Complete Guide to Camping in New Zealand in 2022

New Zealand is an outdoor natural paradise, so naturally, it makes camping a very popular activity for both locals and tourists. It also happens to be the most budget way to travel around New Zealand, as you’ve taken care of both accommodation and transportation.

From the most basic way of camping with tents to the more luxurious campervan style. It will save you money and the headache of breaking your bank. Or some people even convert the backseats of their cars into a mini bed 🙂

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a big road trip around New Zealand. Here I will show you the complete guide to camping in New Zealand, and all the pros and cons of camping!

Save it to read later 🙂

Things to consider before your camping trip- Pros and Cons

Camping is fun, so much fun and I LOVE IT. But it is definitely not for everyone, I have a few friends around me that dislike camping and it is totally understandable! And just a reminder that “camping doesn’t equate to glamping”. If you enjoyed glamping doesn’t mean you will enjoy camping as well!

If you’re still not sure whether camping is your thing after considering the below things, I’d suggest trying a short camping trip first!

Pros- Tent Camping in New Zealand

Cheaper than renting a campervan- Especially for solo travelers

Some campgrounds are only accessible by walking, which makes tent camping handy

Invest in your own camping gears- A big money-saving factor long term

Unique and fun experience- connect with the outdoor nature

Wake up with the sounds of birds chirping, and the sun rising 🙂

Amazing family outing activity

Cons- Tent Camping in New Zealand

Mosquitos are everywhere- They attract to light especially

Might be a bit harder to rent than a campervan

Setting up tents can be a hassle

It’s very weather dependent- Rainy and windy are not a good combination for tent camping

Pros- Camping with Campervan in New Zealand

More accessible to rent

Money saving if you’re traveling with few other people

Usually comes with a kitchenette

More comfortable than tents, and still have the benefit of connecting with outdoor nature

Even if it is raining/windy, there’s nothing to worry about

Cons- Camping with Campervan in New Zealand

It is still quite pricey if you are traveling solo

Might be hard to secure a campground spot if you didn’t book ahead (especially during the peak Summer season Dec- Feb)

Driving a campervan is not suitable for everyone, it can cause stress, especially driving on unfamiliar roads.

Harder to find parking

Overall Pros and Cons of camping in New Zealand

Camping is a way to connect with outdoor nature and enjoy and appreciate mother nature. Waking up to birds chirping, having the sunrise as your alarm clock, and enjoying the freedom and fresh air that nature provides.

Pros

More freedom and flexibility with your itinerary

Cost efficient especially if you’re traveling as a group

Cook your own food

Save on accommodation, have more budget to spend on activities

Cons

Sleeping in a tight/smaller space than hotel rooms (Not much personal space)

Possibility of fines if not familiar with the camping rules

Might not be able to shower for a few nights, depending on your campgrounds facilities, or campervan amenities.

Travelling is indeed an excellent way to test your friendship/relationship, and camping on a trip is even more of a test! So think wisely before you embark on a few weeks’ camping road trips in New Zealand with your friends or family.

Different Types of Campgrounds in New Zealand

Freedom Camping, Holiday Parks, and DOC campsites (National parks) are the most common places to set up tents/campervans overnight.

I would be sharing my personal experience as I’ve camped at Holiday parks and DOC campsites, which I will take you all on my adventure through my blog 🙂

Holiday Parks Pros and Cons

It has all of the basic facilities: Toilets, hot water shower, equipped kitchen, laundry rooms (extras), and free Wi-Fi at some places – as apart from the campground, they usually would have some self-contained units or cabins as well.

Powered and Unpowered Camp Sites

If you only have a tent, an unpowered campsite would be sufficient, but if you have a campervan, it would be recommended to book a powered site. (The price difference would range from $10-$30) Just note that for powered sites, you would need an RCD power cord to connect to the power!

And the location of those holiday parks is usually quite good and central compared to some DOC campsites (National Parks)- Which is handy if you’d want to replenish your stock or just dine out!

The price can range from $40-$80 per night (based on 2x pax)- and during peak season it could potentially go higher. So do book far in advance to secure a place and cheaper deal if you’re traveling during peak season (Summer from late November to late February)

There would potentially be more children/families at the holiday parks because as I mentioned before, there are all the basic facilities, and it’d be more crowded as usually there are designated spots, and they could be quite close to others.

DOC Campsites (Regional Parks) Pro and Cons

Usually, It has limited facilities, with the most basic long drop toilet and cold shower. And water sources could be scarce at some campsites. There are some campsites that have hot showers, and kitchen facilities but they’re definitely less common than holiday parks.

But fewer facilities equates to less money, it usually costs around $10-$20 per person per night, and usually, there are no designated spots, and you’ll get a code to access the campground. (There are park rangers, but no one would be checking you in or out)

You might think oh no there’s no designated spot, does it mean I might not get a spot if I’m late?

Well, don’t worry as people still need to book and there’s a limit on how many people can book per night. Also, the campground is usually huge; but definitely do arrive early so you have more choices! The “check-in”/” check out” time is usually 11 am.

Overall, both holiday parks and DOC Campsites have their own pros and cons, but one thing for sure is that they will both save you a lot of money, so you can spew them on activities, food, or the souvenirs you want to buy

What to pack for camping in New Zealand

There are different things to pack depending on whether you’re camping in a tent or campervan. Are you a minimalist camping style, or a luxurious style, check out the list below as a guide to your packing.

If you’re renting a campervan, make sure you check with the rental company on what they provide. So you can save your luggage space for clothes, shoes, or personal items.

Personal things and sleeping comfort

Sleeping bags

Travel pillows

Travel towels

Personal Hygiene products (Toothbrush, toothpaste, skincare etc.)

Shower gel/shampoos/soap

Extra blanket (Especially during the colder season May-September for North Island, March- October for South Island)

Toilet papers

Ear plugs (Optional- for light sleepers)

Sleep masks (Optional)

Insect repellent (Optional)

Portable lighting or torch

Fairy lights (Optional- for the atmosphere)

Slippers (For convenience when going to the toilet/shower at night)

Light Jacket (For lower temperature at night)

Equipment for Camping

Camping table

Camping chairs

Portable Gas Cooker

Gas canisters

Plates/ Pots/ Cups/ Cutleries

Dishwashing liquid (Optional)

Paper towels

Water Container (Optional- easily fill up water in one go)

Chilly Bin (Optional- keep your food nice and fresh)

First Aid kit

Bring everything mentioned above if you don’t have a specific destination or a specific campground you’re staying at. If you do you can always check the facilities/amenities they have at the campground, so you don’t have to pack as much.

Some campgrounds would have showers, toilets, and kitchens; while others only have the most basic like a long drop toilet (non-flushable).

Some campgrounds are only accessible by walking, with no access for cars. In this case, you would want to pack as light as possible.

Responsibility for camping in New Zealand

Campfire is the essence of camping, however, an open fire ban is a huge thing in New Zealand. Many places prohibit any form of open fire, check here before for the fire ban status

Be a responsible traveler no matter where you go, and leave no trace behind. You can take many, many pictures to show the world that you’ve been there. No need to leave any of your trails behind.

Depending on the campsite, whether you’re free camping or staying at a paid campsite. Always take your rubbish with you if you can’t find proper rubbish bins at the site to dispose of your rubbish.

Safety always comes first, New Zealand is one of the safest countries to travel to. However, there are still some areas where you’d have occasional car theft. So watch out for your surroundings, always lock the door when you leave, and hide your things in the trunk or somewhere that’s not visible from the outside.

If you’re staying at a paid campsite, it’s usually quite safe to leave your tent as it is. I was worried when I, however, I have had no issues so far, even if I leave for the whole day.

Always find a dump station to dispose of your toilet or waste (if you have a toilet in your motorhome/campervan). Find a public toilet to do your business, and keep the environment clean!

Use Campermate to find toilets, dump stations, campsites and so much more. It is an amazing app that can make your camping life easier, especially if you’re a first-timer. Super easy to use, navigate, and simple to understand! You can also download some offline maps, which would come in very handy when you’re in the middle of nowhere!

Amazing Campsites around New Zealand

There are hundreds of campsites around New Zealand, ranging from holiday parks, D.O.C campsites, or freedom camping. I’ve personally started camping after COVID hit so I have only really done campsites on the North Island. (As I’m based in Auckland now)

But I’ve gathered information from my friends, other travelers, and online reviews to recommend the below list 🙂

Tawharanui Campground

Matakana, Auckland

Regional Parks

Suitable for any type of camping

Flushed toilets/non-flush toilets

Tawharanui Regional Park is one of the best day trips from Auckland, and it is even more amazing to camp there at night. The sky is so beautiful on a clear night, also one of the best places to do stargazing in Auckland.

It’s been on my bucket list since I started camping, but the days I want to go are usually fully booked as it is quite a popular place to camp! During summertime peak camping season, you definitely need to book ahead, especially for the weekends!

I eventually went and loved it. The peninsula and the walks there are amazing activities to do. Saw many people surfing there. I’m not a surfer but a lot of people seem to come here for the waves 🙂

This is also the place where you can spot a natural kiwi!

Pre-booked your camping spot here, there’s no designated spot so whoever arrives first gets to choose!

Falls Motel & Waterfront Campground

Shower and toilet

Kitchen (A bit small)

Fridge for guests to store stuff

BBQ area

Falls motel & Campground — **Falls motel & Waterfront Campground**

Another campground I really loved, it’s quite a small area and I got the waterfront spot. Which is looking directly looking to the famous Haruru Falls. I like how it’s so peaceful as the area isn’t too big so not many people around you!

They also have motel studio rooms, if you want a bit more comfort! Best of all they have free WIFI 🙂

And you can hire a kayak from them which is a great activity for everyone 🙂 It is a campground that has got everything you need, it’s nothing extravagant but it’s definitely enough for your camping trip!

It is around a 6-minute drive to the Paihia Wharf, which is where a lot of things take place. Like cruises, sailing tours, etc.

Book your campground spot here, or book their studio rooms here.

White Horse Hill Campground

Toilets

Sheltered area for cooking

Shower- 5 minutes drive to the public shelter

White Horse Hill Campground, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park New Zealand

It is a very popular campsite for travelers coming to Mount Cook, it is also the starting point for the famous Hooker Valley Track. So you can imagine how beautiful the scenery will be, you are surrounded by mountains, and the stars at night are incredible.

I’ve been to the campground many many times to do the Hooker Valley track, but have not actually spent a night here. I’ve heard many good things from my friends, and other travelers. It is also the campground that has the best location haha 🙂

There is a sheltered area for you to cook or do other things, however, you do need to bring your own cooking equipment.

Hahei Beach Resort

Good facilities- Bathrooms, kitchen, Laundry

Hot tubs- Pre Book your time slot

Good location

Free WiFi

This is a popular option for camping in Coromandel, the facilities are very well-maintained and it is located very close to the famous Cathedral Cove (which I’m sure it’s on almost everyone’s list right)!

I come across this place very often when searching where to stay in Coromandel, they not only have campgrounds, but also cabins, villas, studios, and glamping. The resort is very big and has direct access to Hahei Beach.

Things to consider when choosing a campervan/tent

How many people are traveling together

If you’re after budget or more comfort

Are you comfortable driving a campervan size car on unfamiliar roads? (Campervan)

Is your tent sturdy enough to stand the wind in New Zealand (Tent)

Is your tent suitable for cold weather (Tent during colder months)

Do you need a self-contained campervan or just

Weight of your tent

Ventilation of your tent

There are a lot of things to consider before choosing your tent or campervan. Especially if you want to have a comfortable trip, but no need to stress too much as well. Check out here for more tips on choosing your tents.

Your first experience is the most important, as it usually decides whether you continue with the camping life or not. But I really suggest giving it more chances before you decide this is not for you 🙂

Summary of Camping in New Zealand

Camping in New Zealand is an amazing way to fully explore and appreciate the beauty of mother nature. I personally love it as it’s a way for me to unwind and destress, it’s very calming for me!

It is a super fun activity, but it’s also very important to choose the right person to travel with. As you would spend the whole trip together, you won’t have that much personal space. To make it enjoyable, discuss it with your travel companion and make sure you’re on the same page!

Rent a campervan or bring your tent and being on the South Island 10-day Road Trip, you will love every moment of it. And if you’re traveling to the North Island, follow this 5-day itinerary to explore the Northland, North Island 🙂

Complete Guide to Camping in New Zealand in 2022