The Best Places to Go Camping in New Zealand

New Zealand is a naturally beautiful country with campsites close to beaches, mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests (as well as cities if that's what you're looking for!).

Many travelers enjoy taking a New Zealand tour by car or camper in New Zealand) as this gives them the freedom to take detours to any number of sights off the main roads.

You'll find many remote campsites that are suitable for independent vehicles with on-board restrooms, as well as better-equipped holiday parks with full facilities close to cities.

If you plan to visit national parks or go on multi-day hikes, Department of Conservation (DOC) campgrounds and cabins are often the only options, as private accommodation is prohibited or severely limited in national parks.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about What are the Best Free Campsites in New Zealand

Source: NZ Pocket Guide

Camping in New Zealand is also a great way to save money, especially on a tent (motorhomes are very expensive to rent and run).

New Zealand is a very expensive country to travel to, with higher prices for food, fuel, and accommodation than you would be used to at home.

If you're on a budget and traveling during the warmer months, camping makes sense as a cost-saving measure. It is also fun!

These are the best places to camp in New Zealand!

1. Bream Bay

Located roughly halfway between Auckland and the popular Bay of Islands, and just south of Whangarei, Bream Bay is a 13-mile stretch of sand with several beaches along its length.

A private camp in Waipu Cove and a DOC in Uretiti are very busy during the summer school holidays and book months in advance, but if you come outside of the high season, chances are you will find almost empty beaches.

Swimming, surfing, fishing, and boating can be enjoyed while camping at Bream Bay, and you can take trips to the towns of Waipu and Ruakaka for supplies.

2. Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula rises to the northeast of the North Island and runs parallel to Auckland.

The interior is covered by the mountains and forests of Coromandel Forest Park, while the surrounding beaches attract visitors from all over the country, but particularly from Auckland.

Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach are very popular and can get crowded in high season, but should not be missed.

The towns of Thames, Coromandel, Whitianga, Pauanui, and Whangamata are good bases for exploring the peninsula and have several well-equipped holiday parks.

3. Karikari Peninsula

The Karikari Peninsula at the northern tip of Northland is a great alternative to the more developed Bay of Islands to the south, offering stunning arches of white sand and warm waters reminiscent of a tropical Pacific island. Maitai Bay and Tokerau Beach are particularly protected and have several campsites along with them.

Like many Northland seaside locations, the area is lively in the high season of the summer school holidays, but much less crowded at other times of the year.

Due to Northland's subtropical climate, the weather and seas warm in mid-summer.

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