River, stream, or creek camping in New Zealand

From Māori maraes to volcanic landscapes, New Zealand offers some of the most diverse camping in the world.

100% (27 reviews)
100% (27 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New Zealand

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds in New Zealand

96%
(26)

Brackenthwaite

5 sites · RVs, Tents800 acres · Te Kuiti
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.
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from 
NZ$12
 / night
100%
(2)

Dominic E.’s Land

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres
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
from 
NZ$20
 / night

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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from 
NZ$25
 / night
100%
(3)

Blue Spur Farmstay Hokitika

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres
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. • Add in a firewood bundle. Bring matches, paper and your marshmallows!
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from 
NZ$49
 / night
Saved 1 time

Terako Downs POP

20 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Waiau
Creatives at heart, Debbie and Frits both love the arts. They love listening to music, collecting vintage pieces (both clothing and artefacts that you can view in their museum!) & hosting dinner parties and events. Their idea for opening Terako Downs was born from their love of sharing. Coming out of owning a business in Dunedin, they felt it a shame not to share their artefacts and the beauty of the property. And they also wanted to be able to pay for the lawn mowing guy.
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NZ$20
 / night
100%
(3)

Hideaway Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres
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
from 
NZ$20
 / night

Tapapa Station

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Tirau
Small lifestyle block conveniently located on the outskirts of Tirau. Camping is available for self-contained caravans, tents, horse trucks and motorhomes. Access to water is available. Unfortunately, can’t accommodate dogs but guests are welcome to bring their horses for an additional $10 per horse. Please bring standards and tapes as you will be camping in the same paddock as your equine friends. Horse friendly hay can be purchased onsite. The famous Blue Springs are close by and there are lovely hiking, walking and biking treks in the area. A 35 minute drive will take you to Cambridge and Rotorua. Matamata is a 20 minute commute and the beautiful Kaimai ranges are not too far away either- lots to see and do around here. Please note: check in time can be flexible so just enquire to finalise if you would like to check in before 4pm.
Potable water
from 
NZ$40
 / night

Mirar Farm

1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Te Kuiti
We farm 100 acres of rolling to steep land and breed Hereford cattle. In our spare time we enjoy fishing and travelling. The property has beautiful views of the harbour and ocean. One day we will build a Bach but in the meantime you need to be fully self contained to park with the views or willing to pitch a tent at the bottom of the farm where there is a very basic toilet option. It’s a nice hike down to the tent site but we can deliver your equipment by quad bike.
Campfires
from 
NZ$30
 / night
Saved 1 time

Valley Farm

15 sites · Tents400 acres · Hikurangi
Valley Farm is a magical valley of river flats, and bush clad hills, 35mins north east of Whangārei in the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. Spread over 400acres of pristine bush, high pasture and valley floor the main camping sites have access to hot showers, flush toilets, laundry and basic cooking facilities Whether you want to pitch a tent, park a sleeping van, or a fully self contained motorhome, the environment with it's natural beauty and babbling streams will make you relax and unwind. There are also a couple of off-grid secluded cabins if you want to enjoy a time of solitude to think, write, read or just relax. Bushwalks criss-cross the property if you are into hiking, and it is also a perfect stopover if you are doing New Zealand's version of the Camino, the Te Araroa Trail. This brings you to the high plateaus of the property from the coast, with stunning views out to the Poor Knights Islands and all the way down to Whangārei Heads. As a working farm we ask that you respect any livestock, leave gates as you find them, and take responsibility for your own wellbeing around hiking tracks, streams and waterfalls. We operate as much as possible in harmony with the planet, i.e. no toxic chemicals, and zero waste, so please support our kaupapa and 'leave no trace except for footprints'.
Potable water
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from 
NZ$25
 / night

Dream Weavers Farm

4 sites · RVs20 acres · Kawakawa
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
from 
NZ$25
 / night
Booked 2 times

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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from 
NZ$40
 / night
Booked 1 time

Nature's Haven

3 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Tuakau
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.
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Potable water
from 
NZ$30
 / night
Value Prop
Value Prop

River, stream, or creek 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.

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