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The North Island of New Zealand hosts amazing campgrounds and holiday parks; in many of them, you can do some freedom camping, but others will allow you to camp with any type of vehicle as they offer more extended amenities for short and long stays.
In this article, we will highlight each of these 12 campgrounds and holiday parks located on the North Island.
1. Otamure Bay Campsite (Whananaki North)
This campsite is located on the eastern coast of Northland, 45 minutes drive from Whangarei, an ideal choice for a quick escape from the city.
Between its facilities, we can highlight the following:
- Camping areas
- Toilets
- Picnic areas
- Access to the beach
- Tracks for hiking
🔍 What type of activities can you do near Otamure Bay campsite?
The most popular ones are fishing, hiking, birdwatching and various water sports.
2. Piha Domain Campground (Auckland)
The Piha Domain is famous for those looking for a beachside experience, and it is not far from Auckland, just a 45-minute drive.
Between its facilities, we can highlight the following:
- Camping areas
- Toilets and showers
- Picnic and BBQ areas
- Children’s playground
- Wifi and good cell phone reception
🔍 What type of activities can you do at the Piha Domain campground?
The most popular are surfing, hiking, swimming, beach activities, nature and wildlife.
3. Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park (Coromandel)
This holiday park has a premier location next to Hot Water Beach, a unique natural attraction where visitors can create a relaxing bathing experience on the same beach.
It has numerous facilities such as cabins, self-contained units and powered/non-powered spots for campervans and motorhomes.
🔍 What type of activities can you do at Hot Water Beach Holiday Park?
The most popular are kayaking, cultural visits, hiking scenic spots and much more; it also has a central location to Whitianga.
4. Hahei Holiday Resort (Coromandel)
Located on the Coromandel Peninsula, it is a great destination for relaxation and adventure activities.
It is near Cathedral Cove and is accessible by kayak, boat, and walk.
Its accommodation options are:
- Campervan powered and non-powered sites
- Spots for tents
- Self-Contained units
- Glamping tents
🔍 What type of activities can you do at the Hahei Holiday Resort?
A mix of tours are available in its surroundings. Additionally, you can find swimming pools, a spa, BBQ areas, picnic areas, a children’s playground and snorkeling.
5. Waihi Beach TOP 10 Holiday Resort (Bay of Plenty)
A fantastic holiday park in the Bay of Plenty, it offers a mix of accommodations and facilities ideal for couples, families and solo travelers.
You can find beachfront villas, motel units, cabins and powered/non-powered sites for campervans, caravans and tents.
🔍 What type of activities can you do at the Waihi Bearch Resort?
Cycling, fishing, hiking, and beach activities are the most popular; many local attractions are also nearby.
6. Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park (Rotorua)
This holiday park is in the heart of Rotorua, a famous city for its geothermal activity and Maori culture.
The park has many different types of accommodation, from self-contained units to non-powered sites for campervans and motorhomes.
It also has plenty of facilities, such as thermal pools, a swimming pool, a BBQ area, a TV Room, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a playground for kids and a communal kitchen.
🔍 What type of activities can you do at Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park?
- Adventure activities
- Maori cultural experiences
- Visit geothermal parks
- Multiple hiking routes
7. Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park (Rotorua)
A picturesque camping destination located near Blue Lake, it is famous for its views and promises visitors a memorable stay.
It has accommodation options for all budgets, from non-powered sites to motel units.
🔍 What type of activities can you do at Blue Lake Holiday Park?
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Multiple walks nearby
- Visit geothermal parks
- Zip-lining
- White-water rafting
8. Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park (Waitomo)
The Waitomo Holiday Park is centrally located in Waitomo and is famous for its caves and multiple natural attractions.
Within its amenities, you can stay in cabins, self-contained units, motel rooms. There are also available spots for campervans and motorhomes with power facilities.
🔍 What type of activities can you do at Waitomo Holiday Park?
- Visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Visit the Ruakuri Cave
- Rafting
- Multiple walks nearby
- Explore cultural spots
- Multiple dining options
9. Lake Taupo Holiday Resort (Taupo)
This resort is located near the shores of Lake Taupo; it counts with top facilities, from non-powered sites for campervans to deluxe villas for travellers seeking a more comfortable experience.
You will find all kinds of facilities, such as thermal pools, mini golf, a BBQ area, a TV lounge, laundry, a communal kitchen, a store and more.
🔍 What activities can you do at Lake Taupo Holiday Resort?
- Bungy-jumping
- Boating
- Fishing
- Water sports
- Skiing
- Multiple hikes
- Hot mineral pools & spas
10. Motuora Island Campsite (Hauraki Gulf)
A special place for freedom camping, popular among campervan adventurers.
Its facilities are limited, so campers should be prepared and self-sufficient during their stay.
It doesn’t count with toilets, showers or any other types of services near by.
🔍 What activities can you do at Lake Taupo Holiday Resort?
- Bird watching
- Hiking
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Stargazing
🚐 Self-Contained vehicles are required in this destination, for more information about this practice you can check the following guide: Self-Contained in New Zealand | All You Need to Know
11. Matauri Bay Holiday Park (Northland)
Matauri Bay offers a relaxing experience and the opportunity to enjoy plenty of outdoor activities.
It has impressive views of its surroundings, including the ocean and multiple landscapes.
It includes basic facilities such as toilets, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, and common areas for cooking and having a BBQ.
🔍 What activities can you do at Matauri Bay Holiday Park?
- Beach activities
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Hiking
- Cultural experiences
12. Waikawau Bay Campsite (Coromandel)
Waikawau Bay is popular during summer and Easter.
Most visitors are families with kids, but you should come prepared to be self-sufficient during your stay.
There are a few powered spots, but most of them are non-powered.
🔍 What activities can you do at Waikawau Bay Campsite?
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Surfing
- Walking
- Kayaking
