Discover the best waterfall campgrounds in New Zealand

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Popular camping styles for New Zealand

3 top waterfall campgrounds in New Zealand

Under $50

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(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

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.

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'.

Waterfall 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.