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25 places to go camping in Nelson

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@Marahau Beach Camp

In this Article

Nelson, sunshine capital of New Zealand has an extensive range of camping grounds and holiday parks for visitors.

TIP

Check your bucket list, what you want to do before you choose where to stay. For ideas check out Abel Tasman Great Walk & Abel Tasman National Park camping grounds as well as Where to stay in Nelson.

 

In the peak summer season forward bookings are essential. Grab yourself a place in the sand with the shallow waters of the Tasman Sea lapping just below your tent.

TIP

Who wants to cook while on holiday, check out Moutere, Nelson 9 best foodie experiences + great walk for the makings of a great escape from the kitchen. Staying in Nelson or visiting check out 14 cafes, counter food & quick bites to eat in Nelson – Best Bits and your picnic is sorted.

 

Nelson is the home of over twenty independent breweries, check out the action on a Craft brewery & cider drink Nelson weekend trip – Best Bits

Nelson City Top 10 Holiday Park

@top10holidayparks
@top10holidayparks

A budget holiday in Nelson city is possible. The Nelson City Top Ten Holiday Park is within easy walking distance to shops, supermarkets & Nelson Hospital.

We are the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the beautiful Nelson-Tasman district. Take advantage of Nelson’s cafes, restaurants. Nelson Top Ten Holiday Park is a great location to join the fun,  Nelson Guide Summer Festivals, Art and Museums – Best Bits.

Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park is the closest campground to the centre of town! Book one of our Powered Sites and park up your RV, Campervan, Motorhome, Caravan or Sleepervan. There is the option of non-powered tent sites available. The holiday park welcomes pets. Remember to check Pet Policy beforehand.

Tahuna Beach Holiday Park & Motel (Nelson city)

Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park and Motel is located 4.5 kilometres from Nelson city centre and adjacent to Tāhunanui Beach. The Tahuna Beach Holiday Park & Motel covers an extraordinary length of coastline, over 54 acres of parkland. The Tahuna Holiday Park has beachside access to the 1.7 km white sandy Tahunanui beach.

Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park has 600 campsites spread across 54 acres of parkland. These are located in four separate colour-coded zones, which means you can choose the area that has the features and facilities you want.

Each zone has its own communal kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, along with a recycling station.

@Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park and Motel
@Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park and Motel
Green summer landscape with three recreational cyclists in orange clothes alongside the river in Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
Cycling in Nelson

WHAT TO DO NEARBY TAHUNA BEACH HOLIDAY PARK & MOTEL?

Brook Valley Holiday Park (Nelson city)

Motor Camps – Nelson City Council

Traditional camping ground with no mobile phone reception, no en-suites, no frills – a stay at Brook Valley Holiday Park is a genuine chance to get back to basics.

Shared facilities include:

  • Basic camp kitchen
  • Toilets
  • Token operated showers
@brookvalleyholidaypark
@brookvalleyholidaypark
@thebrooksanctuary
@thebrooksanctuary

WHAT TO DO NEARBY BROOK VALLEY HOLIDAY PARK?

  • Visit Nelson’s sanctuary for native forests and wildlife, Walks and facilities at the Brook SanctuaryThe Loop track which is a charming and easy walk of some 45 minutes and accessible for pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and features the newest addition to Sanctuary the Founders Bridge across the dam.Owned and managed by Nelson City Council

Maitai Valley Motor Camp (Nelson city)

Traditional camping grounds owned and operated by Nelson City Council. Located five kilometres outside of the city centre via a scenic drive, the Maitai Valley Camp has a woodland setting and a safe river for swimming. Its 120 power sites and 400 tent sites are spacious and scattered amongst great trees.

Facilities include:

  • token gas showers
  • two fully equipped kitchens
  • BBQ area
  • limited dump point

Mapua Leisure Park (Tasman Bay)

Mapua Leisure Park has basic motels, cabins, and camping-powered and non-powered sites situated on 21 acres of pine forest and beach dunes. Communal kitchen and laundry facilities, boat and trailer park. Recreational facilities include tennis courts, volleyball and swimming pool, and for parents a summer children’s entertainment program.

@MapuaLeisurePark
@MapuaLeisurePark
Rusting shipwreck Janie Seddon in the bay at Motueka, Nelson
The hulk of the Janie Seddon at Motueka

WHAT TO DO NEARBY MAPUA LEISURE PARK?

Cable Bay Holiday Park (Tasman Bay)

An independent classic holiday park with the beach as the star attraction. Cable Bay Holiday Park has non-powered and powered sites and basic cabins (no ensuites). There are well-maintained communal facilities. Nearby Cable Bay Holiday Park is the start of the Cable Bay walkway.

This campsite is owned and operated by the Nelson City Council.

@Cable Bay Holiday Park
@Cable Bay Holiday Park

Queen Street Holiday Park (Tasman Bay)

Queen Street Holiday Park is located in the nearby village, of Richmond, Nelson, New Zealand. Queen Street Holiday Park has 82 powered small and large sites. There is a single motel unit. The holiday park accommodates long-term stays.

@Queen Street Holiday Park
@Queen Street Holiday Park
@Seifried Estate
@Seifried Estate

WHAT TO DO NEARBY QUEEN STREET HOLIDAY PARK?

Tasman Motor Camp (Tasman Bay – Ruby Bay)

Tasman Motor Camp is a classic camping ground with non-powered and powered sites, cabins (some ensuite), and dormitory style accommodation for larger groups. Well-maintained facilities surrounded by mature trees and landscaped grounds.

@Tasman Motor Camp
@Tasman Motor Camp

Motueka Top 10 Holiday Park (Tasman Bay)

Motueka Top 10 Holiday Park is part of the award-winning Top Ten Holiday Parks of New Zealand. There is a range of accommodation choices. Additionally, Motueka Top Ten has a contemporary, open-plan conference room that can be set up to meet your specific requirements. The park office offers a complete booking service for all sightseeing, transport, and adventure activities in our region.

@Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park
@Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park

Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve (Golden Bay)

Kaiteriteri Reserve Camp is a Qualmark 4-star plus Holiday Park in Motueka. It is a beachfront campground set in the scenic Kaiteriteri Reserve. It has 400 power sites, 9 standard cabins,8 ensuite cabins, and 8 luxury apartments overlooking the bay. Beachfront cafe/restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and a la carte evening dining and operates within the motor camp. Sheltered golden beaches for safe bathing and water sports and walking tracks are nearby. Kaiteriteri Beach Motor Camp is situated on Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Road.

Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Camp has extensive recreational facilities. A coffee shop, bicycle hire, children’s playground, play equipment, mini golf, snorkelling equipment for hire. The convenience shop will organise breakfast and has a liquor licence.

@ExperienceKaiteriteri
@ExperienceKaiteriteri
Caucasian man taking a selfie with smartphone in Split Apple Rock, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Split Apple Rock

WHAT TO DO NEARBY KAITERITERI RESERVE CAMP?

Takaka Camping & Cabins (Golden Bay)

Takaka Camping & Cabins is conveniently located within walking distance (300 metres) of the town’s main street. The campgrounds are 7 km from the beach. The campgrounds have non-powered, powered sites, and cabins (some ensuite). Pets allowed (conditions apply).

@Takaka Camping And Cabins
@Takaka Camping And Cabins
Te Waikoropupu Springs (pupu Springs), near Takaka, Golden Bay, Nelson, New Zealand.
Te Waikoropupu Springs (pupu Springs), near Takaka

WHAT TO DO NEARBY TAKAKA CAMPING AND CABINS?

Bethany Park, Holiday Park and Camp (Golden Bay)

Bethany Park has kids’ activities sorted with two playgrounds, paddock golf, a children’s BMX track, and the 60 metre water slide. One of NZ’s premier beaches, Kaiteriteri is a short 10-minute walk away. There are non-powered, powered sites, cabins, chalets, and ensuite motel style units. Pets allowed (conditions apply). The well-maintained facilities mean forward bookings are essential for the peak summer season. Wintering over is available for motorhomes at a weekly rate.

@Bethany Park
@Bethany Park
TIP

Kaiteriteri Beach Reserve rules are strict and dogs are not permitted on the beach. But Tapu Bay, just a few minutes’ drive away from us, is a large bay which is very dog friendly.

Pohara Beach Holiday Park (Golden Bay)

Pohara Beach Holiday Park is a finalist in the holiday park awards and a five-star option for those wishing a resort feel to their camping experience. Pohara has non-powered, powered sites, cabins, chalets, ensuite motel style options. There is an expansive kids playground, concrete boat ramp and wash down facilities. The park is the closest camping ground to the northern end of Abel Tasman National Park.

@Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
@Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

Golden Bay Holiday Park

Golden Bay Holiday Park has a great location. The park is halfway between Farewell Spit and the Abel Tasman National Park, making it the ideal place to explore the area. Golden Bay Holiday Park has beach apartments with direct access to the sandy private beach. For holidaymakers after a relaxed beach vibe, this is a premier destination.

Accommodation includes several beach self-contained apartments. There are 210 powered and non-powered sites distributed throughout the park. Golden Bay Holiday Park has extensive mature trees and landscaping with benches and picnic tables nestled among the sand dunes.

@goldenbayholidaypark.nz
@goldenbayholidaypark.nz
Farewell spit gannets, Nelson @farewellspittours
Farewell spit gannets, Nelson @farewellspittours

WHAT TO DO NEARBY GOLDEN BAY HOLIDAY PARK?

Collingwood Holiday Park (Golden Bay)

From a non-powered site for a tent to a self-contained cabin there is plenty of choice for your budget holiday in Collingwood Holiday Park. For family groups, there is a self-contained holiday home as well as several cabins sleeping up to eight people. Camping Sites, Tent, caravan, and motorhome sites range from sitting on the waterfront to the more sheltered site amongst the trees. Campers have access to full communal facilities. Bring your own cooking equipment to use in the communal kitchens.

Book swap library & Wi-Fi available for guests. Pets by prior arrangement and no animals allowed from Dec 15th to Feb 15th.

@Collingwood Holiday Park
@Collingwood Holiday Park

Marahau Beach Camp (Golden Bay)

Marahau Beach Camp is a classic Kiwi camping ground just steps away from the gorgeous Marahau beach. Marahau is a key location for departures, sea kayaking, and water taxi trips into the Abel Tasman National Park. Marahau Beach Camp has 55 powered sites for tents, campervans, and caravans. Set among mature trees, the sites are well-proportioned and are all close to the central amenities block.

@Marahau Beach Camp
@Marahau Beach Camp

The Barn Cabins & Camp (Golden Bay)

The Barn Cabins & Camp is the answer to a holiday where the pesky administrative details are sorted including where to stay while visiting the Abel Tasman National Park.

With incredible views of the Abel Tasman Coast and tucked among the Marahau Valley.

Choose from a range of accommodation options including Beachfront Bach’s, Private Cabins, Ocean View Campsites and Dorm Rooms.

@thebarncabinsandcamp
@thebarncabinsandcamp
@wakaabeltasman
@wakaabeltasman

WHAT TO DO NEARBY THE BARN CABINS & CAMP?

Old MacDonald’s Farm Holiday Park (Golden Bay, Marahau)

Old Macdonald’s Farm Holiday Park is a gem. 100 acres of native bush and regenerating forest in the Marahau Valley just 400 metres from the Abel Tasman National Park, There are family cabins & camping alongside the office area “The Hub” of the farm, or go International where we have “Cowman’s Cottage” more cabins & camping @ our busy backpacker area/hostel. The Bull Paddock camping ground is tucked beside the Marahau River with powered & non-powered sites.

Old Macdonald’s will arrange bookings for Abel Tasman trips.

@Old Macdonald's Farm Holiday Park
@Old Macdonald's Farm Holiday Park
@Ngarua Caves
@Ngarua Caves

WHAT TO DO NEARBY OLD MacDONALD FARM?

  • Clydesdale Adventures, Horse trekking – beach, bush or both depending on the tide. Riding for every level
  • Visit The Ngarua Caves, Moa bones, stalactites, guided hourly tours.

Wharariki Holiday Park (Golden Bay)

Wharariki Beach Holiday Park has non-powered, powered sites for campervans, motorhomes, and caravans – flat, well-drained pitches for camping with tents, tourist cabins for up to 4 people, and lodge accommodation for backpackers.

No dump station for campervans, please arrive empty – there is a dump station at Collingwood. There are no waste disposal facilities at Wharariki Beach Holiday Park – Pack in / Pack out – recycling is available at Collingwood.

Facilities

  • Internet – There is limited cellphone and mobile data coverage available around the campground. Wi-Fi internet is available – charges apply.
  • Cafe – Nestled in the bush by Wharariki Beach car park is Archway Cafe. The cafe is open from the end of October to Easter serving great coffee, cakes, muffins, sandwiches, ice cream and cold drinks.
@whararikibeachholidaypark
@whararikibeachholidaypark

Quinney’s Bush Camp (SH6 district)

@Quinney's Bush Camp
@Quinney's Bush Camp

Quinney’s Bush is a popular, back-to-basics adventure holiday park set in spacious grounds of 10 ha with native trees and safe river swimming. Located 52 km from Nelson, 70 km from Murchison, and 58 km from Motueka on SH6. *Shop, fridge/freezer, laundry, kitchen *Toilets, showers, wash facilities *Tent sites, power, cabins.

WHAT TO DO NEARBY QUINNYS BUSH?

  • Spooners Rail Tunnel
  • Lake Rotoiti
  • Purchase a day ticket and enjoy the waterslide, river swimming spots and BBQ facilities. Adventure park has flying foxes, skatepark, BMX track
Mountains Reflected in Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand
Lake Rotoiti

Tapawera Campground (SH6 route)

@tapaweracycletrailcampground
@tapaweracycletrailcampground

Tapawera Cycle Trail Campground is a perfect rest stop on the Taste Nelson cycle trail. TAPAWERA is a village on the TASTE NELSON CYCLE TRAIL. Tapawera is located along the Motueka Valley, the magnificent Kahurangi Ranges at its side. It’s been a gold mining town and a railway town, with the railway construction camp situated there for several years.

TIP

Enjoy a classic pub lunch at Visit Tapawera on the Motueka Valley Highway, between Nelson and Motueka. While not strictly camping, a pub stay for a night or two in Tapawera is a quintessential kiwi experience.

TAPAWERA HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

The Tapawera Hotel has eight accommodation units, all en-suite, behind the hotel well away from any road noise. The hotel has one family room with a double bed, bunk beds and a spacious WC/shower room. There are 4 double bedded rooms and 3 twin bedded rooms.

@Tapawera Hotel
@Tapawera Hotel

Riverside Holiday Park (SH6 route)

@riversidemurchison
@riversidemurchison

Riverside Holiday Park with its 40 acres of grounds is a favourite spot for Buller River jet boat tours, kayakers and rafters of one of the world’s white river top destinations. A classic camping ground with shared facilities.

WHAT TO DO NEARBY RIVERSIDE HOLIDAY PARK, MURCHISON?

Quirky original junk is someone's treasure shop Murchison, the business was for sale!
Murchison

Kiwi Park Motels and Holiday Park (SH6 route)

@kiwiparkmotelsandholidaypark
@kiwiparkmotelsandholidaypark

Kiwi Park Motels & Holiday Park borders the Matakitaki River with farm animals roaming among the 6 hectares. Non-powered, powered, cabins, motel style units and log cabins.

Murchison Motorhome Park (SH6 route)

@murchisonmotorhomepark
@murchisonmotorhomepark

Murchison Motorhome Park is a dedicated landscaped park for motorhomes and RV vehicles.

Owen River Campground (SH6 route)

Owen River Tavern and Motel is part of the historic Owen River Pub complex. Owen River Recreation Reserve borders the Buller River.  The campsite is located only a few minutes walk from the Owen River Tavern. Camper vans are welcome and there are power and water points available for use. There are toilets, hot showers, washing and drying facilities on site.

@owenrivertavern
@owenrivertavern

 

BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE

Best Bits travel guide is published by nzjane.com. Owned and managed by PacificJane Ltd.

 

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