Right in the heart of one of New Zealand’s favorite summer holiday
destinations and in a prime location at the base of the Mount, lies this attractive
park complex. Hot salt-water pools are right at the entrance, ocean or
harbour water activities surround you and it’s a short stroll back from the
main beachfront boutique and cafÉ/bar precinct. Campers can choose from 3
separate terraced camping areas, each with its own spectacular views. Watch
the cruise ships enter the Port, kids playing on the white sandy surf beach or
soak up the soothing Bay of Plenty ocean views. The fully-modernised facilities
are superb and provide everything a camper needs, including a dump station
and thoughtful amenities for those camping with disabilities. In the popular
‘Ocean’ camp area, the new facilities block boasts a super-modern kitchen and
outdoor dining/BBQ area with sea views. Mark and the team will help you
relax and enjoy all the activities of the area. A minimum site charge applies:
$37 off-peak (for 1 to 2 adults) and bookings are essential in peak season.
Campers are asked not to bring pets. There is a Visitor information centre
onsite.

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.

Activities include tramping, bird and wildlife watching, diving and fishing.

Under a handful of norfolk pines and palms, 8km west of Matata, is a beachfront
strip camping ground with views across a white sandy beach. Take care on
the railway crossing to this self-registration campsite where a maximum stay
of two weeks is permitted. The camp is well supplied with taps and rubbish
bins, but has no powered sites. There are two blocks of ablutions, with four
unroofed, metered solar showers and flush toilets, all in fair condition. Two
outdoor tubs are provided for your laundry. Access gate closed each night
10pm and opens at 7am. Camping here will cost you $16 per night for two
adults and 2 children Extra adults $6, children $2. Under 5 years old free.
Dogs must be on a leash. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.

A favourite Mt Maunganui camp spot, this intimate camp is just a few minutes
walk from the ocean beach. Spread across tidy grounds, all 70 sites have
power and there is a large, well-fenced swimming pool and hot tub. An
excellent tiled ablution block offers retro-styled free showers and dressing
cubicles. The well-equipped kitchen is spotlessly clean and the laundry has
automatic equipment. For those summer evening get-togethers, a breezeway BBQ and alfresco dining area beside the pool are very inviting. There are TV and internet kiosks. Or the kids can entertain themselves in the games room equipped with arcade games and a pool table. Your hosts are Greg and Vicki.
All sites are from $22 per person. Seasonal rates apply. Open 20 Dec till
Easter.

3 km west of Matata township, turn off over the railway crossing to an
attractive seaside site with plenty of shelter. This camp has room for casual
campers amongst the colourful long-term ‘weekenders’ in residence which give
the camp a real beachy feel. The land has a rolling contour and a choice of
shady or sunny sites, plus a kids’ play area and gas BBQs. Tidy amenities include
two kitchens, one with dining space, a fridge/freezers, stoves and microwave.
Two ablution blocks are provided, along with a disabled access suite. One of
the ablution blocks has another little kitchenette attached. The laundry has
automatic washing machines and dryers. A book exchange operates at the
office. Shane and Rebecca will accept pets by arrangement, they must be on
leads at all times. Tent sites are $16 per person and powered sites $18.
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Just off the beaten track, at the Welcome Bay roundabout (SHwy 29), head
east for 4 km to the rural outskirts. Handy to the shopping centre, the camp
is alongside a sparkling, natural thermal pool complex (fed from a deep bore and emptied and cleaned daily) which is available free to campers. At the shop/offce you can buy ice creams and drinks. The compact campsite is set
in a secluded dell, with a bush backdrop and newly extended and refurbished amenities. There’s a modern, well-equipped kitchen, unisex toilets and singlesex showers, a new covered outdoor dining area, plus an automatic laundry.
It’s a short drive to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. Your friendly hosts are
Fraser Berkett and Christine MacKay. There are 25 sites, costing $45 for 2
people.

14 km west of Whakatane, at the very end of Thornton Beach Road, lies this attractive beachfront camp, known for its shellfish, line fishing, and safe swimming situated at the mouth of the Rangitaiki River. Whale and White Islands are visible off-shore and the ocean beach stretches out in front of you. Camp across several sheltered terraces, on flat, open sites, where there are 99 with power and water. Check-in at the new office/shop by the barrier arm - where there are ample provisions available (including bait and tackle). For boaties there is a wharf and boat ramp nearby. A brand new, stunning and spacious amenity block includes a modern kitchen with all the usual appliances. Fantastic ablutions with unisex shower rooms (metered in the summer), and two disabled access units plus three family suites. An automatic laundry and dump station are provided and large vehicles can easily be accommodated. Thoughtful touches include a new children_s play area, movie nights in the great covered dining hall during summer, a coffee vending machine and wireless hotspot will be appreciated by campers. Your friendly hosts are Glenn and Louise. The littlest campers have not been forgotten with highchairs and portacots available free of charge. All sites are from $20 per adult and $10 for children. Seasonal rates apply.

A well-manicured park, just across the road from the lovely Papamoa Beach. Enter through the security gate to landscaped grounds. Although leased ground limits casual camping, site space is generous and the on-site shop has ice-creams and sweets. A children’s playground and a BBQ are provided. There are two modern amenity blocks, a well equipped kitchen and an automatic laundry. A dump station and public phone are available for campers. Your hosts are Joe and Sarah Van Duin. 

There_s no passing traffic at this level, riverside camping ground that_s an ideal home-base for fishing trips. There are 70 sites with power, water and drainage, plus 40 tent sites across mature grounds peppered with willow trees. A substantial flood bank separates the park from the Whakatane River and it_s a 5 minute, riverside walk into town. There_s plenty of room for the kids to play, and an outdoor seasonal swimming pool. Internet access is in a wee _techno-caravan_. The roomy kitchen provides ample appliances and dining space, with a TV lounge and new, covered eatery next door. The main ablution block is clean and well presented, or you can experience vintage _kiwiana_ in the two other blocks! An automatic laundry and dump point are provided. Your friendly host is Noel. All camp sites are from $15 per person.

An immaculate camp, one that offers family camping with an emphasis on groups. There are 80 sites with power, set in pleasant grounds with plenty of trees and hedges for shade and privacy. The beach is across the road and the seaside shops are handy. A great selection of outdoor pursuits, mini putt, trampoline and a terrific childrens playground that will keep even the most energetic entertained. A Games Room with table tennis etc.,outdoor hot pool and unusual circular _conversation area, with seating under a pergola, is to be found in the gardens. A BBq area and a kitchen that has, stoves, microwave, fridges and dining space. Smart _Adam_ and _Eve_ toilets and unisex metered (free) showers with disabled access facilities and a baby_s bath; and two coin operated laundries. The camp_s _no alcohol, no drug and no smoking policy, makes this a safe place to take _time-out_. Obtain further details from your friendly manager Kerry. All sites are from $32 for two (seasonal rates apply).