Best Campsites in New Zealand

Looking for some of the best campsites in New Zealand for your next camping holiday? This is always a heated debate within our Zempire HQ walls so we let our Zempire staff put their favourite campsites on paper, along with their reasons for their picks.

Whether we’ve got our heads stuck into spreadsheets, dealing with aftersales enquiries, or out and about creating content, we all live and breathe camping at Zempire! There’s loads of passion that’s gone into the below picks for best campsites in New Zealand, so read on and lock in your next camping holiday at one (or many) or these epic spots…

Matty G – Retail Representative

Top Campsite: Port Jackson Campsite, Coromandel

Why: The rugged landscape on the drive up the Coromandel features the ocean on one side and native trees/ferns on the other which is really unbeatable in New Zealand. Port Jackson is one of the quietest campsites I’ve been to over the busy period which creates a secluded atmosphere and a good opportunity to take a break from devices with phone service only available in certain spots.

The facilities are awesome for a site that’s off the beaten track. Being a DOC site they require a small payment on arrival and I’ve definitely found it one of the best value for money sites in New Zealand, it’s constantly managed by a great team who are super friendly and approachable.

It's key to bring your fishing rod as it’s onshore fishing is amazing with plenty of beautiful beaches to surf-cast from or cool rock spots to park up for the day. The main beach itself is usually quiet which allows for a great spot to swim and it is also sheltered so minimal waves come through. My favourite walk up there is from Port Jackson to Fletcher Bay which offers unreal views along the way. If you want a true New Zealand camping experience right on the beach then this is the spot.

Matt – Marketing Manager

Top Campsite: Hahei Beach Resort, Hahei

Why: Grew up camping here & always head back, anytime between October – April. The campsite is right on the beach, smack bang on some of NZ’s most expensive real estate so it’s amazing the campsite is still there! Hahei Beach is sheltered & safe so perfect for taking my daughter swimming, and for paddleboarding, kayaking & you can walk to the very popular Cathedral Cove pretty easily. A 1hr boat trip on the Hahei Explorer is a must-do to view the unique coastline from the water (& maybe see a few dolphins, orcas, seals or penguins!). I’ll surf whenever there is swell & there are a few decent surf beaches close (a 5min drive to Hot Water Beach, or 20mins down to Sailors Grave or Tairua). Hot Water Beach also offer highly rated surf lessons, operating out of the middle beach carpark.

The campground has nice facilities including a really sweet container bar setup that has epic pizzas & burgers. It’s perfect for an evening bevvie/feed and the campsite’s playground is right next to it so kids can keep entertained while still in view. You need to book well in advance for sites as this is a very popular spot for good reason!

Ash – Sales & Logistics Administrator

Top Campsite: Mangaweka Campground, Mangaweka

Why: It is in a quiet and beautiful location, right on the Rangitikei River that stays cold so is refreshing to swim in during hot summer days. A huge bonus is that it is also dog friendly so you can bring your furry companions. You can walk to the old Mangaweka Powerhouse which is a nice way to start the day. For the more adventurous, it’s ideal for white-water rafting or kayaking, or you can just go sightseeing up the river. A simple and well-priced campsite with friendly staff, I’ll keep going back!

Neil – AU/NZ Key Account Manager

Top Campsite: Lake Taupo Holiday Resort, Taupo

Why: My family love this place because it’s like being in the islands, when you’re actually in the central North Island. There are heaps of sites to book, (of varying sizes) and we’ve had no problems requesting a site to accommodate our Pro III tent with linked Aerobase shelter.

The campsite itself has so much going on there’s something for all our family to do, so there’s no “I’m bored” moments from the kids. There’s a playground, pump track, jumping pillow, games room, tennis courts, beach volleyball, pedal go-carts, BBQ area, tv-room and more. But, if there’s one thing that keeps us coming back it’s the lagoon!

The lagoon is an epic thermally heated oasis that has different zones for swimming, a spa area, a 4m deep cave to dive for treasure & a giant screen to watch movies/sport from the pool. A highlight is the swim up bar for food and drinks and the two hydroslides for a bit of thrill seeking. You can literally spend a whole day hanging out at the lagoon, it’s that good. 5 stars, highly recommend!

Constanze - Senior Graphic Designer

Top Campsite: Arrowtown Holiday Park, Arrowtown, Central Otago

I’ve stayed several times at this fabulous holiday park which offers really spacious sites and clean amenities. The beautiful views of the mountain ranges around the Queenstown area are definitely a highlight and it’s only a 15min drive to get to Queenstown. There’s some Lord of the Rings filming locations just around the corner & plenty of opportunities to get amongst walking trails.

The iconic Arrowtown township is only a 5-10min walk away from the campsite & there are plenty of good eateries & wineries close by. It’s a superb option if you want to be away from the hustle and bustle of Queenstown but still be close to its abundance of attractions.

Benita – Accounts Administrator

Top Campsite: Bowentown Beach Holiday Park, Waihi Beach

Why: You camp in really close proximity to the beach and some awesome walking and hiking trails. The owners really take care of the facilities and there’s heaps of activities to do during your stay such as hiking, kayaking, fishing etc.

Lachlan – Financial Controller

Top Campsite: Blue Lakes Top 10 Holiday Park, Rotorua

Why: This place is awesome to visit in February or March. The campsite has great facilities and is in close proximity to plenty of activities including mountain bike trails and whatever you fancy on the lake. Rotorua also has loads of rainy day options if the weather turns average which is ideal when camping with kids.

Krystal – Parts & Repairs Coordinator

Top Campsite: Kaikoura Coastal Camp Grounds, Goose Bay, Kaikoura

Why: I’ve camped here for at least a month for 20 years now! The scenery is epic and the campsite is close to the beach and some reliable crayfish diving spots. Kaikoura is also popular for spotting resident dolphins and whales in their own environment.

Tina – Logistics Coordinator

Top Campsite: Bowentown Beach Holiday Park, Waihi Beach

Why: It’s so close to the beach! The location makes it easy to have an early breakfast and sit on the beach to catch the sunrise. It’s a really beautiful beach and the kids love it! The holiday park is well-equipped with facilities and there are loads of activities to get amongst nature that will suit for all ages. It is a must-go spot that I visit every summer.

There you have it Zempire Family, be sure to take your Zempire setup to one of the amazing sites above on your next camping adventure in NZ!