Destinations
7 best campgrounds near Mt Ruapehu
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A Mt Ruapehu camping trips is the ultimate holiday for thrill seekers! Located at the southern end of the Taupō Volcanic Zone on New Zealand’s North Island, this stratovolcano is waiting to be explored on skis or foot.
In winter, check out the two ski areas, Whakapapa and Tūroa, and make your way across terrain that has been formed by solidified lava. In summer, jump on the 1.8km Sky Waka gondola to enjoy stunning views across the Central Plateau before heading down one of the many walks.
Of course, you’ll need a base for all of these adventures. Here’s your guide to the top campgrounds near Mt Ruapehu. Our ultimate list includes price, location, features, nearby attractions and more.
Best Mt Ruapehu campsites: 7 spots you can’t miss
1. Whakapapa Holiday Park
State Highway 48 Whakapapa Village, Tongariro National Park, Mount Ruapehu 3951, New Zealand | From $23 per night
If you’re looking for campgrounds near Mt Ruapehu, Whakapapa Holiday Park should be top of your list. Located in the heart of Tongariro National Park, you’ll find yourself surrounded by alpine beech trees and a mountain stream.
Be sure to pack your hiking shoes to check out the several tracks through the forests, over the volcanoes and past rivers, with gorgeous views to soak up along the way. It’s one of the best Mt Ruapehu campgrounds, completely surrounded by nature.
Tongariro Crossing is just a short drive away for another great hike, or you can check out mountain biking, river rafting, trout fishing, canoeing and other activities nearby. Chuck on your snow gear in the cooler months and head up Mt Ruapehu to hit the slopes.
At the campsite, you can enjoy hot showers and unlimited WiFi.
Book now.
2. Discovery Camping
Discovery, 3890, State Highway 47, National Park 3989, New Zealand | From $20 per night
Park for a quiet night sandwiched between two volcanos at this Mt Ruapehu camping ground. Set on 10 acres of park-like grounds, it’s easy to get back to nature in this beautiful spot.
One of the best campgrounds near Mt Ruapehu to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, this is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Just minutes from Tongariro National Park, there’s plenty of stunning walks to take each day, or you can load up your gear and head straight to the snow fields. You are spoilt for choice with the Whakapapa ski area nearby, or you can travel further to hit the slopes at Mt Ruapehu.
At the campsite, you can enjoy a basic camp kitchen, hot showers, basic dining area, laundry and more.
3. Mangahuia Campsite
National Park 4691, New Zealand | From $15 per adult per night
One of the most peaceful camping grounds in Mt Ruapehu, you can relax right next to a stream on the edge of Tongariro National Park.
If you’re on the hunt for campgrounds near Mt Ruapehu, this is the ideal base for adventures in the great outdoors. With Tongariro National Park on your doorstep, there are plenty of walks to venture on, or simply relax back and enjoy the surrounding views. Alternatively, head into Ohakune and deck yourself out with snow gear before heading up Mt Ruapehu and hitting the slopes.
The facilities at this campsite are basic with flush toilets and a shelter for cooking. There are 21 non-powered tent sites, of which 15 are suitable for campervans.
4. Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park
5 Moore Street, Ohakune 4625, New Zealand | From $55 per night
If you’re on the lookout for campgrounds near Mt Ruapehu, this one ticks all the boxes. Located at the base of the mountain, this is one of the best Mt Ruapehu campsites for skiers. Stock up on snow gear before heading straight for the slopes!
There’s plenty to do during your stay. Head to Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park where you will find a great playground and so much to keep the kids entertained. Tongariro National Park is just a four-minute drive away and is home to many amazing walks. You can also check out Ohakune Railway Museum to brush up on a little history.
The park has plenty of great features including a playground, kids club, BBQ area, TV room, spa, laundry, communal kitchen, bathroom and dump station.
5. Kiwi Camp National Park
1 Ward Street, National Park 3989, New Zealand | From $10 per night
If you’re looking for something a little different, KiwiCamp offers up 197 parking spaces with shuttle services operating daily to take you to popular activities in the area. It’s one of the most basic campgrounds near Mt Ruapehu, but a very convenient base for adventures!
Your days should be spent getting out and exploring. Head to Mt Ruapehu and hit the slopes in winter or check out the many walks in summer. Tongariro National Park is close by and home to the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Whakapapa ski and board areas. You can also visit nearby lakes, head off mountain biking and plenty more.
Although basic, this campsite still has lots of facilities available including coin-operated showers, cook tops, dish washer, washing machines, plus toilets, WiFi and a dump station.
6. Tongariro Holiday Park
2091 47 State Highway Tongariro National Park, Tongariro, Tūrangi 3353, New Zealand | From $50 per night
Nestled on the edge of Tongariro National Park, this is one of the best campgrounds around Mt Ruapehu that caters to the thrillseeker. Spend a busy day exploring before relaxing back in their bush surroundings and enjoying nature.
It’s one of the most peaceful campgrounds near Mt Ruapehu offering up incredible views of the mountain. You can spend your days rushing down the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, or checking out the many walks during the warmer months. You can also mix it up and take in the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with free transport to these popular walks from the campsite. Head to the two nearby lakes Lake Otamangakau and Lake Rotoaira, or take off mountain biking on 42 Traverse, one of the most well-known rides in New Zealand.
There’s plenty of facilities for you to enjoy during your stay, including a children’s playground, games room with TV, pool table and air hockey, and plenty of space in the grounds. You will also find toilets, a drying room (for all your snow gear) and a kitchen.
7. Raetihi Holiday Park & Cabins
10 Parapara Road, Raetihi 4632, New Zealand | From $15 per person per night
If you’re wondering where to camp near Mt Ruapehu, then head straight for Raetihi Holiday Park & Cabins. Set up camp here to soak up the mountain views.
This is one of the best campgrounds near Mt Ruapehu with a hot tub on site, so you can enjoy your time skiing in winter or hiking in summer, and then relax and unwind in peace. Just 10 minutes from Ohakune at the base of Mt Ruapehu, you can sort out your snow gear easily before heading up the mountain. During summer, enjoy some canoeing in the Whanganui River or take off on one of the many great walks around the area.
At the campsite, you can make use of their communal buildings, including kitchen and dining areas, linen hire, washing machines and a dryer.
Hire a van for your Mt Ruapehu camping trip
Whether you’re hoping to hit the slopes or set off on a summer hiking adventure, Mt Ruapehu has it all. You can sort out campervan hire in Waikato or campervan hire in Manawatu Wanganui and make your way to this exhilarating destination for some thrills. Coming from further afield? With so many options for campervan hire on the North Island, you can make a road trip out of it!
And if you want some more campsite inspiration, check out these Tongariro National Park camping grounds.
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