Destinations
Bay of Plenty camping: 7 best North Island grounds
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If you love exploring the great outdoors in all its glory, then the Bay of Plenty on the northern coast of the North Island should be on the top of your travel list! Sink your toes into golden sand, take a dip in some hot springs, or get active with a hike or cycle through the wilderness. And with our list of the 7 best camping grounds in the Bay of Plenty, you can find the perfect base for your adventures! Read on for the location, price, highlights and amenities of each campsite.
Best camping grounds in the Bay of Plenty: 7 spots you can’t miss
1. Murupara Motor Camp
63 Main rd, Murupara, New Zealand |From $20 per night
This is one of the best camping grounds in the Bay of Plenty, located at the gateway to the stunning Te Urewera Rainforest. The Murupara Motor Camp is just a few minutes walk from the river, and a little further to the local shopping centre.
If you’re looking to get active outdoors, they act as the base for many local rafting companies, or you can head into the forest on foot, take off on a mountain bike ride, go fishing, or take a guided tour of the area.
Settle back and take advantage of all the amenities on offer back at the campsite, including kitchen, laundry, flush toilets, spa pool, TV room, games room, BBQ, hot & cold showers and more.
Book now.
2. Papamoa Beach Resort
Bay of Plenty 535 Papamoa Beach Road, Papamoa Beach, Papamoa 3118, New Zealand |From $30 per night
If you’re looking for a beachfront spot to rest your head each night, then Papamoa Beach Resort is the place to be. Spend your days swimming, surfing, fishing, or strolling along the beach kicking up the sand with your feet as you go.
Wake up to stunning panoramic beach views every morning, and enjoy being able to walk to cafes, restaurants, shopping and more. You can head to the nearby Adrenalin Forest for a day of fun, or take a walk over at Mount Maunganui for some spectacular views.
Back at the campsite, enjoy the private pool spa, BBQ facilities, laundry, toilets and more. Plus, there’s plenty of fun for the kids, including a jumping pillow, mini tennis courts, fun bikes for hire, an adventure playground and more.
3. Matatā Campsite
Arawa Road Matata, 3194 | Adult (18+ years) $8, Child (5-17 years) $4 per night, Infant (0-4 years) Free
One of the best camping grounds in the Bay of Plenty for kids, this is a family campsite in a coastal setting with excellent fishing and swimming next to the Matatā wildlife refuge. Head off for a day of bird watching, try out one of the walking tracks, or simply admire the views.
Set right on the coast, it’s the perfect family spot to settle back and enjoy some swimming, or take off for some fishing.
During your stay, take advantage of hot showers, non-flush toilets, and tap water.
4. Maketu Freedom Campsite
4A Park Road, Papamoa Beach, Maketu 3189, New Zealand | Free
Ever tried your hand at Freedom Camping? It’s a great, cost-effective way to travel, but there are some rules to follow. You must be in a self-contained campervan or motorhome. There is a 3 night maximum stay in any 4 week consecutive period at this site. The 4 consecutive weeks begin from the first overnight stay.
There’s plenty to do around the area. You can make a trip to explore The Cave Papamoa, head on a bit further to the viewing platform, or even check out Kaiate Falls.
There are no bookings required, the site simply operates on a first come, first served basis. You will find a toilet, playground for the kids, and a BBQ nearby.
5. Bledisloe Park
Little Waihi RD9, Te Puke 3189, New Zealand
Enjoy a peaceful getaway at Bledisloe Park, which is located on the beach just a 35-minute drive from Mount Maunganui. There’s plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay, including swimming, fishing and more. There’s lots of shellfish with pipis and oysters right on your doorstep, or you can walk along the beach to find some muscles.
Down the road is Kaituna Mole, which is a well-known fishing spot to set yourself up for a relaxing day. Just a short drive away you’ll also find The Cave Papamoa, Kaiate Falls, and Maramarua Park for the kids to run wild.
At the park, you’ll find two large kitchens and cooking areas, two laundries, along with two large shower and toilet blocks. The park is virtually surrounded by water, so you can step outside and straight onto the beach!
Book now.
6. Bowentown Beach Holiday Park
510 Seaforth Road, Waihi Beach 3177, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand | From $27 per night
Another of the best camping grounds in the Bay of Plenty, this stunning beachfront campsite is the perfect spot to base yourself to explore the Waihi Beach area.
Cave Bay is just a five-minute walk from the park and waiting to be explored, or you can take a 10-minute drive to one of the hot pools for a dip. Try the walk to Orokawa Bay, or walk to Homunga Bay. So much to keep you busy!
There’s plenty for you to enjoy throughout your stay, including a kitchen, BBQ area, TV room and library, laundry, showers, bathrooms, private spa pool, fish table and beach access.
7. Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp
743 SHW 35, Ōpōtiki 3197, New Zealand | Adult (18+ years) $18 per night, Child (14 years and under) $10 per night
Discover a relaxed and friendly atmosphere at Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp. You’re surrounded by the dunes section of the Motu Trails, where you can set off for a walk or cycle, while soaking up the coastline.
Just a few minutes away you can experience Opotiki, where you can enjoy fresh coffee and fish and chips. Head over to the Opotiki Museum, check out the local op shops, or even enjoy a round of golf.
At the camp, you’ll find a swimming pool, kids playground, basketball court, showers, BBQ station, kitchen, laundry, toilets, showers and more.
Hire a van for your Bay of Plenty camping trip
With our above roundup of the best camping grounds in the Bay of Plenty, you can book the ideal base for your North Island holiday. And after that’s organised, sort out campervan hire in the Bay of Plenty to take you there!
Want some more travel inspiration? Check out the best camping grounds in Tauranga.
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