet. It lives up to both descriptions, but it isn't all rain and gloom. Here, you'll find glaciers that nearly touch the sea, native rainforest, windswept beaches, and some of the country's most remote campsites.

Canterbury (South Island)

From the turquoise lakes of Mackenzie Country and the snow-capped peaks of Arthur's Pass to the braided rivers that cross the plains, Canterbury is as big as it is diverse. Want to camp beachside, riverside, oceanside, mountainside, lakeside, or even cityside in Christchurch? Find it all in Canterbury.

Otago (South Island)

Otago's urban centre of Queenstown is known for hustle and bustle, but it's easy to find yourself totally immersed in wilderness after just a short drive. With massive lakes, rushing rivers, and high mountain peaks, there's no shortage of adventure or camping grounds in the country's adrenaline capital.

Fiordland & Stewart Island (South Island)

Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand's most remote regions—yet it's also one of the most visited. The postcard-perfect Milford Sound is what lures many here, but for those who have time to camp for a few nights, it offers unparalleled wilderness opportunities starting from Te Anau.