10 Great Camping Grounds in Whangarei District (2024)

Whangarei is a family favourite for many kiwis. It is recommended forward bookings are arranged for the peak summer season. There are several beach front locations ideal for families or to indulge in diving at the Poor Knights Island. River estuaries are a favourite for their shallow safe swimming and fishing is a perennial favoured pastime. There is always the option of a deck chair and a good book to while away the day.

1. WHANGAREI TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK

@Whangarei TOP 10 Holiday Park

@Whangarei TOP 10 Holiday Park @Whangarei TOP 10 Holiday Park

A great location bordering Parihaka Scenic Reserve. With large native bush-clad hills as our backdrop and the city traffic noise is minimised. The holiday park is 2 km from the city centre and marina. Powered, non-powered sites, cabins, chalets and motels. Pet friendly, conditions apply.

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What to do nearby Whangarei Top 10 Holiday Park:

• Adventure Forest, with 0 tree-top challenge courses packed with thrill, fun and action. There are circuits for all ages and abilities, with countless obstacles and of course lots of flying foxes: wire traverses, tight ropes, exciting swings, treacherous nets, wobbly bridges, zip-lines.
• Botanica Whangarei, New Zealand’s largest public collection of native ferns. Conservatory contains tropical plants and vibrant flower displays. Open 10am- 4pm.
• Hatea Riverwalk exploring the heart of the city

2. WHANGAREI CENTRAL HOLIDAY PARK

@Whangarei Central Holiday Park

@Whangarei Central Holiday Park @Whangarei Central Holiday Park

Whangarei Central Holiday Park, is located in an inner city suburb. Transport would be required to access marina activities. The park has an excellent up to date playground. Powered, non-powered sites, cabins, chalets and motels. Pet friendly, conditions apply. To inquire further or book check out Whangarei Central Holiday Park.

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What to do nearby Whangarei Central Holiday Park:

• Whale Bay is a sheltered white sand beach, great for a family picnic with shallow water, toilet and picnic facilities.
• Woolley’s Bay and Sandy Bay are well known as great surf spots.
• Matapouri Bay is also a spectacular beach, with white sand and just a 20 minute bush / beach walk from Whale Bay.

3. WHANGAREI FALLS HOLIDAY PARK

@Whangarei Falls Holiday Park and YHA Backpackers

@Whangarei Falls Holiday Park and YHA Backpackers @Whangarei Falls Holiday Park and YHA Backpackers

Whangarei Falls Holiday Park location is 5 km from the city centre. Adjacent to iconic Whangarei Falls and scenic bush tracks are a two-minute walk away from the holiday park. Local shops and bus stops are nearby. Powered sites and standard cabins with shared toilets in a central block. There is a public swimming pool on site.

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What to do nearby Whangarei Falls Holiday Park:

• Whangarei Falls walking track
• Explore Abbey Caves
• Visit Claphams Clock Museum

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4. RUAKAKA BEACH HOLIDAY PARK

@Ruakaka Beach Holiday Park

@Ruakaka Beach Holiday Park @Ruakaka Beach Holiday Park

A glorious location on the Ruakaka estuary. There are 13 hectares of camp park on the peninsula making the park one of the largest campsites in New Zealand with 264 power sites, 80 non-powered sites and 9 backpacker cabins. A number of sites offer stunning views of the estuary and sea views, some with the water right at the edge of your site. The camping grounds have the spirit of a temporary village. Think of a school playground atmosphere.

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What to do nearby Ruakaka Beach Holiday Park:

• Diving Hen and Chicken Island marine reserve
• Cast fishing from the extensive Ruakaka beach
• Paddle in the river estuary and bird watch from the shorebird reserve

5. CAMP WAIPU COVE HOLIDAY PARK

@Camp Waipu Cove

@Camp Waipu Cove @Camp Waipu Cove

Located on Bream Bay a beachside temporary village with powered, non-powered sites, cabins, chalets and motel units. A well established camping ground with two playgrounds situated within metres of the sandy beach. Another perfect playground for children.

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What to do nearby Waipu Cove Holiday Park:

• Explore Waipu heritage museum
• Picnic at Pipora Falls
• Order fish n chips from local cafe and watch the sunset

6. TUTUKAKA HOLIDAY PARK

@Tutukaka Holiday Park

Location is metres away from the Tutukaka Marine precinct and boat ramps. The park has 0 powered sites (some with grey water & sewage connections), 2 En-suite Cabins (Tea & Toast making facilities), 4 Self Contained two room Cabins, 4 Studio Self Contained Cabins, 6 Standard Cabins, 2×12 Person Bunkrooms, 50 Tent Sites both powered and non-powered. No pets allowed.

The park facilities at peak season is sometimes an issue with not enough space for communal living however there are scenic bush walks as part of the campgrounds. For divers there are facilities for the cleaning and drying area for our dive gear, that was secure and lockable.

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What to do nearby Tutukaka Holiday Park:

• Deep sea fishing charters
• Dive Poor Knights Island
• Whangaumu Bay exploration, At the far end of the bay a walking track climbs the hill for a good view of the Ngunguru entrance and the sand spit. At low water you can walk to Ngunguru. Fishing from the rocks.

7. NIKAU BAY CAMP

@Nikau Bay Camp

@Nikau Bay Camp @Nikau Bay Camp

Waterfront camping on the Ngunguru River. A classic camping ground with non-powered sites in a boutique camp site. There is a kitchen garden for guests, kayaks for river trips and a moored pontoon for kids to jump off. No pets allowed.

What to do nearby Nikau Bay Camp:

• Goat Island is not an Island but joined by a stunning sandy beach and wilderness that can only be reached by a 50 minute bush/beach walk from Nikau Bay
• Ngunguru Sandspit. Located next door to Ngunguru Sandspit; a unique 83ha coastal wilderness reserve, graced with 1.6 kms of spectacular, safe ocean beach swimming just 15 minutes walk from Nikau Bay.
• Jumping into a river from the pontoon

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8. TREASURE ISLAND CAMPING AND CARAVAN PARK

Treasure Island Caravan Park NZ

The park is located at Pataua South (half an hour from Whangarei), on Northland’s east coast. The park really was an island, until, by the process of accretion, it became possible to drive vehicles across to it. Treasure Island features a safe lagoon, ideal for young children; and two excellent golden sand beaches where you can swim at any time of the day. Classic camping grounds with 85 powered sites and 65 camping sites. It has two ablution blocks with 10 showers and 14 toilets. No pets allowed.

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What to do nearby Treasure Island Camping and Caravan Park:

• Whangarei Heads walks
• Tahi Honey is 2km from the campground and their bush walks are open every Sunday
• Pataua Estuary for paddling and safe swimming

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

9. URETITI BEACH CONSERVATION CAMPSITE

Uretiti Beach conservation campsite @DoC / Brandon Koger

Uretiti Beach conservation campsite, is between Whangārei and Waipu on Northland’s East Coast Waipu, Northland region for booking details or further information check out Uretiti Beach conservation campsite.

Facilities:

• Hot showers are $2 coin-operated.
• Recycling facilities available.
• Camp office hours are 8:30 am – 9:00 pm. Contact Uretiti campsite on +64 9 432 1051.
• Camp gates and barrier arms are locked from 9:00 pm – 7:00 am.
• Camp hosts are on-site all year.

Category: Scenic

Bookings: Required

Facilities

Shelter for cooking Shower – hot Toilets – non-flush Water from tap – treated, suitable for drinking Wheelchair accessible

300 non-powered/tent sites

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What to do nearby Uretiti Beach conservation campsite:

• Surf, fish or swim at the beautiful sandy surf beach
• Walk along the stunning coastal track at Mangawhai Heads, only a 20 min drive south
• Explore the nearby Waipu Caves

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

10. OTAMURE BAY (WHANANAKI) CAMPSITE

@Whananaki Department of Сonservation Camping Ground Otamure Bay

Otamure Bay (Whananaki) campsite lies almost 30 km north of Whangarei, near Whananaki North on Northland’s East Coast.

Category: Scenic

Bookings: required

Facilities:

• Boat launching
• Shelter for cooking
• Shower – cold
• Toilets – non-flush
• Water from tap – not treated, boil before use
• Wheelchair accessible
• 130 non-powered/tent sites

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What to do nearby Otamure Bay (Whananaki) campsite:

• Walk in the nearby Motutara Recreation Reserve
• Walk Watkin Powell Track
• Out on the headland there are several small, secluded beaches and some good fishing and diving spots.

Freedom Campers: Whangarei District Council bylaws. For up to date information check online resources. Freedom Camping can be a popular way to stay in the Whangarei District, especially in summer time. Because of the high demand for freedom camping spots in Whangarei (especially in summer) we have rules and guidelines for campers to follow. The rules and camping locations are different for people staying in tents, vehicles, or certified Self-Contained vehicles.

Our top 5 tips for all campers:

1. Keep your campsite clean and tidy – leave no sign of your stay when you leave.
2. Dispose of waste correctly – use a transfer station or dump station.
3. Care for the environment, wildlife and public facilities such as toilets, signs and fences.
4.  Confirm that you are allowed to camp in your spot – from the maps below, a sign at the site, a freedom camping ambassador, or an iSite.
5. Consider other people nearby – share the space, keep noise to a minimum.

Blue Heron Holiday Park is PERMANENTLY CLOSED

• Up to date information check with campsite operator before booking
• Pets, check before booking conditions and if pets are allowed on the premises.

• Campsites Department of Conservation Northland brochure PDF

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