The best camping in New Zealand

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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.

96% (133) 3,201 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in New Zealand

River Bends

1. River Bends

99%
(110)
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
Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

2. Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

100%
(11)
Queenstown · 120 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hampshire Holiday Parks – Queenstown Lakeview offers one of the most centrally located camping bases in Queenstown, with Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Mall and the town centre all within easy walking distance. The camping area caters to campervans, motorhomes, caravans and tents, making it particularly convenient for road trippers who want to park up and explore Queenstown on foot. An important consideration for self-contained vehicles is that sullage disposal is not available directly at the powered, deluxe powered or unpowered sites. Guests should therefore plan their grey-water management accordingly and use appropriate designated disposal facilities. Standard powered sites are compact at approximately 5–5.5 metres wide by 8 metres long and are designed for one campervan or motorhome. BBQ facilities are also available. Free unlimited WiFi is available for guests staying in rooms, with WiFi also available throughout the camping area.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Driftaway Queenstown

3. Driftaway Queenstown

100%
(10)
Queenstown · 111 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Set right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Driftaway Queenstown offers a fresh, modern take on holiday-park stays — architectural cabins, a standout Facility Hub, and spacious sites all designed to elevate your stay. Guests will appreciate the wide, level sites, easy access for larger vehicles, and the option to book one of the spectacular lakeview powered sites for extraordinary outlooks over the water. Whether you’re pitching a tent, parking up the caravan or settling into a stylish cabin, you’ll find the same sense of space, quality and care throughout the park. The two-storey Facility Hub brings resort-level convenience to your stay. Upstairs, a 'MasterChef-style' kitchen, luxurious bathrooms, and a light-filled dining area create a welcoming space to cook, relax, and connect. Downstairs, you’ll find a TV lounge, an indoor games room, and a card-operated laundry, with an elevator connecting both floors for easy access. Close to Queenstown’s iconic activities yet tucked away in an idyllic lakeside setting, Driftaway Queenstown is a premium base where comfort, design and natural beauty comes together.
Toilets
Showers
Full hookups
Beach Front Paradise

4. Beach Front Paradise

100%
(1)
Waiotahe, BOP · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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! Please message before booking and if you have any questions just txt or email. Thanks 0277220509 Price -$25 for two people (1 vehicle) per night -Extra people $10per person, $5 per child
Pets
Potable water
Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park

5. Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park

100%
(11)
Fox Glacier · 175 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a scenic Glacier Country base for campervans, caravans, RVs and tent campers, set across spacious grounds with views towards the Southern Alps. The park offers all-weather powered sites, premium powered sites, EV powered sites, hard-surface unpowered sites for vans and caravans, and grass unpowered sites specifically for tents. Powered sites are set on flat ground with a mixture of hard surfaces and grass and cater to campervans, caravans, vans and long-wheelbase vehicles. Guests have access to modern shared bathrooms with underfloor heating and free hot showers, large communal kitchens, a dining area with wood burner, free gas BBQs and a 24-hour guest laundry. Guests can also enjoy the playground and games room. Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout the park, along with a 24-hour guest laundry, secure storage for bags and bikes, fun bike hire and e-bike hire.
Toilets
Showers
Full hookups
Hubbys retreat

6. Hubbys retreat

100%
(5)
Morrinsville · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Hampshire Holiday Parks - Glendhu Bay

7. Hampshire Holiday Parks - Glendhu Bay

89%
(14)
Wānaka · 420 sites · RVs, Lodging
Hampshire Holiday Parks – Glendhu Bay offers an exceptional lakefront camping experience on the shores of Lake Wānaka, with powered, unpowered and waterfront sites surrounded by mountain scenery. Site options cater to tents and caravans, including spacious grassy powered sites and waterfront powered and unpowered areas with direct views across the lake. Guests also have access to shared bathroom facilities with toilets and fee-based showers, along with laundry facilities, BBQs and other shared park amenities. Pets are welcome on selected camping sites outside the peak period from 20 December through Waitangi Weekend. Powered sites provide electricity, while waterfront options place guests close to the water’s edge for easy access to swimming, paddling, boating and other lake activities. Guests also have access to a playground, jumping pillow, onsite dining, boat ramp and boat parking. The park also offers free unlimited WiFi, a boat ramp and boat parking, making it a great choice for guests looking to enjoy boating, fishing and other activities on the lake.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Blue Spur Farmstay Hokitika

8. 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!
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Off grid camping with mountain view

9. Off grid camping with mountain view

100%
(1)
New Plymouth · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
We have the front of our section in Okato, Taranaki available for off grid camping. Okato is 17 mins drive from New Plymouth and the land is flat, with beautiful views of Mt Taranaki, Kaitake ranges and distant sea views. We are less than 2 minutes drive to centre of Okato village, Surf Highway and Stony River walkways. 7 minutes drive to Pitone or Okato beaches. In terms of eating out, coffee and shops - there is The Okato Bar and Restaurant Silver Snapper fish & chips, Lahar coffee & food, Downtown coffee, En Route Coffee van. Four Square/post office, barbers, kids playground and skate park. Okato is 10 mins drive from Oakura with a stunning beach and many eateries. Our house is towards the back of the property, with front paddock space available. **Note no toilet available nor currently power or water
Pets
Hampshire Holidays Parks Arrowtown

10. Hampshire Holidays Parks Arrowtown

100%
(11)
Arrowtown · 171 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hampshire Holiday Parks – Arrowtown offers a peaceful camping base surrounded by the mountain scenery of the Queenstown Lakes region, within easy walking distance of historic Arrowtown. The park offers powered and unpowered sites for caravans, campervans, motorhomes and tents, making it a convenient option for road trippers looking to explore Arrowtown, Queenstown and the surrounding region. Guests have access to shared bathrooms and hot showers, communal kitchen facilities, BBQs and guest laundry, along with a dump station for self-contained vehicles. The park’s location is a major advantage for road trippers: once set up, guests can leave the vehicle behind and walk into Arrowtown to explore its cafés, restaurants, shops, heritage buildings and riverside trails. Guests can also enjoy the playground and tennis court, while pedal-kart hire is available. Complimentary WiFi, laundry facilities and free parking are also available for added convenience during your stay.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park

11. Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park

100%
(10)
Queenstown · 74 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a peaceful alpine base for campervan, motorhome, caravan and tent travellers in Arthurs Point, just minutes from central Queenstown. The park has a useful mix of campervan-only powered sites, caravan-only powered sites, grass powered sites and unpowered grass sites, allowing travellers to choose a product that better suits their actual setup rather than booking one generic site type. Campers have access to modern bathrooms with underfloor heating and free hot showers, a well-equipped communal kitchen, spacious dining area with a wood burner, free gas BBQs and laundry facilities. Campervan-only powered sites are designed for campervans and motorhomes, while separate caravan-only sites cater specifically to towing setups. Guests can also enjoy the playground and jumping pillow. Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout the park, while e-bikes are also available for hire.
Toilets
Showers
Full hookups
Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park

12. Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park

100%
(10)
Kaikōura · 121 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a well-equipped base for campervan, caravan and camping travellers wanting to explore one of New Zealand's most spectacular coastal destinations. The park offers a particularly flexible range of camping products, including powered grass sites, powered gravel sites, powered tent sites and unpowered sites, allowing guests to choose a setup that suits both their vehicle and camping style. A dump station is available within the park, along with rubbish and recycling facilities. Kaikōura town centre is only around 500 metres away, so guests can leave the campervan or caravan set up and walk into town for cafés, restaurants, shops and local services. Guests can also enjoy the swimming pool, playground and jumping pillow, while pedal-kart hire and BBQ facilities are available.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Crown Terrace Panorama

13. Crown Terrace Panorama

100%
(2)
Queenstown · 5 sites
Set high on Crown Terrace, our property offers a peaceful overnight stay with 360° mountain views of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Crown Peak. By night, enjoy a huge open sky filled with stars; by day, relax in shaded areas surrounded by alpine scenery. We’re ideally located — 15 minutes to Arrowtown, 25 minutes to Queenstown, 20 minutes to Cardrona, and just 20 minutes by bike to Arrowtown — offering privacy without feeling remote. Pets are welcome but must be sheep-safe, as we have livestock on the property. A beautiful, established vegetable garden adds to the rural charm. A quiet, scenic place to park, unwind, and wake up above it all. 🌌🏔️
Pets
Titta's Home

14. Titta's Home

Nelson · 1 site
Titta’s Home: Peaceful Private RV Spot in Sunny Nelson Welcome to Titta’s Home, a quiet and convenient place to park up and relax while exploring beautiful Nelson, New Zealand. Set in a peaceful residential setting with a private grassy area, this site offers a simple and comfortable stop for self-contained campers, caravans, camper trailers, cars, and rooftop tents. Enjoy your own private space with room to unwind after a day of exploring. The flat grass area provides an easy setup, with a peaceful outlook and views across the surrounding Nelson landscape. Whether you’re passing through or staying a little longer, this is a great base to rest, recharge, and enjoy the sunshine Nelson is known for. Located close to the attractions, shops, and outdoor adventures of Nelson, you’ll have easy access to beaches, walking trails, cycling routes, and local experiences while still enjoying a quiet place to return to. What You’ll Love: • Private grassy RV/camping area • Suitable for self-contained campers, caravans, camper trailers, cars, and rooftop tents • Flat grass surface with easy access • Pet-friendly • Wheelchair accessible • Maximum 4 guests • Maximum 3 vehicles • 2WD accessible • Bins available (compost, recycling, and rubbish) Please note: • No toilet facilities are available — campers must bring their own camp toilet • No campfires permitted • Suitable for vehicles under 4 metres • No motorhomes or fifth wheels Whether you’re exploring Nelson’s scenic surroundings or simply need a peaceful place to stop for the night, Titta’s Home offers a welcoming and convenient stay.
Pets
Manaia Valley Farm

15. Manaia Valley Farm

100%
(4)
Whangarei · 1 site · Tent, RV
Hi Hipcampers! Manaia Valley Farm is nestled below the stunning Mt Manaia, Whangarei Heads. Our 20 acres is just 600m from Ocean Beach, perfect for surfing and swimming. If you prefer a gentle float in calm waters, Taurikura beach is just a 5 min drive away. There are heaps of fantastic hikes in the vicinity if that's your thing. We have space for campervans/caravans/tenters, and a flush toilet near the camping site. Come enjoy some of the most stunning sunsets Northland has to offer!
Toilets
Potable water
Clearbrook Farm

16. Clearbrook Farm

5 sites
Escape to our quiet family farm in the heart of the Waikato countryside 🌿 We are located only 1 km from Blue Spring (Te Waihou Walkway), one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural springs and a must-visit walking spot. Conveniently located between Cambridge and Rotorua our farm is the perfect peaceful stopover while exploring the North Island. Wake up to birdsong, rolling green paddocks, and wide open skies. In the evening, enjoy a cozy firepit, and the gentle sounds of a stream running through the property. 🚐 The Camper Site Flat grassy area suitable for self-contained campervans Easy access for larger vehicles Spacious and private setting Fresh spring water available for guests 💧 Rubbish bin provided At this stage we host self-contained vehicles only. 🐓 Farm Animals & Eggs We are a working family farm and love sharing a slice of rural New Zealand life. Guests may: Meet our friendly chickens and farm animals Purchase fresh free-range farm eggs 🥚 🍓 Seasonal Fruit & Berries Depending on the season, guests are welcome to enjoy fruit and berries from our trees and garden. Picking fresh produce straight from the farm is a simple pleasure many of our guests love. 🐕 Working Dogs in Action Watch our trained farm dogs help manage sheep and cattle during normal farm work. It’s a fascinating glimpse into everyday New Zealand farm life. For safety, guests observe from a distance while work is taking place. Please note: Guest pets are not permitted. 🔥 Evenings on the Farm Relax by our firepit on calm evenings. Firewood is available as an optional add-on. Perfect for unwinding under the stars while listening to the stream and farm life around you. 🌊 Stream & Natural Beauty A small stream runs through our property, adding to the peaceful rural atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the natural surroundings and calming sounds of flowing water. Children must be supervised near the stream, as this is a natural farm environment. 📍 Nearby Highlights We’re close to: Blue Spring (Te Waihou Walkway) Hobbiton Movie Set Lake Karapiro Cafés and boutique shops in Cambridge Whether traveling north or south, our farm offers a quiet and authentic countryside break between adventures. We look forward to welcoming you to our little corner of Waikato.
Terako Downs POP

17. Terako Downs POP

100%
(2)
Waiau · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
Hampshire Holiday Parks - Wanaka

18. Hampshire Holiday Parks - Wanaka

100%
(12)
Wānaka · 234 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hampshire Holiday Parks – Wānaka offers a convenient camping base close to Lake Wānaka and the town centre, with powered and unpowered options suited to travellers exploring the region by tent, campervan or caravan. The powered sites are spacious enough for tents, campervans and caravans of all sizes, with a choice of shady or sunnier positions throughout the park. A particularly important point for caravan and motorhome travellers is that sullage disposal is not available at the individual powered or unpowered sites. Powered sites include access to electricity and are located close to communal facilities. The park also offers level grassy unpowered sites, including dedicated small-tent areas for walkers and cyclists travelling without a vehicle. Guests also have access to a playground, jumping pillow, camp kitchen and BBQ facilities. Free unlimited WiFi is available throughout the park, while bike storage and practical facilities for campers make it easy to settle in and enjoy your stay.
Toilets
Showers
Full hookups
Hanmer Springs Top 10 Holiday Park

19. Hanmer Springs Top 10 Holiday Park

Hanmer Springs · 138 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a comfortable base for caravanners, motorhome travellers and campers exploring the alpine village of Hanmer Springs and the surrounding Canterbury high country. Powered and non-powered camping options cater to a range of setups, from tents and campervans to caravans and motorhomes. Campers have access to well-equipped communal kitchens, BBQ areas, shared bathrooms and showers, family bathrooms and guest laundry facilities. A dump station is available for self-contained vehicles, while the park also offers EV charging and car-wash facilities — useful additions for travellers spending longer periods on the road. Families can make use of the playground and recreation facilities, while communal areas including the TV room provide somewhere to relax away from the campsite. Guests can also enjoy the jumping pillow. The park also offers complimentary BBQs and pizza ovens, communal kitchens, a TV room, family bathroom facilities, complimentary WiFi and a tour booking desk.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

20. Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

100%
(11)
Whitianga · 366 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a relaxed Coromandel camping base just a short walk from the world-famous Hot Water Beach. With powered and unpowered options for caravans, campervans, motorhomes and tents, the park is well suited to road trippers wanting to stay close to the beach while retaining access to comprehensive holiday park facilities. Campers have access to communal kitchens and dining areas, BBQ facilities, shared bathrooms and hot showers, guest laundry and facilities for self-contained vehicles. Once parked and set up, travellers can walk to Hot Water Beach to dig their own naturally heated beach pool at low tide, while Cathedral Cove and other Coromandel beaches, walks and coastal attractions are within easy reach. Guests can also enjoy the swimming pool and playground, while EV charging is available for electric vehicles.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups

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New Zealand camping guide

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.

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

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