Whangarei Camping Grounds

There’s nothing better than loading up your campervan, hitting the road, and letting adventure take you wherever it wants. And, if your New Zealand road trip is taking you through the North Island, you’re definitely going to want to spend some time in Whangarei. This area is packed with natural beauty and countless opportunities for outdoor fun, as well as some fantastic camping grounds you can call home for a few nights.

But where exactly are the best camping spots in Whangarei? So you can spend more time thinking about what you want to do and less time researching where to camp, we’ve done the hard work for you. Below, you’ll find our selection of some awesome Whangarei camping grounds, along with details on what amenities you can expect at each and your proximity to some of the best attractions in the area.

Ready to get started? Let’s find the perfect Whangarei campsite!

Whangarei Camping Grounds

• Whangarei TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Tutukaka Holiday Park
• Uretiti Beach DOC Campsite

Before we start taking a closer look at these camping grounds, it’s important to note that they’re best visited by campervan. Speak with the expert team at Travellers Autobarn about hiring a campervan out of Auckland and to learn more about our fleet of vehicles that are suitable for solo camping and group adventures alike. With us, it’s never been easier to get on the road and start exploring in comfort and style.

Whangarei TOP 10 Holiday Park

Located just 5 minutes from the city centre, Whangarei TOP 10 Holiday Park is an excellent option for any campers who need a few extra comforts while they’re away from home. There are a mix of powered and non-powered sites available here, and there are only 40 in total, so you’ll get a sense of privacy and more of a peaceful atmosphere than you might find at larger, busier campgrounds in the area.

There are some good amenities you’re welcome to use as well, including bathrooms with showers, picnic tables, a shared kitchen block, a games room, a TV lounge, and free WiFi. And, since you’re surrounded by the Parihaka Scenic Reserve, you’ll get some beautiful views without having to sacrifice access to water or electricity. It’s also open all year round, which is ideal if you’re planning a camping trip during the quieter months.

It’s not just excellent facilities on offer here, though. You’re also in a great location for exploring the local attractions. For instance, Whangarei Falls is just a 5-minute drive away, where you’ll find several walking trails leading to the magnificent 26-metre waterfall. Or, if you’re keen on doing something a little more adventurous, a 10-minute drive will take you to Abbey Caves, where you’ll get the chance to explore underground caverns filled with glow worms!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Bathrooms
• Hot Showers
• Picnic Table
• Shared Kitchen
• Games Room
• TV Lounge
• Free WiFi

Tutukaka Holiday Park

If you’d prefer to be a little closer to the coast, Tutakaka Holiday Park could be the perfect place. You’re around 250 metres from the beach here, which means you’ll get some beautiful ocean views and access to some fantastic nearby activities. We’ll look at these in a moment, but let’s focus on the camping grounds for now.

There are 60 reservable powered sites on offer here, including some that have grey water and sewage connections), giving you the chance to really make a home-from-home experience. You’ll also find bathrooms, a shower block, a shared kitchen and lounge area, covered BBQs, and a secure washing and drying area where you can safely clean and store wet suits and diving gear – pretty perfect if you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the nearby ocean. There are 50 tent sites here, too, so if you’re travelling with kids who have been pestering you for a little freedom, they’ve got the option to break free and spend the night in their own canvas-lined space!

Now, let’s explore those nearby attractions in more detail. With such a famous diving scene to explore, the first thing you should do is head to Dive Now – Poor Knights Dive & Snorkel, which is a 5-minute walk from camp. This gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some incredible marine creatures, including stingrays and bronze water sharks. Don’t worry if getting wet is your idea of fun, though. Instead, you can take a 10-minute drive to Matapouri Bay or Whale Bay, both of which are beautiful spots along the coast to walk between or to kick back and relax as the sound of the waves wash over you.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Bathrooms
• Shower Block
• Shared Kitchen
• Lounge Area
• Covered BBQs
• Secure Washing & Drying Area

Uretiti Beach DOC Campsite

Not so fussed about high-end amenities? For a more back-to-basics camping experience, Uretiti Beach DOC Campsite is a great place to pull up for a few nights. Run by the Department of Conservation, this campground is around 30 minutes from downtown Whangarei and has a total of 300 non-powered and tent sites, making it perfect for anyone looking to go a little off-grid.

It isn’t completely without facilities, though, and you’ll have access to non-flush toilets, drinking water, and a covered cooking shelter. There are also coin-operated hot showers, giving you the chance to freshen up after a long day of exploring, and it’s open all year round. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that the gates and barrier arms are locked between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., so you’ll need to make sure you’re back in your campervan during these hours. There are also some other camping rules, but nothing too restrictive.

As you might expect, the star of the show here is Uretiti Beach, which is just 550 metres from the campground and is the perfect spot for swimming, fishing, or just taking a peaceful stroll along the sand. Once you’ve soaked up the oceanside beauty, a 5-minute drive will take you to Waipu, where you can stock up on supplies or grab brunch at The Cove Cafe. And, for something a little more cultural, you can drive 5 minutes from camp to the Waipu Scottish Migration Museum to learn more about the Scottish settlers who made this area their home.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Non-Flush Toilets
• Drinking Water
• Covered Cooking Shelter
• Coin-Operated Hot Showers

Freedom Camping in Whangarei

If you’re trying to keep your camping budget as low as possible, you’ve also got the option to freedom camp in Whangarei. While it’s not permitted everywhere, and there are some strict rules you’ll need to follow, such as making sure you’re in a certified self-contained campervan and only staying in designated freedom camping areas, it is the best way to keep your costs low.

For everything you need to know, including where freedom camping the designate freedom camping areas are, take a look at our Whangarei freedom camping guide.

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

A road trip through the North Island isn’t complete without a few nights under the stars in Whangarei, and no matter what kind of camping experience you’re after, you’ll find it here. And, when it comes to finding budget-friendly campervan hire in Auckland for your Whangarei adventure, Travellers Autobarn has exactly what you need. Even better, all of our campervan rentals come with unlimited kilometres as standard, so you can explore Whangarei and anywhere else the North Island takes you without worrying about extra costs. So, grab your map, pack your bags, and get ready to discover some of the best campgrounds and holiday parks in New Zealand.

Thinking of extending your road trip? Here are some other excellent camping options across the North Island:

• Freedom Camping Hawkes Bay
• Freedom Camping Raglan 
• Freedom Camping Coromandel
• Freedom Camping Rotorua

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.