Northland Camping Grounds

If your idea of the perfect getaway means jumping between beaches, forests, and small towns, you need to move Northland straight to the top of your must-visit list. There’s so much to explore in this region of New Zealand’s North Island, and with almost endless possibilities for outdoor adventure, it’s the dream destination for solo explorers and family holidays alike.

However, to make the most of visiting this beautiful part of the world, you’re going to need somewhere to set up camp, which can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. After all, you probably want to spend more time planning your activities than where to stay! So, to make things easier, we’ve created a list of the best Northland camping grounds. Each of these has a little something different to offer, and we’ve also included details of the attractions you can enjoy in the immediate vicinity so you can really start getting excited about your trip.

Join us as we help you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

Northland Camping Grounds

• Matauri Bay Holiday Park
• Russell TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Motutara Farm
• Tauranga Bay Holiday Park
• Taupo Bay Holiday Park
• Puriri Bay (Whangaruru North Head) Campsite
• Camp Waipu Cove
• Ahipara TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Kauri Coast TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park, Mangawhai Heads

As you can see, there are plenty of camping grounds to choose from. However, to be as comfortable as possible, no matter which is most appealing to you, you’ll need to be in a campervan. At Travellers Autobarn, we make it possible to hire a campervan out of Auckland so you can get straight on the road and head to your chosen site. Contact us today to learn more.

Matauri Bay Holiday Park

Let’s start with a coastal retreat. At Matauri Bay Holiday Park, you can wake up to incredible ocean views and spend your days exploring the sandy shore, and with a mix of powered and non-powered sites on offer, you can be as rustic or as comfortable as you like. There are some excellent amenities, too, including bathrooms with hot showers, a communal kitchen, a BBQ area, washer and dryer facilities, and beachfront picnic tables.

You’ll also find a general store on-site selling all of your camping essentials, petrol and diesel pumps, and a takeaway bar. There’s even a designated fish filleting station, which is perfect for anyone who wants to catch their own dinner! Just note that while the campgrounds are open all year round, opening hours for the general store and fuel station might differ during the summer.

Once you’ve parked up and settled in, the first place you should visit is Matauri Bay itself. It’s practically on your doorstep and is the best spot for swimming and kayaking. After that, head to the Rainbow Warrior Memorial, which is less than 5 minutes from camp on foot and gives you the opportunity to learn more about the former Greenpeace vessel that was sunk in 1987 as an artificial reef. There are also diving opportunities available to take you deeper into the shipwreck so you can get up close and personal with the creatures that call it home.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Bathrooms
• Hot Showers
• Communal Kitchen
• BBQ Area
• Washer & Dryer Facilities
• Picnic Tables

Russell TOP 10 Holiday Park

Another excellent coastal option, Russell TOP 10 Holiday Park boasts some amazing ocean views and is the only park centrally located in Russell, creating the perfect base for exploring the entire area. You’ll find a range of accommodation options here, including powered and non-powered campervan sites, including some that are hard-stand, making it super easy to pull up.

The amenities here are pretty good, too. You’ll have access to a large amenities block with toilets and hot showers, two laundry facilities with dryers and ironing boards, a shared camp kitchen, a TV room, a dump point, and free gas BBQs. It’s also open all year round, and a “Best Rate Guarantee” is offered, which is pretty good if you’re trying to work with a lower travel budget.

There’s a ton of stuff to get out and explore from here. If you love history, a 10-minute walk will take you to Pompallier Mission and Printery, where you can learn more about early European settlement in New Zealand, while another 5 minutes from here on foot brings you to Christ Church, which is New Zealand’s oldest surviving church. After visiting these cultural spots, hop on a boat tour to the famous Hole in The Rock to spot dolphins jumping from the water. And, if you’re looking for a beach day, Oneroa Bay Beach is just a 15-minute walk away and is the ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, or simply sunbathing along the shore.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Hot Showers
• Laundry Facilities
• Shared Kitchen
• TV Room
• Dump Point
• Gas BBQs

Motutara Farm

Sticking to the East Coast but travelling a little further south toward Whananaki, Motutara Farm is a good option for camping if you’re looking for coastal views and direct beach access. None of the sites are powered, but that gives you a back-to-nature camping experience, and since you’re in such a good location, you’ll find loads of exciting things to do nearby.

We’ll look at those in a moment, but let’s focus on the amenities first. Despite having no powered sites, you’ll still have everything you need for a comfortable stay while “roughing it”. This includes pit toilets, cold water taps (suitable for drinking), and several shower stalls where you can hang solar shower bags and freshen up after a day of exploring. You’re also only 5 minutes from a well-stocked local shop where you can pick up camping essentials and grab a takeaway coffee.

If you’re comfortable with this kind of set-up, the surrounding views alone are worth it. And, when it comes to finding nearby activities, you’re spoiled for choice. For starters, you’re surrounded by three beaches (Barrons Beach, Kings Beach, and Kings Riverside Beach), all of which are ideal for swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, or surfing. You’re also just 5 minutes from the start point of the Whananaki Coastal Walkway, which takes you through several secluded beaches and even across the longest footbridge in the southern hemisphere above the Whananaki Estuary.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Pit Toilets
• Drinking Water
• Shower Stalls for Solar Shower Bags

Tauranga Bay Holiday Park

Any Northland adventure needs a trip to Tauranga Bay, and where better to stay while you’re here than in Tauranga Bay Holiday Park? Here, you’ll find a mix of accommodation options, including powered campsites right along the beach, so it’s the perfect spot for anyone who wants to be as close to the ocean as possible. There are also unpowered campsites available, and even some cabins, should you feel like changing things up a bit throughout your road trip.

When it comes to the amenities, you’ll find plenty on offer. This includes two toilet and shower blocks, laundry facilities, two camp kitchens, a BBQ area, a dump station, and a recycling station. There’s also an on-site camp store and mail office, and from March to November, dogs are welcome as long as they’re kept on a leash.

You’re literally steps from the beach here, but if you feel like venturing a little further out, St Paul’s Rock is a 20-minute drive away and the perfect place for hiking to amazing views over Whangaroa Harbour. A 25-minute drive in the other direction will also take you to Matauri Bay, where you can enjoy even more beautiful coastal views, and when you feel like getting back to civilization, the small town of Kaeo is only 20 minutes away and has some fantastic shops and cafes.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Showers
• Laundry Facilities
• Camp Kitchens
• BBQ Area
• Dump Station
• Recycling Station
• Camp Store
• Mail Office

Taupo Bay Holiday Park

If you can’t grab a spot at Tauranga Bay Holiday Park, a 45-minute drive North will take you to a great alternative at Taupo Bay Holiday Park. There are a variety of powered sites on offer here, all of which can be booked in advance, taking the stress out of finding a place at the last minute. This is particularly useful if you’re travelling in summer, as this park is very popular and securing a space is highly recommended.

When it comes to your amenities, you’ll have all you need for a comfortable camping experience. This includes bathrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, a camp kitchen, BBQs, and a lounge room with Freeview TV. You’ll also find a playground, WiFi, and a seasonal camp store selling basic camping essentials and coffee during the summer. The only thing to note is that this site periodically closes over winter, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and check before planning your trip.

Once you’re parked up, a 5-minute walk will take you to Taupo Bay Beach, which is one of the most popular surfing spots in the region. You don’t need to be a surfer to enjoy this beach, though, as fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing on the shore are all up for grabs. When you’re ready to explore beyond Taupo Bay Beach, 25 minutes on the road takes you to Whangaroa Harbour for more oceanside fun. Or, if you’re keen on exploring dry land, you can take the 30-minute drive to the Whangaroa Forest and hike the Dukes Nose Track, which leads you on a 45-minute walk to some of the best views over the surrounding coastline.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Hot Showers
• Laundry Facilities
• Camp Kitchen
• BBQs
• Lounge Room with Freeview TV
• Playground
• WiFi
• Seasonal Campstore

Puriri Bay (Whangaruru North Head) Campsite

Some campers prefer that back-to-nature, rustic experience from their trips, and if you fall into this category, you can’t go wrong with Puriri Bay (Whangaruru North Head) Campsite. Another East Coast campsite, you’ll find yourself camping in a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by native bush and stunning coastal scenery here, and while it’s pretty basic, you do have access to a couple of good amenities.

These include non-flush toilets, cold showers, non-drinking water, and a sheltered cooking area. There’s also a boat ramp, which is ideal if you’re planning to head out on the surrounding waters, and because booking is required, you’ve got the peace of mind of knowing you’re guaranteed a spot once you arrive. The only things to keep in mind are that fires or pets aren’t allowed here at any time of the year, and the sites are unpowered.

Along with the classic camping experience on offer, one of the best things about this campsite is that you’re right on the edge of Whangaruru Harbour, which is the ideal placement for spending your days fishing, kayaking, or swimming. You’re also less than a 20-minute walk from the Whangaruru North Head walking tracks, which gives you the chance to snap some photos of the coastline and nearby islands. And, if you’re up for a drive, 20 minutes on the road will take you to Elliot Bay, a beautiful beach popular with surfers and picnickers alike.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Non-Flush Toilets
• Cold Showers
• Non-Drinking Water
• Sheltered Cooking Area
• Boat Ramp

Camp Waipu Cove

Heading further south along the East Coast now, Camp Waipu Cove overlooks Bream Bay and has a range of facilities on offer that make it a particular favourite for family holidays. 163 Powered and 27 non-powered sites are available here, all of which have incredible views across the bay to Hen Island, making for not only a beautiful setting but plenty of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities!

There are three large bathroom blocks that all guests are welcome to, which house flushing toilets, basins, and hot showers, and you’ll also have access to the campground’s laundry facilities, which is ideal if you need to refresh your clothes after a day of activities. There are large shared kitchens, too, and free electric BBQs close to covered outdoor dining areas, so you’ll have all you need to rustle up a feast at any time of the day. The only thing to note here is that if you’re staying on a powered site, you must have a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness.

You’re a 5-minute walk from Waipu Cove Beach here, which doesn’t only mean you can spend the day on the sand and swimming in the ocean, but the lifeguards on patrol during the summer make it one of the best family-friendly beaches in the region. It’s not just the beach itself you can enjoy, though, and the Waipu Coastal Walkway starts a 10-minute walk from camp, taking you on a path from Waipu Cove to Langs Beach with incredible views along the way. Also, if you’re up for a short drive, 30 minutes will take you to Waipu Caves, where you can explore underground tunnels that are lit up by glowworms!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Hot Showers
• Laundry Facilities
• Shared Kitchens
• Electric BBQs
• Covered Dining Areas

Ahipara TOP 10 Holiday Park

If you’re looking for a great camping option on Northland’s West Coast, Ahipara TOP 10 Holiday Park offers you the perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and direct beach access. Located at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach, there are powered and non-powered sites available here to suit different needs and budgets, all of which come with access to the park’s excellent amenities.

These include bathrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, a communal kitchen filled with various cooking equipment, and a BBQ area with outdoor seating. There’s also free WiFi available throughout the park, and to add to its family-friendliness, you’ll find a kids’ playground, a recreation room, a games room, and even a kids club with different activities planned throughout the week. And, since it’s open all year round, you can enjoy a camping holiday year whenever you want.

Since you’re less than 500m from Ninety Mile Beach, it only makes sense to start your adventure here with a visit to these golden sands. But if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, we recommend taking the 10-minute drive to Te Kōhanga / Shipwreck Bay, which has a huge surfing culture. Should you prefer your adventures on land, a 15-minute drive will take you to Herekino Forest and its ancient kauri trees, or you can venture slightly further north and take a 15-minute drive to Kaitaia to explore shops, bars, and restaurants.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Hot Showers
• Laundry Facilities
• Communal Kitchen
• BBQs
• Playground
• Kids Club
• Recreation Room
• Games Room

Kauri Coast TOP 10 Holiday Park

Sticking to the West Coast of Northland and coming a little further inland, Kauri Coast TOP 10 Holiday Park is a good choice if you want to camp in a bush setting just 30 minutes from Waipou Forest. Like all TOP 10 campsites, there are some excellent amenities on offer here, as well as a mix of powered and non-powered sites. Also, if you’re on a long road trip and feel like a night or two in alternative accommodation, you can book one of their modern motel rooms, units, or cabins.

In terms of specifics, the amenities you’ll have access to include bathrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, three BBQ areas, and a dump station. These are just the basics, though, and you’ll also be able to enjoy some more comfortable and exciting facilities, including a communal kitchen, kids’ playground, basketball courts, table tennis, and a TV room complete with Sky TV and WiFi, which is ideal if you need to stay connected while you’re away.

If you’re able to pull yourself away from these awesome amenities, you’ll find yourself in the prime position to explore some of Northland’s best non-coastal attractions. A 40-minute drive takes you to Tane Mahata in the Waipoua Forest, a huge tree estimated to be over 2,500 years old, as well as two other amazing natural wonders – Te Matua Ngahere and the Four Sisters. Once you’re done exploring the forest, a 20-minute drive from camp takes you to the Kai Iwi Lakes, which are perfect for swimming, kayaking, photography, or simply relaxing in nature.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Hot Showers
• Laundry Facilities
• BBQ Area
• Communal Kitchen
• Kids’ Playground
• Basketball Courts
• Table Tennis
• TV Room
• WiFi

Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park

We wrap up our list of Northland campgrounds by heading back over to the East Coast and visiting Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park. There is an accommodation option for every type of traveller here, including powered and non-powered sites, and you can even choose what sort of location you’d prefer to camp in, from south-side sites with easy access to the boat ramp to north-side sites overlooking the estuary and beachfront sites that promise amazing views across the ocean.

Whichever suits you best, you’ll get access to the same amenities throughout the park, including bathrooms with coin-operated hot showers, coin-operated laundry facilities, picnic tables, a BBQ area, a playground, shared kitchens, and free unlimited WiFi. One important thing to note, however, is that pets aren’t allowed here, so if you’re planning to bring your furry friend along for the journey, you’ll need to find an alternative campground.

As you might have guessed from its name, one of the closest attractions to this holiday park is Mangawhai Heads Surf Beach, and a 5-minute drive will take you to the Surf School, where you can book lessons or hire equipment to take out on the waves. Or, for a drier type of adventure, the Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway starts just 10 minutes from camp and guides you through some of the most beautiful views over the Pacific Ocean. After a day of adventure, take a 10-minute drive to Mangawhai Village for a great selection of restaurants and bars, including the historic Mangawhai Tavern, where you can kick back with a pint overlooking the water.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Bathrooms
• Coin-Operated Showers
• Coin-Operated Laundry Facilities
• Picnic Tables
• BBQ Area
• Playground
• Communal Kitchens
• Free Unlimited WiFi

Find the North Island’s Best Campervan Hire Rates with Travellers Autobarn Auckland

There really is an incredible selection of campgrounds to choose from in Northlands, each with something unique to offer. And, whether you want to wake up to ocean views or fall asleep surrounded by forest, each of these is undoubtedly among the best campgrounds and holiday parks in New Zealand. At Travellers Autobarn, we have a range of affordable campervans to hire in Auckland that are suitable for all kinds of explorers and journeys. Even better, all of our rentals come with unlimited kilometres as standard, giving you the freedom to see as much of Northland as you like without the worry of additional costs lurking in the back of your mind!

If you’re itching to explore other parts of New Zealand’s North Island, make sure you check out these other camping options:

• Freedom Camping Sites near Auckland
• Freedom Camping Hamilton
• Freedom Camping Rotorua
• Freedom Camping Tauranga

DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct at the time of publishing. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information.