7 best campgrounds in Northland

15th February 2022•Camplify Team

The subtropical Northland at the very top of New Zealand is the perfect spot, famed for its sandboarding dunes, sweeping Ninety Mile Beach and home to the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Explore it all on a bucket list camping trip with our extensive guide to the seven best campgrounds in Northland that will make your adventure even more incredible!

Best campgrounds in Northland: 7 spots you can’t miss

1. Tapotupotu Campsite

Explore the Te Paki Coastal trail.

Tapotupotu Road, Cape Reinga 0484, New Zealand | Adult: $15 per night, Child (5-17 years): $7.50 per night, Infant (0-4 years): free

Welcome to the most Northern campsite in Northland, where you can experience everything from the stunning forest to the sweeping beaches and incredible views. You can set up your camoveran right on the beach, waking up to the calming sounds of the ocean each morning. Relax back on the shores while the kids splash about, soaking up the incredible scenery.

Tapotupotu is part of the four-day Te Paki Coastal Track, which means this campsite is in a nice and remote location. At the campsite, you will find non-flush toilets and cold showers, with minimal facilities for your stay.

There’s also a nearby lagoon for plenty of water activities, or you can head to the forest with a visit to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, which is just 5 minutes by car, or 3 hours via the walking track.

2. Rarawa Campsite

Rarawa Beach Road, Ngataki 0484, New Zealand | Adult: $15 per night, Child (5-17 years): $7.50 per night, Infant (0-4 years): free

The perfect stop on your Northland road trip, pull your campervan up right next to the beach in this slice of paradise. Rarawa Beach Campsite is the perfect spot to put your feet up, relax back and enjoy your surroundings.

Enjoy camping right along the river bank, just a short walk away from the golden shores of Rarawa Beach. Make use of the cold showers and flush toilets to base yourself for a night or two right in the thick of nature.

3. Maitai Bay Campsite

Take a dip in the calm waters of Maitai Bay.

Karikari Peninsula 0483, New Zealand | Adult: $15 per night, Child (5-17 years): $7.50 per night, Infant (0-4 years): free

Located on the Karikari Peninsula, this is one of the best campgrounds in Northland for families, especially if you’re keen to jump on a boat to explore the surrounding areas. This gorgeous spot is set in the pohutukawa trees,

A little off the beaten track, expect to drive down at least 2 km of gravel road to make it to this campsite. But trust us, the seclusion is with it for this simple slice of heaven. During your stay, you can make use of the cold showers and flush toilets for a little added luxury.

There’s so much to do around the area, starting off with a walk to Fig Tree Track or Maitai Bay Headland Track for some incredible views. You can also make use of the boat ramp and head off snorkelling or swimming!

4. The Cowshed Camping Site

61 Wallis Rd, Kaikohe 0472, New Zealand | Adult: $14, Children $7

If you’re wanting to get the family into a little more nature, then it’s well-worth checking out The Cowshed Camping Site. Enjoy a fun camping adventure with stunning farmland scenery, surrounding yourself with open hill country in the gold mining hills of Waihi.

Located along the east coast, you can book in their character-filled cowshed and enjoy a night away from the campervan - or simply pull up and park on the property for a night under the stars.

There’s plenty of amenities for you to enjoy throughout your stay, including toilet, water, outdoor lounge area, picnic tables and more.

5. Puketi Recreation Area Campsite

Northland 0476, New Zealand | Adult: $8 per night, Child (5-17 years): $4 per night, Infant (0-4 years): free

Located in the Puketi and Omahuta Forests, this is one of the best campgrounds in Northland if you’re looking for a site surrounded by nature. Step out of your campervan and straight into the forest, where you can enjoy a range of different walking trails for all levels of fitness. Keep your eyes peeled for kiwi and short-tailed bats as you go!

The amenities are basic, so be prepared to really live in the bush with drop toilets (BYO toilet paper) and cold showers. The good news is there is a BBQ onsite to cook yourself up a storm after a long day trailing through the many sites. Campfires are also permitted in the area.

6. Tokerau Beach Motor Camp

Melissa Road, Karikari Peninsula, Far North, North Island | Powered sites: $15-$22

Head off for a spot of fishing or spend your days collecting shellfish on the gorgeous sandy beaches at Tokerau Beach Motor Camp.

You’re spoilt for amenities during your stay - at least as far as a campsite goes! You’ll find a kitchen with a fridge, freezer, microwave and cooktops, along with a TV lounge with table tennis, and a laundry.

Get out and about during the day and enjoy kitesurfing school, or take a trip to the nearby Cape Reinga.

7. Houhora Heads Holiday Park

Houhora Heads Road, Pukenui 0484, New Zealand | Prices start from $36 per night

If you’re looking for a campsite with a little more on offer (and a little less remote), you can’t go wrong with a holiday park. Houhora Heads Holiday Park is the perfect spot to base yourself to explore the Northland.

Situated right on the harbour entrance, there’s plenty to do nearby, including swimming, biking, fishing, climbing Mount Camel, exploring Cape Reinga, surfing, kayaking and even playing a spot of golf.

Who says you even need to leave the campsite to enjoy a break? You can enjoy their outdoor swimming pool, children’s playground and boat ramp, while making use of the small, communal kitchens with BBQs and pizza ovens.

Hire the perfect van for your Northland camping trip

Ready to discover all of the wild hidden gems that this region has to offer? Organise your campervan hire in Northland and get exploring. Check out the two coastlines on the west and east, take in the stunning Bay of Islands or simply relax back on the golden sands. Then pull up for the night at one of the best campgrounds in Northland!

Want some more inspiration? Check out the best Bay of Islands camping spots and Whangarei campgrounds!

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