Stay at New Zealand's most northern campsite and experience the scenic wonders of Tapotupotu, from lush forest to breaking surf and breath-taking views.

Camp with the beach at your doorstep, and awaken to the sweet sound of white water breaking on the sand. Tapotupotu is the perfect place to relax, enjoy and explore the great Far North.

The upgraded coastal walkway and bridge link Tapotupotu to Kapowairua as part of the four-day Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) walkway.

With a stunning white sandy beach right on your doorstep, Rarawa is your own “slice of Far North paradise” so come relax and enjoy.

Camp in a picturesque setting between the beach (5 min walk) and hills of the Aupouri Peninsula north of Kaitaia. A perfect place for fishing, swimming and walking.

With lush forests in close range and sandy beaches right on your doorstep, Kapowairua is a place to relax, enjoy and explore the great outdoors.

Privacy in an unspoiled setting, but you will have to travel about 16km of
rough road to this self-registration campsite. Beside the eastern edge of
the Puketi Forest, it is close to some spectacular Kauri forest. The campsite
(capacity 50 people) is an ideal base from which to explore the forest, with its network of tracks and walks. There are wheelchair-access toilets, cold-water
taps, fireplaces and wood provided at the campsite. No pets please. All sites
are $10 per adult.

Camp on the outer Karikari Peninsula in a sheltered bay with campsites nestled amongst beautiful pohutukawa trees.

This is a popular place for families and boaties. Walk around the coast or relax on the picturesque white sandy beach.

Fees

An ideal chance to escape to an island for a camping holiday. Indico, Paradise
and Otehei Bays are set aside for day visitors. At Otehei Bay you will find
an open-air restaurant. Campers can stay only at Cable Bay (31 sites) and
Urupukapuka Bay. Camping is on a self-registration basis for Urupukapuka
Bay, with a warden on site over summer for both bays. Drinking water and cold showers are at both sites. Campers need to be completely self-sufficient
and bring a portable toilet screen and a supply of biological (not chemical)
additives. They also need to remove all their rubbish from the island.
No pets or open fires please. Please leave farm gates as you find them.
Campers need to make their own arrangements for transport. Boats leave
for Urupukapuka Island from Paihia and Russell daily. Price per adult is $10.

Camp beside a sandy beach among pōhutukawa trees. A great spot for water activities.

Seasonal restrictions

This is a scenic campsite in the Whangarei area. Camp behind the sand dunes of Uretiti Beach.

There are 300 non-powered/tent sites.

• Facilities

  • Hot showers are $2 coin-operated.
  • Camp office hours are 8:30 am – 9:00 pm. Contact Uretiti campsite on +64 9 432 1051.
  • Camp gates and barrier arms are locked from 9:00 pm – 7:00 am.
  • Camp hosts are on-site all year.

Seasonal restrictions

Fees

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/waipu-area/things-to-do/uretiti-beach-campsite/

An island sanctuary for native flora and fauna, the camp is near a Māori historic site and early European settlement.

The campsite is located on State Highway 1 at the northern foot of Raetea
Forest (Mangamuka Gorge)18 km, south-east of Kaitaia along S Hwy 1 towards
Mangataiore. Look for ‘Raetea Reserve’ sign and follow the short gravel drive
beyond the stream ford. Just 20 free campsites set in one of the last remaining
lowland coastal forests. Look and listen for Kukupa or Kereru (wood pigeon),
short tailed bats and parakeets. Kauri snails are present here too.

Whangaruru camping ground is at Puriri Bay within the Whangaruru North
Head Scenic Reserve, and 2km past Bland Bay (unsealed). The area is very
attractive with sheltered waters. Enjoy walking, swimming, boating and other
water sports. The campground faces west, with 90 sites overlooking the
Whangaruru Harbour. Flat to gently sloping grounds have scattered native
plantings. Four toilet blocks are provided plus one enclosed and one open-air
cold shower. There is good filtered drinking water on site.  No pets or
fires please.

Fees from 1 July 2022

9 February to 25 December

• Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
• Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

26 December to 8 February

• Adult (18+ years): $18 per night
• Child (5–17 years): $9 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Overlooking Home Bay, the campsite is near the Reid Homestead built in 1901. A stroll up through regenerating bush to the Northern Junction (via the Rotary Centennial Loop Track) and you can explore various WWII military remains including the battery which defended Auckland's harbour.

Total campsite capacity: 262 people.

Campsite pods

The Home Bay campsite is divided into different areas called pods.

The following pods are on the seaward side of the road:

• Salty Sea Dogs (23 tent sites) at the northern end of the campground.
• Nest & Fledglings (13 tent sites) in the middle of the campground.
• Shore Birds (21 tent sites)
• Heritage Heights (8 tent sites)

The remaining pods are on the stream side of the road:

• The Colony (34 tent sites) at the southern end.
• Night Owls (21 tent sites) near the large pohutukawa tree.
• Sleepy Hollow (11 tent sites) adjacent to the northern Norski toilet.
• Early Birds (11 tent sites) at the northern end of the campground.

The Motuihe campsite is divided into five different areas, or 'pods': Confidence Site (3 tent sites), on the western side of the sealed road, 25m uphill from the toilet block. Parade Ground (28 tent sites), on the headland above wharf road. Follow the timber box steps 100m west of the toilet block. Captain Camping (8 tent sites), located at the end of the sealed road, uphill and to the left (325m). Puriri Ridge (5 tent sites), south of the sealed road amongst the puriri trees. Go uphill and around to the left (250m). Range Site (5 tent sites), south of the water tank tower. Go left off the sealed road (375m).

Akapoua Bay; Camp in a sheltered bay amongst beautiful pohutukawa trees. DOC office is next door and a wharf, shop, fuel depot and post office are nearby. This is a popular place for families and boaties. Shingle beach. Gateway to track network. A day walk to the impressive kauri dam and good fishing in the harbour.

Harataonga Number of tent sites - 60 Situated between two streams overlooking Overtons Beach, with shelter under mature trees. Surrounded by farmland and bush. Fishing, diving, snorkelling and swimming at the beach, a 300m walk from the campsite. Explore Maori historic sites and settler graves. Endangered bird species: pateke (brown teal), New Zealand dotterel, oyster catcher and banded rail. Please do not disturb, and take special care during nesting season.

Maximum number of people - 300 This is a spacious (5 ha) campsite beside the coast.  Good fishing and diving nearby.

This campground is Pack In Pack Out. There are no rubbish or recycling facilities for compost or food waste. A container with a sealed lid is recommended for your food scraps.

The closest refuse transfer station is 525 Hauraki Road, Coromandel Town. See Thames Coromandel District Council website (external site) for opening hours and other transfer stations.

Number of tent/caravan/motorhome sites - 113 Maximum number of people - 450 At the northern tip of the Peninsula, this campsite is at the waters edge next to a beach. Maori archaeological sites are nearby including middens and a wahi tapu (sacred) site. Explore the area by foot or relax on the beach.'

Situated on Great Barrier Island.

Set amongst remains of timber milling, kauri logging and whaling history, The Green is the smallest DOC campground on the . North of here is the entry to the track network and Forest Road (closed to vehicles), with foot access to the hot springs and Port Fitzroy to the north. Nearby Whangaparapara has a wharf and small community. The harbour and coastline are good for fishing and kayaking.

The Kauaeranga Valley has many campgrounds nestled beside the Kauaeranga River, which flows down from the Coromandel Ranges through the valley.

Camp in peaceful surroundings beneath pōhutukawa trees. A track with outstanding views leads to the bushline.

The campsite has:

• toilets
• cold showers
• 16 non-powered/tent sites

This campground is Pack In Pack Out. There are no rubbish or recycling facilities for compost or food waste. A container with a sealed lid is recommended for your food scraps.

Fees (effective March 2023)

Whangapoua Village is situated on the east coat of the Coromandel Peninsula, just 25 minutes drive over from the township of Coromandel and shares the same beautiful coastline as Matarangi, Whitianga, Opito bay, Kuaotunu and New Chums Beaches. The drive from Auckland is just 2 1/2 hours.

Fletcher Bay

Number of tent/non-powered - 60. Maximum number of people - 300.  Sites are selected by campers on a first-come, first-served basis.

This is a beach front campsite in a farm setting. Walk along the Coromandel Walkway to Stony Bay; an ideal location for water sports including swimming, boating, diving and fishing.

Fees (current as at March 2023)

Largest DOC camp in the country. Head north from Coromandel, then take Waikawau-Kennedy Bay Road. Here you’ll find relaxed, comfortable camping, adjacent to a sweeping, sandy beach. The beach is good for swimming, diving and fishing, and bush walking opportunities are nearby. North of the campsite are breeding grounds for the NZ dotterel and variable oystercatcher so please do not drive on the beaches. Facilities available are water from a tap, longdrop toilets, and cold shower Rubbish disposal at Walkaway Bay.

Fees

Awana Estuary is on the east coast of Great Barrier Island. Get there via the
Auckland car ferry and then a rough gravel road (dry weather access only).
Camp on an undulating site next to the Awana Stream (take your mozzie
repellent!) and close to one of the island’s most famous surf beaches. This
camping area has a covered outdoor eating shelter with a sink and water from
a tap for washing up, toilets, cold shower and rubbish collection, but no shade. With room for around 60 tents, bookings are required all year round.

There are two sites to camp on Okahu Road, the road end and the larger mid-Okahu camp (formerly known as Grader Camp). The camps are on grass terraces adjacent to Okahu Stream. The areas kahikatea trees were extensively logged and now podocarp are regenerating. Good picnicking and walking in the forest.

Bookings not required - first come, first served.

Located in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park in the East Coast region.

Just south of the golf club on the southern approach to Whangamata, take
Wentworth Valley Road (unsealed with a small ford) for the 5 km drive to this
relaxed, remote, self-registration campsite. From here there are interesting
walks to the Wentworth Waterfalls and the Wentworth Mines, or just take
a dip in the local water hole. The level sites to the rear of the camp are
appealing, with pockets of bush. Only cold water is provided but there is
a shower, also basins and toilets. A gas barbecue and the washing-up sinks
are roofed. Room for around 85 tents, bookings are required in the summer
period. Prior permission from the camp manager is required to bring dogs.

Your host: Nicola Flanagan.

PRICING (PER NIGHT)

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.

Down a gravel road south of Opotiki, you can camp surrounded by nikau palms
and tawa forest next to the Te Waiti Stream. This relaxed, self-registration campsite
is in picturesque surroundings and it is popular for fishing and swimming. Facilities
include toilets, picnic tables, BBQ areas and water supply from the stream. With
room for about 16 tents, no fees for camping here.

Between Opotiki and Motu at the junction of the Whitikau and Takaputahi
Streams is this basic remote campsite. Located at the entrance to Raukumara
Conservation Park it is a base for walks, fly fshing, mountain biking and hunting.
With space for around 16 tents, facilities include toilets, BBQ areas and water
supply from the stream.

At the southern end of the town shops, look for the ‘Beach Access’ sign and
drive down a short, bumpy, gravel access road to this lovely beach reserve. In
a lovely setting between the sea and the lagoon, on slightly undulating land, is
this popular campground offering a very relaxed style of camping. There are 80
non powered sites, the wringer-plus-tub outdoor laundries are an adventure in
themselves. The single, metered, hot shower provides a central social spot (in
the queue!) on camp mornings, with the boiler being fed by paper from the
camp’s recycling programme. There are also flush toilets and basins for each
sex with 2 new toilets have been built.

Bookings are required.

Additional fees

There is a $3 charge per booking to cover waste disposal.

Tuhua (Mayor Island) is a wildlife refuge and is administered by the Tuhua (Mayor Island) Board of Trustees. Opportunities to enjoy the island's unique character and wildlife must be pre-arranged.

It's possible to stay at Tuhua during summer between Labour Weekend and Easter. Accommodation must be booked in advance, contact the Tuhua Trust Board.

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.

Number of tent sites - 40 Camp in the Waimana Valley, cycle along the road, swim, fish, walk through the park, or relax beside the river. Access to Otamatuna Core Area. Lots of birds to watch. Take your binoculars.

Approximately 10 km southwest of Waihi, at the end of Dickey’s Flat Road (off Kennedy Road), lies this basic campsite. Access is unsealed and the large campsite is beside the Waitawheta River known for its trout and some great swimming holes downstream. Walking tracks lead to some of the best fishing spots on the river. Facilities include toilet and water supply from the stream.  There is a year-round liquor ban at the campsite.

Bookings

Bookings not required - first come, first served

This campsite marks the mid-point of the Timber Trail and easy access to the Maramataha suspension bridge. Use the campsite as a base to explore the forest roads by car or mountain bike. Go hunting for red deer.

Number of tent sites - 16.

Bookings not required - first come, first served.

Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban. Check rules and fire bans before you light.

Camping, picnicking and boating are all popular recreational activities at Lake Rerewhakaaitu. A significant site for wildlife, the lake supports breeding populations of dabchicks, scaup and banded dotterel.

Two Department of Conservation campsites around the lake are at Ash Pit Road Campsite and Brett Road Campsite.

Number of tent sites - 21 (15 sites are suitable for campervans) This is a peaceful campsite beside a stream on the edge of the National Park. Explore the park on the Whakapapaiti Track,

Number of tent sites - 16 Camp near a stream, beside lush forest. Walk the Totara track and to the Forest Tower. Scenic drives or biking, tramping and hunting.

This campsite, on the western shores of the Waikato River, is perfect for swimming, picnicking, fishing and other water sports.

Number of non-powered tent sites - 50.

A 20 minute drive from Otorohanga or Te Awamutu.

The camp has 2 boat ramps but no showering facilities.

When you hit Anaura Bay turn north and head up the tar sealed road to this
relaxed, family, beachfront camping area in a fenced paddock beside a stream.
Great swimming and coastal bush walks are to be had from here. This basic
campground is open between Labour weekend (October) through to Easter.
This is back-to-basics camping. No toilets are provided. You also need to
bring your own portable cookers or barbecues and don't forget a chemical toilet. (a dump station is provided in the peak season). Other facilities include rubbish collection and tap water (not suitable for drinking).

Fees (effective March 2023)

Number of tent sites - 36 Camp in a remote setting. This is one of four road access points to the Whanganui Journey. Look and listen for kereru, tui and fantail. Brown kiwi can often be heard at night. The forest is a mix of rata, rewarewa, rimu, tawa, and kowhai trees.

Everetts Campsite, Mohaka River  Camp in a big grassy area beside a pine plantation and the Mohaka River. Fish, swim, canoe or try white water rafting. Access is via foot or bike.

Number of tent sites - 20 (unpowered)

Bookings

Bookings not required - first come, first served

Fees

Free

A basic campsite in the Hawke's Bay area. Fish, swim, canoe or raft in the river.

Waikare Road, Putorino. Department of Conservation (06) 834-3111
Turn off SHwy 2 at Putorino into Waikare Road, and then travel for 20 minutes
on an unsealed road along the south bank of the Waikare River. At the road
end you will fnd a level, open site for basic camping that can accommodate 4
tent sites. Its ten minutes walk to the beach for fshing, swimming and boating
(including boat ramp). Facilities here are toilets, picnic tables and water from
a tap (that must be boiled before drinking)

Ideally placed for a midway stopover, about 60 km inland from Napier on
the Napier-Taihape road, is a newly opened DOC campsite. Just north of
Kiripapango, at the edge of the Forest Park, you can camp on a rambling site
on terraces above the Ngaruroro River. Camp across several grassy levels
in a bush-clad, steep-sided valley. Around 10 gravel hardstands are provided
on the upper terraces for campervans (no power), whilst on the lower levels
there are many great spots for tents amongst the bush and scrub. New ecotoilets are scattered about the camp and theres a bit of a steep walk down
to the river for your water supply! A popular spot for river rafting and fshing.
Camping costs $5 per night.

From the Cameron carpark you can walk to Kuripapaango Trig or Cameron Hut. Tramps to Kiwi Saddle, Kaweka Range, Kiwi Mouth Hut and Back Ridge are also available.

The route from the Cameron Carpark to the Cameron Hut follows the Ngaruroro River. It begins just upriver from the water gauge. As at least 30 fordings are necessary it can only be negotiated when the Ngaruroro River is not in flood.

Mangatutu Hot Springs is a popular camping, picnic and fishing spot, and a starting point for tramping, hunting or day walks up the Mohaka River and further into the Kaweka Forest Park. There are barbecues, picnic tables and toilets located in secluded clearings among the manuka surrounds, and there are access tracks descending to the Mohaka River. The main feature here is the thermal springs. Thermal water issues from a deep, undercut, steaming hole on the top terrace. The water trickles down a riverside bluff and after a short way is channeled into two pools.

Bookings not required - first come, first served.

From SHwy 2 west of Dannevirke turn into Maharahara Road, then Kumeti Road and follow to the road end. You will find basic camping (toilets and BBQs only) in a sheltered, bushy glade. Water from the nearby stream must be
boiled before drinking. Day walks over the Ruahine Range can be planned
from here.

Around 1.5 hours drive west of Napier, is a pleasant basic campsite surrounded
by pine trees. Facilities include toilets, BBQ area and cooking shelter, with
water supply from the stream. Please note: logging trucks use the road, so
drive slowly and keep left.

Number of tent sites - 40 Between native bush and the lake, this large grassy site is perfect for a range of activities. 1.5 km from Mokau Falls