Discover the best farm campgrounds in New Zealand with wildlife watching

100% (6 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New Zealand

Dog-friendly getaways

10 top farm campgrounds in New Zealand with wildlife watching

100%

(3)

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!

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

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

Milara Farm

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres

Welcome to Milara Farm, a 4 Acre, 'work in progress' lifestyle block and orchard in quiet valley about 1klm off SH12 up reasonable gravel road. 2 areas to park vehicle and tent site surrounded by trees overlooking pond and valley. 15 mins to Rawene - Kohukohu car ferry across Hokianga Harbour. 20 Minutes to Opononi. Toilet NOT currently available. (aside from main house in an 'emergency')

from

NZ$20

/ night

Dune Lakes Retreat

1 site · Lodging37 acres · Helensville

Dune Lakes Retreat and Equine Centre is situated on the beautiful South Kaipara Head Peninsula. The Kaipara South Head is a massive, ancient sand barrier that separates the South Kaipara Harbour from the Tasman Sea. A long line of inter-dune hollows runs up the Kaipara South Head, parallel to the coastline. These inter-dune hollows are lower than the groundwater level so they fill up with groundwater to create fresh water lakes. Lake Ototoa is the largest of these inter-dune lakes. Lake Kereta is another smaller example, as shown in the photo below. To the West The wild coastline and spectacular sunsets over the Tasman Sea and 65 kilometres of Muriwai/Rangatira Beach. To the East The sheltered waters and sunrises over the Kaipara Harbour and Shelly Beach to the east.The Kaipara is the largest harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a pristine and peaceful environment as well as a highly valued recreation area. It is an important feeding ground for marine mammals - orca and dolphins are often seen in the harbour - as well as an internationally significant roosting and feeding area for migratory birds. The keen bird watcher will find Bar-tailed Godwits, Knots, Turnstones, Pacific Golden Plover, Far-Eastern Curlew, Whimrel, New Zealand endemic Fairy Tern, Wrybill, Pied Oystercatcher, Variable Oystercatcher, Banded Dotterel, Pied Stilt, and Caspian Tern. Shelly Beach is a popular recreational beach with a beautiful backdrop of huge old Pohutakawa trees - with a kids play area, and a wharf where fishermen and boating enthusiasts gain access to the Kaipara Harbour. To the North The calm and tranquillity of lagoon at the top of the Peninsula. The wetland is home to mallard, grey duck, black swan, pied shag, pukeko, paradise shelduck. The sacred kingfisher nest around the wetland margins and flitting amongst the pine and native trees are North Island fantail, grey warbler and silvereye.

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!

Cliff Top Cottage

2 sites · Lodging3 acres

Quaint cottage. Sleeps up to 6. 800m away from the iconic Vinegar Hill. Just 3 minutes off SH1, on a quiet road, perfect rural escape. Let me help make going away easy, just bring your clothes, toiletries and food, and you are good to go! We're more than a place to stay! Get immersed in our country life, ride the heritage cycle trail, play some golf, swim and fish in the river, ride our ponies or stay in with our selection of games! Plus we offer yoga, massage and beauty therapy! On our land, we have a variety of different animals, at the moment, six ponies, 9 sheep, two goats, five chickens, a pig, a dog and a cat. We are also blessed to have an orchard. Bedroom 1: can sleep three, double bunk bed with a single above, large side table and in wall shelving to store your belongings Bedroom 2: can sleep 3, set of single bunks and a single bed, with side tables for your belongings. All bedding is provided. We also have a portacot and bedding (in bedroom 1 - under bed and in cabinet). Kitchen: The cottage has pretty much everything to meet your cooking needs there is a bench top oven with two hot plates, an electric frying pan, BBQ and a microwave. Plates, bowls, pots, cups, cutlery, utensils etc all provided. Tea, coffee, sugar, milo, a jug and a 4-slice toaster provided too and a small variety of cereal options. Tomato sauce, mayo, margarine, cooking oil, salt, pepper, curry, mixed herbs and some toast spreads are also provided. Bathroom and Laundry: Contains, shower, toilet and vanity. Good pressure. Towels, facecloths, bathmat and hand towels provided. You will also find the first aid kit here too! Body wash available also. Washing machine and washing powder provided at the cottage. Dryer access can be arranged over at the house. Clothes horse and small line for use too. If you need them, cleaning supplies are in the laundry cabinet, a mop behind the washing machine and a vacuum cleaner behind the couch. Lounge and dining: Lounge and dining is in the front room. Lounge suite, coffee table and dining table that seats 5. Also a selection of books, games, puzzles and children's toys, which we will be forever adding to. We also have a high chair you can assemble, this is behind the couch in the lounge. Please note there is no TV and limited cell phone signal unless you are with Spark. No wifi at cottage, can use at house if needed. Extra Info: * Heating provided via heat pump * A carport at the back of the cottage is an extra space to use, especially if it were to rain, great space also for storing bikes/horse gear/dog crates etc. * Picnic table, outdoor chairs and sun umbrella provided, rain umbrellas too. Check out the small shed behind the cottage for extra things like this. * A few golf clubs available if you wanted to check out our local course * In the wee shed off the carport you will find swing ball, golf clubs, a mini tramp and inside there are toys, balls and a Pétanque set. * In the future plan to have plenty of bikes and life jackets, watch this space!

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.

Hillside Haven

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Waiuku

The House is a four bedroom, 1 bathroom, self contained house that sleeps 8. No pets as we’re on a 5 acre Lifestyle farm. Magnificent views, 10 minutes to West Coast beaches, 10 minutes to local forest and river, handy to town. Relaxed owners willing to share our paradise, and swap ideas for gardening, sustainable living. Things to do close to Hillside Haven: Go to Karioitahi Beach The west coast black sand Karioitahi Beach is a must-see! The beach stretches as far as the eye can see making it ideal for blo-karting, horse riding, 4×4 driving and more! Local activity providers will hook you up with all the gear you’ll need. Plus, the beach is great for surfing too Awhitu Regional Park-This small regional park on the shores of the Manukau Harbour is packed with activities from walks to mountain bike trails to great places to kayak if you have your own equipment. Visit the Waiuku Museum and Hartman House Check out the vast collection of Maori and European artefacts and learn all about the history of Waiuku and its surroundings at the Waiuku Museum. The museum has a small entry fee of around NZ$3 per adult. Open Wednesdays 10am-12pm and Weekends 1.30pm-4pm. Ride a Vintage Train Feel like you’re back in time by riding the Glenbrook Vintage Railway’s steam and diesel trains on a 15km (9-mile) scenic journey of the Manukau Harbour. [Update: the steam train is currently out of service. Only diesel train tours are running.] Trips depart on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Alternatively, take the kids on Thomas the Tank Engine during special day events. Walk or Cycle in the Waiuku Forest This commercial forest with a pine plantation has recreational areas for walks, mountain biking, picnicking and fishing. Popular walk and bike trails include Alders Bell Road link, the Beach Trail, Gilpin Walton link and the Cowell Bush Track. Play a Round of Golf A great day or afternoon outside is at the Waiuku Golf & Squash Club. Visitors are welcome to give the 18 or 9-hole course a try with reasonable green fees. Enjoy playing on tree-lined fairways with lots of hidden challenges to keep you on your toes. Alternatively, Awhitu Golf Club offers a usually quiet round on a 9-hole course beside Awhitu Regional Park. Enjoy views of the Manukau Harbour and sit down for a meal in the clubhouse on Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons.

The Nest @ The Barn Cabins and Camp

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Marahau

Available this weekend

Milara Farm

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres

Welcome to Milara Farm, a 4 Acre, 'work in progress' lifestyle block and orchard in quiet valley about 1klm off SH12 up reasonable gravel road. 2 areas to park vehicle and tent site surrounded by trees overlooking pond and valley. 15 mins to Rawene - Kohukohu car ferry across Hokianga Harbour. 20 Minutes to Opononi. Toilet NOT currently available. (aside from main house in an 'emergency')

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

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!

Dune Lakes Retreat

1 site · Lodging37 acres · Helensville

Dune Lakes Retreat and Equine Centre is situated on the beautiful South Kaipara Head Peninsula. The Kaipara South Head is a massive, ancient sand barrier that separates the South Kaipara Harbour from the Tasman Sea. A long line of inter-dune hollows runs up the Kaipara South Head, parallel to the coastline. These inter-dune hollows are lower than the groundwater level so they fill up with groundwater to create fresh water lakes. Lake Ototoa is the largest of these inter-dune lakes. Lake Kereta is another smaller example, as shown in the photo below. To the West The wild coastline and spectacular sunsets over the Tasman Sea and 65 kilometres of Muriwai/Rangatira Beach. To the East The sheltered waters and sunrises over the Kaipara Harbour and Shelly Beach to the east.The Kaipara is the largest harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a pristine and peaceful environment as well as a highly valued recreation area. It is an important feeding ground for marine mammals - orca and dolphins are often seen in the harbour - as well as an internationally significant roosting and feeding area for migratory birds. The keen bird watcher will find Bar-tailed Godwits, Knots, Turnstones, Pacific Golden Plover, Far-Eastern Curlew, Whimrel, New Zealand endemic Fairy Tern, Wrybill, Pied Oystercatcher, Variable Oystercatcher, Banded Dotterel, Pied Stilt, and Caspian Tern. Shelly Beach is a popular recreational beach with a beautiful backdrop of huge old Pohutakawa trees - with a kids play area, and a wharf where fishermen and boating enthusiasts gain access to the Kaipara Harbour. To the North The calm and tranquillity of lagoon at the top of the Peninsula. The wetland is home to mallard, grey duck, black swan, pied shag, pukeko, paradise shelduck. The sacred kingfisher nest around the wetland margins and flitting amongst the pine and native trees are North Island fantail, grey warbler and silvereye.

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!

Under $50

Milara Farm

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres

Welcome to Milara Farm, a 4 Acre, 'work in progress' lifestyle block and orchard in quiet valley about 1klm off SH12 up reasonable gravel road. 2 areas to park vehicle and tent site surrounded by trees overlooking pond and valley. 15 mins to Rawene - Kohukohu car ferry across Hokianga Harbour. 20 Minutes to Opononi. Toilet NOT currently available. (aside from main house in an 'emergency')

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

Dune Lakes Retreat

1 site · Lodging37 acres · Helensville

Dune Lakes Retreat and Equine Centre is situated on the beautiful South Kaipara Head Peninsula. The Kaipara South Head is a massive, ancient sand barrier that separates the South Kaipara Harbour from the Tasman Sea. A long line of inter-dune hollows runs up the Kaipara South Head, parallel to the coastline. These inter-dune hollows are lower than the groundwater level so they fill up with groundwater to create fresh water lakes. Lake Ototoa is the largest of these inter-dune lakes. Lake Kereta is another smaller example, as shown in the photo below. To the West The wild coastline and spectacular sunsets over the Tasman Sea and 65 kilometres of Muriwai/Rangatira Beach. To the East The sheltered waters and sunrises over the Kaipara Harbour and Shelly Beach to the east.The Kaipara is the largest harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a pristine and peaceful environment as well as a highly valued recreation area. It is an important feeding ground for marine mammals - orca and dolphins are often seen in the harbour - as well as an internationally significant roosting and feeding area for migratory birds. The keen bird watcher will find Bar-tailed Godwits, Knots, Turnstones, Pacific Golden Plover, Far-Eastern Curlew, Whimrel, New Zealand endemic Fairy Tern, Wrybill, Pied Oystercatcher, Variable Oystercatcher, Banded Dotterel, Pied Stilt, and Caspian Tern. Shelly Beach is a popular recreational beach with a beautiful backdrop of huge old Pohutakawa trees - with a kids play area, and a wharf where fishermen and boating enthusiasts gain access to the Kaipara Harbour. To the North The calm and tranquillity of lagoon at the top of the Peninsula. The wetland is home to mallard, grey duck, black swan, pied shag, pukeko, paradise shelduck. The sacred kingfisher nest around the wetland margins and flitting amongst the pine and native trees are North Island fantail, grey warbler and silvereye.

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

Farm camping in New Zealand with wildlife watching 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.