Discover the best campgrounds in New Zealand with campfires

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(2)

Hubbys retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Morrinsville

300 acre dairy farm with views right across the Waikato. Glow worms and a beautiful wetland and native bush patches. Loads of things to do or just a very quiet time for you. Very handy to great bush walks and only 20 mins away is the Hauraki rail trail karangahake gorge where the cycle trstarts

Harmse Homestead

2 sites · Tents1 acre · Kimbolton

Enjoy watching dairy cows grazing peacefully, stunning sunsets and breathtaking stargazing. So many free hiking sites in the area. Glow worm cave nearby only few minutes away and absolutely free. Wild turkeys, peacocks, rabbits, occasional deer visiting from time to time and also a lot of sheeps around the property.

Blue Spur Farmstay Hokitika

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres

The camp site is a private spot away from it all but only 10mins to the town. You'll have the whole camp to yourselves. Total privacy! • Families absolutely love staying on our eco-farm among the many farm animals. Friendly free ranging kune kune pigs, goats and a flock of coloured sheep as well as our cows, peacocks and ducks. You can walk the farm and get up close to all our animals. • Camp kitchen, firepit, shower and composting toilet on site. • Add in a firewood bundle. Bring matches, paper and your marshmallows!

Booked 1 time

Māra Kokotoha

1 site · RV, Tent16 acres · Whangarei

We are 16 acres on a gentle slope at the west end of Whangārei near the Pukenui forest. We are in the process of rebuilding native forest as well as developing a new orchard. We have a well established banana grove which we harvest throughout the year. We are in a relatively quiet space for being just 15 minutes to town center and you'll wake up to rich bird song every morning and fall asleep to the sound of ruru calling from the trees. We are a few minutes to the lovely Pukenui forest reserve, 15 minutes to Parihaka, 20 minutes to Whangārei Falls and Abbey Caves, 35-50 minutes to bay and open ocean beaches. LGBTQIA2SP+ friendly! Kid friendly!

The Big Tree

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Tuakau

There is beautiful native bush On our property with large trees and a creek. We are close to Auckland and Auckland airport. The ideal spot for the start of your holiday or the last night of your trip. Camper toilet disposal facilities just around the corner. Great bars and restaurants in walking distance..

12 top campgrounds in New Zealand with campfires

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Brackenthwaite

5 sites · RVs, Tents800 acres · Te Kuiti

River Bends is a private site in the bend of a river flowing through a deep limestone ravine and old Totara and Matai forest, the site is situated in open space allowing access to stunning views of the surrounding rock formations river features and bushland. Composting toilet and clean water on tap are provided at the site.

Blue Spur Farmstay Hokitika

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres

The camp site is a private spot away from it all but only 10mins to the town. You'll have the whole camp to yourselves. Total privacy! • Families absolutely love staying on our eco-farm among the many farm animals. Friendly free ranging kune kune pigs, goats and a flock of coloured sheep as well as our cows, peacocks and ducks. You can walk the farm and get up close to all our animals. • Camp kitchen, firepit, shower and composting toilet on site. • Add in a firewood bundle. Bring matches, paper and your marshmallows!

Hubbys retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Morrinsville

300 acre dairy farm with views right across the Waikato. Glow worms and a beautiful wetland and native bush patches. Loads of things to do or just a very quiet time for you. Very handy to great bush walks and only 20 mins away is the Hauraki rail trail karangahake gorge where the cycle trstarts

Booked 1 time

Twin Coast Cycle Trail Nature Lodge

1 site · Lodging25 acres · Ōkaihau

Reset Retreat is an eco-retreat nestled away on 25 acres of private, native forest filled with Northland Brown Kiwis, glow worms, freshwater springs, Rurus, and resident native birds. We are right on the Twin Coast Cycle Trail and have access to several kilometers of private hiking trails that are yours to explore. You will have your own private guest wing and balcony with gorgeous views over this hidden valley. At night, you can sit by the fire and take in the stars, glow worms and kiwi calls. By day, you can explore the cycle trail and all the awesome local tourism Northland has on offer. You will have your own covered balcony and outdoor cooking space (pictured), your own entry and room (pictured), and private ensuite with shower. We have worked hard as Kaitiaki of this land over the last three years, working alongside the Northland Council to protect the kiwis, forest and animals here. As a result (alongside Kiwis) you can also see Titiwai/glow worms, Kererū, Tui, Tomtits, we have spotted longtailed bats outside our house on dusk, Ruru, Riroriro, Cave and Tree Wetas, the rare and gorgeous, large, green Puriri Moths, Piwakawakas, Peacocks, and a host of other native and non-native animals, insects and plants. Reset Retreat is fully off-grid – that means our power comes from the sun, our water comes from the rain, our internet comes from Starlink satellites and our heat comes from our fireplace (with a heat transfer system that disperses the heat throughout the house).

Harmse Homestead

2 sites · Tents1 acre · Kimbolton

Enjoy watching dairy cows grazing peacefully, stunning sunsets and breathtaking stargazing. So many free hiking sites in the area. Glow worm cave nearby only few minutes away and absolutely free. Wild turkeys, peacocks, rabbits, occasional deer visiting from time to time and also a lot of sheeps around the property.

The Big Tree

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Tuakau

There is beautiful native bush On our property with large trees and a creek. We are close to Auckland and Auckland airport. The ideal spot for the start of your holiday or the last night of your trip. Camper toilet disposal facilities just around the corner. Great bars and restaurants in walking distance..

100%

(3)

Hideaway Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres

Hideaway Ranch is a family owned farm that raises beef cattle. It is steep to broken country with many patches of bush. The bush is filled with a variety of native birds and introduced species such as pheasants, peacock and quails. During rainier seasons, there is a creek flowing through the property which we’ve named The Oasis. This is a lovely spot for a picnic. A steep trek will give you one of the best sweeping views of the Kaipara. We are currently developing improved access for 4wd camp sites. Access by plane is available to our private airstrip. Please Note access my be limited during wet weather, just get in contact to confirm. Thanks

Māra Kokotoha

1 site · RV, Tent16 acres · Whangarei

We are 16 acres on a gentle slope at the west end of Whangārei near the Pukenui forest. We are in the process of rebuilding native forest as well as developing a new orchard. We have a well established banana grove which we harvest throughout the year. We are in a relatively quiet space for being just 15 minutes to town center and you'll wake up to rich bird song every morning and fall asleep to the sound of ruru calling from the trees. We are a few minutes to the lovely Pukenui forest reserve, 15 minutes to Parihaka, 20 minutes to Whangārei Falls and Abbey Caves, 35-50 minutes to bay and open ocean beaches. LGBTQIA2SP+ friendly! Kid friendly!

Slobadogavich Acres

1 site · RV4 acres

Situated only 15 minutes from Raglan and about the same to the blissful and barely known about Aotea Harbour, keep going and in only 35 minutes you find yourself in Kawhia, another gorgeous harbour and also boasts it's own hot water beach, where at low tide you can just dig a hole and create your own spa pool - choose the right day and enjoy a spectacular and unforgettable sunset. Not forgetting of course the renowned Bridal Veil Falls, only 2km further up the road from this property. With the local social club directly across the road, you have the choice of peace and tranquility or a little socialising and getting to know the locals - with the possibility of being let in on further (lesser known and undiscovered) attractions which, believe me exist - but are accessable by permission only. With it's close proximity to Raglan and all that it beholds, it's a great place to park up away from the hustle and bustle (and the free camping Nazis, lol) take a breath and plan your next move. Stay a night or a week, I promise you that the longer you stay the more welcome you will feel - and be...

Akerama lifestyle

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Hikurangi

The property is a natural waypoint to a multitude of destinations while being close to the main highway but quiet and secluded. As a lifestyle block it has many different animals, garden and orchards. There are 3 caravans for stays with a caravan kitchen available and a shower and toilet block. We have a creek running through the property behind the caravans and a bush block of mainly Totara trees sheltering the area from the south side. The animals we currently have on site are sheep (South Suffolk), pigs (Kunikuni), chooks, ducks, Guinea pigs, cattle and a dog.

Mirar Farm

1 site · RV, Tent100 acres · Te Kuiti

We farm 100 acres of rolling to steep land and breed Hereford cattle. In our spare time we enjoy fishing and travelling. The property has beautiful views of the harbour and ocean. One day we will build a Bach but in the meantime you need to be fully self contained to park with the views or willing to pitch a tent at the bottom of the farm where there is a very basic toilet option. It’s a nice hike down to the tent site but we can deliver your equipment by quad bike.

Cottage Garden

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Raetihi

I've got under an acre section with a small cottage. The section is pretty flat and fully fenced. Locally in Raetihi we have a walk along our river and within a 30-40 minute drive there are three national parks with plenty of walks and bike tracks. My section is pretty basic, but I've got a doggie so pets are very welcome, and I'm happy to have them hang out in the yard while you go to the non dog friendly activities.

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(2)

Hubbys retreat

4 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Morrinsville

300 acre dairy farm with views right across the Waikato. Glow worms and a beautiful wetland and native bush patches. Loads of things to do or just a very quiet time for you. Very handy to great bush walks and only 20 mins away is the Hauraki rail trail karangahake gorge where the cycle trstarts

Harmse Homestead

2 sites · Tents1 acre · Kimbolton

Enjoy watching dairy cows grazing peacefully, stunning sunsets and breathtaking stargazing. So many free hiking sites in the area. Glow worm cave nearby only few minutes away and absolutely free. Wild turkeys, peacocks, rabbits, occasional deer visiting from time to time and also a lot of sheeps around the property.

Cottage Garden

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Raetihi

I've got under an acre section with a small cottage. The section is pretty flat and fully fenced. Locally in Raetihi we have a walk along our river and within a 30-40 minute drive there are three national parks with plenty of walks and bike tracks. My section is pretty basic, but I've got a doggie so pets are very welcome, and I'm happy to have them hang out in the yard while you go to the non dog friendly activities.

The Big Tree

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Tuakau

There is beautiful native bush On our property with large trees and a creek. We are close to Auckland and Auckland airport. The ideal spot for the start of your holiday or the last night of your trip. Camper toilet disposal facilities just around the corner. Great bars and restaurants in walking distance..

Slobadogavich Acres

1 site · RV4 acres

Situated only 15 minutes from Raglan and about the same to the blissful and barely known about Aotea Harbour, keep going and in only 35 minutes you find yourself in Kawhia, another gorgeous harbour and also boasts it's own hot water beach, where at low tide you can just dig a hole and create your own spa pool - choose the right day and enjoy a spectacular and unforgettable sunset. Not forgetting of course the renowned Bridal Veil Falls, only 2km further up the road from this property. With the local social club directly across the road, you have the choice of peace and tranquility or a little socialising and getting to know the locals - with the possibility of being let in on further (lesser known and undiscovered) attractions which, believe me exist - but are accessable by permission only. With it's close proximity to Raglan and all that it beholds, it's a great place to park up away from the hustle and bustle (and the free camping Nazis, lol) take a breath and plan your next move. Stay a night or a week, I promise you that the longer you stay the more welcome you will feel - and be...

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in New Zealand with campfires guide

Overview

Ask a Kiwi what defines New Zealand (Aotearoa), and you'll get markedly different answers depending on where they hail from—even if they only grew up hours apart. That may be because New Zealand crams diverse landscapes and experiences into its 268,021 square kilometres. You can sleep at Māori maraes, park your campervan at the foot of active volcanoes, unroll your sleeping bag metres from the sea or deep in the rainforest, or pitch a tent at the foot of snow-capped mountains. Kiwis love road trips thanks to an extensive network of frontcountry, backcountry, and even urban camping areas. Freedom camping in New Zealand is also widespread, with free camping sites sometimes even equipped with flush toilets and hot showers. Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites and holiday parks can be found in even the most remote corners of the country, while local hosts are among the most welcoming you’ll find anywhere in the world.

Where to go

Northland (North Island)

This stretch of land north of Auckland is the birthplace of both Māoridom and modern New Zealand. Campsites in the Bay of Islands offer modern amenities and services, while seaside sites in the relatively unpopulated Far North region do justice to the phrase "winterless north."

Waikato (North Island)

Just south of Auckland, Waikato may be known for its cows, but this is also where you'll find some of the most dynamic camping in the region, including riverbanks and caves lit up at night with glowworms, surf beaches, and the bays and inlets of the Coromandel.

Bay of Plenty & Hawke's Bay (North Island)

Kiwifruits, wineries, and seafood are just part of what makes these two regions so plentiful. In addition to beachfront camping sites, you'll also find farm stays and further inland, camping among the misty mountain peaks of Te Urewera or beside the steaming geysers at Rotorua.

Ruapehu (North Island)

Within the volcanic heart of the North Island, the Ruapehu region also marks the start Whanganui River, with its headwaters in Tongariro National Park. Lava flows have defined this landscape, yet you can also park your motorhome among lush green rainforest.

Tasman/Nelson & Marlborough (South Island)

After a ferry ride from Wellington, you'll arrive to the northern end of the South Island, where these Tasman and Marlborough are known for their gold-hued beaches (especially in the aptly named Golden Bay and Abel Tasman National Park), plus kayaking, wineries, endless coastline, and native bush.

West Coast (South Island)

New Zealand's West Coast is known for being both wild and wet. It lives up to both descriptions, but it isn't all rain and gloom. Here, you'll find glaciers that nearly touch the sea, native rainforest, windswept beaches, and some of the country's most remote campsites.

Canterbury (South Island)

From the turquoise lakes of Mackenzie Country and the snow-capped peaks of Arthur's Pass to the braided rivers that cross the plains, Canterbury is as big as it is diverse. Want to camp beachside, riverside, oceanside, mountainside, lakeside, or even cityside in Christchurch? Find it all in Canterbury.

Otago (South Island)

Otago's urban centre of Queenstown is known for hustle and bustle, but it's easy to find yourself totally immersed in wilderness after just a short drive. With massive lakes, rushing rivers, and high mountain peaks, there's no shortage of adventure or camping grounds in the country's adrenaline capital.

Fiordland & Stewart Island (South Island)

Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand's most remote regions—yet it's also one of the most visited. The postcard-perfect Milford Sound is what lures many here, but for those who have time to camp for a few nights, it offers unparalleled wilderness opportunities starting from Te Anau.