The Lake Waikaremoana track (located in the south-west corner of the 212,673 hectare Te Urewera National Park) is a 46 kilometre 3 to 4 day tramping track which follows the shore of the lake for most of its length. It is one of a network of great walks managed by DOC throughout New Zealand. Before you go you must book huts and campsites for everyone who is intending to do the walk. This includes those children and young people under 18 years who do not have to pay fees. Find out about fees and bookings. The walk traverses a range of terrain with many types of vegetation from the montane beech forest of the Panekire Bluffs to dense rainforest. Podocarp mixed broadleaf forest is dominant in many areas. Bird life in the area is abundant. A moderate tramp, with magnificent scenery and plenty of opportunity for swimming and fishing ensure the walk is well used throughout the year.

Number of tent sites - 60 Once a dairy farm, this campsite is in the north of the park by Waimana river. There are numerous walks into the spectacular forest nearby.

Pouawa Beach is located approximately 18km from Gisborne city. There is good swimming, fishing and diving.

Another camping area runs about 2km along the seafront under similar conditions to Waihau Beach. You can camp among the undulating sand dunes. Bring everything, including a chemical toilet. Very popular and busy in summer.

This is a restricted seasonal camping area, permit required.

Due to bad weather at the end of Match 2022, this camp is currently closed. If you wish to travel to this camp, contact the Gisbourne District Council to check the camp is open. Phone us (+64 06) 867 2049 or freephone 0800 653 800 any time, day or night - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Turihaua Beach is located approximately 16km from Gisborne city. The camping area is either side of the bridge. Good swimming and fishing.

Summer camping at Turihaua Beach is for a limited period only - from 26 December to 1 February.
Permit and fee required

No overnight camping allowed between 2 February to 25 December.

A smart, holiday complex with direct access to the beautiful Waikanae Beach
and just a few minutes stroll to Gisborne shops. This is a large camp with
133 powered sites. It can be intensely camped at times. Sites are level, with
some enjoying a shady aspect. The grounds are securely fenced and hedged
around the perimeter. There are open spaces for volleyball and an electric
BBQ area is a popular get-together spot. The amenities blocks function
well, with plentiful hot water and vanity areas in the ablutions. The large kitchen and laundry are well-equipped with appliances (bring own pots) Hire
a racquet and enjoy a game of tennis on the seaside courts with spectacular
views across to the white cliffs of Young Nicks Head or hire some wheels and
bike around the waterfront. Theres a kids play area, TV/games room too and
holiday entertainment may be offered in the summer. No pets please. A
dump station is provided. All sites are powered, from $18 to $25 per person.
Seasonal rates apply.

On SHwy 2, halfway between Gisborne and Opotiki, youll find a pleasant
campsite in the heart of the tiny town of Matawai. Look carefully for the
grassy camp area opposite the public toilets. An ideal stopover spot, there is
plenty of all-weather parking and turning space for large vehicles, boaties and
horse floats in the sealed yard beside the camp. The camping area enjoys
lovely rural views and has trees on the perimeter and a creek at the rear. The
smart amenities include a small homely kitchen with stove, fridge and rustic
built-in timber table and seats, plus a couch and a covered verandah. Across
the road are a country pub, squash and tennis courts. Explore the Waioeka
Gorge from here or take the old narrow coach road (Motu Road) to Opotiki.
Trout fishing and mountain biking are also popular activities in this area. Your
friendly hosts, ask you to book in advance. Tent sites are $15 per
person. Seasonal rates apply.

Kaiaua Beach is 60km from Gisborne. The beach is 6km from the state highway turn-off.
Excellent beach for fishing and swimming.

Freedom camping

Freedom camping is only allowed outside of the daylight saving period - between Easter weekend to the start of daylight savings. See the freedom camping information

Camping is allowed only within the designated camping area.

Maximum stay is 3 nights over any 30 day period.

Please take your waste to the disposal points.

For more information read the Freedom Camping Bylaw

Tolaga Bay is an interesting area, steeped in history. The huge wharf beside
the camp was built in the 1920s and is said to be the longest concrete pier in
the southern hemisphere. Just south of the township, the camp has great sea
views and spectacular limestone bluffs. A big camp, it has 50 powered sites
and 100 tent sites spread across open grounds, a few shady sites can be found
around the perimeter. A mini-shop is open from December to the end of
February. The facilities are bright, clean and well maintained. There are two
separate ablution blocks providing great showers complete with piped music!
There is also a disabled access suite. The kitchen is clean with a ranchslider
leading to outside dining and BBQ area. There is an automatic laundry and
childrens playground. No pets here please. The car & boat wash and dump
point are for campers only. Your hosts are Mike and Trina Brooker. A tent site
costs $16 per person and a powered site, $18. per person with children aged
3 to 13 years costing $10.

This camp is part of the Gisborne Showgrounds on the southern approach to the city. Situated next to an 18-hole golf course, on 40 hectares of rural tranquillity, the 50 powered sites are large with ample room for even the largest motorhomes (dump station provided). The modern amenities block is kept spic and span. The kitchen has drink vending machines, electric and gas cooking, fridges and microwaves. Relax next door in the large dining area and lounge with TVs. Smart, modern, coin-operated showers, toilet and laundry are provided with facilities for disabled access. The camp is five minutes from Gisborne City and the beaches. Peak season rates apply.

(a) Off SH43 near Te Puia Springs, follow signs to Waipiro Bay. On the beachfront below the marae and historic church, is a flat grassy freedom camping area beside beautiful sandy safe beach. There are toilets (for day visitors) and shady Norfolk pines. (b) From Waipiro Bay township, follow McIlroy Road 1km to the beach for freedom camping on flat grassy sites beside the beach. Good fishing. Chemical waste disposal provided.