Destinations
Best camping grounds in Hawke’s Bay
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Planning to go camping in Hawke’s Bay? Located on the east coast of New Zealand, this region offers sandy white beaches and world-famous wineries to see you from day to night in total relaxation! You can also immerse yourself in art deco architecture, venturing from the Hawke’s Bay Opera House through to Napier’s National Aquarium and Museum and more. With so much to see and do throughout your stay, it’s important to find the best place to base yourself between adventures. Discover the seven best camping grounds in Hawke’s Bay below!
7 best Hawke’s Bay camping grounds
1. Clifton Motor Park
Address: 495 Clifton Road, Clifton 4172, New Zealand | Price per night: from $35
Clifton Motor Camp is the gateway to the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony. If you enjoy bird watching, this is the place to do it! You can see them nesting, while also taking in some breathtaking views of Hawke’s Bay.
The park itself is situated on the beach, which is perfect for swimming at low tide, and for kayaking and fishing at high tide. Nearby, you can visit Elephant Hill, Te Awanga Estate and Beach House wineries to sample some of the best in the area.
One of our favourite camping grounds in Hawke’s Bay, it has plenty to offer with a boat ramp, dump station, laundry, on-site restaurant, playground and more.
2. Kuripapango Campsite
Address: Hawke’s Bay 4179, New Zealand | Price per night: Free
This camping ground is the perfect place to make the most of your Hawke’s Bay road trip. It’s a basic but beautiful spot sitting at the edge of Kaweka Forest Park. There is also a handy ramp that leads down into Ngaruroro River, so you can enjoy some fishing, rafting and swimming during your stay!
It’s also the ideal spot to get outdoors and explore the local flora and fauna in Kaweka Forest Park itself. Come equipped with your hiking shoes and get back to nature, while enjoying all the peace and quiet that comes with it.
The campsite itself is free, with no booking required. It simply operates on a first-in first-served basis. You can take advantage of non-flush toilets and water from the stream nearby.
3. Hawke’s Bay Holiday Park
Address: 3 Onehunga Road, Bay View, Napier 4104, New Zealand | Price per night: from $55
If you’re looking for a campsite with all the bells and whistles for your stay, then head to Hawke’s Bay Holiday Park. Located just 6km from Napier, it’s conveniently situated for adventures around the greater Hawke’s Bay area.
During your stay, walk down to Crab Farm Winery, or take a short drive to Mission Estate Winery and Church Road Winery to sample some of the local wines.
Prefer to indulge in a little downtime? Over the road, you can make use of the tennis courts, lawn bowls and children’s playground.
One of the most convenient camping grounds in Hawke’s Bay, its amenity block has plenty of toilet and laundry facilities, along with a kitchen and BBQ area.
4. Lake Tūtira Campsite
Address: State Highway 2, Tutira 4181, New Zealand | Price per night: Free
Looking for somewhere scenic and peaceful? Enjoy this grassy campsite that is adjacent to a tranquil lake. Head off paddling, fishing, kayaking and sailing. Even better, no motorboats are permitted on the lake, which means you can enjoy the serenity.
If you feel like getting out and about, then take a hike to Table Mountain Trig where you can enjoy views of inland Kaweka, Maungaharuru Range and coastal Hawke’s Bay.
This basic campsite offers non-flush toilets and water from a tap. While the camp is free to stay at, bookings are required at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council campsite just 950m from the entrance.
5. Glenfalls Campsite
Address: Waitara Road, Te Haroto 4182, New Zealand ** | Price per night:** Free
Head to gorgeous Glenfalls Campsite to enjoy fishing, swimming, canoeing or rafting in the nearby Mohaka River. This is easily one of the most scenic camping grounds in Hawke’s Bay.
It’s about one hour away from Napier and Taupo, with plenty of adventures awaiting! Just 30 minutes away you can visit the Tarawera Hot Springs, or make your way to Lake Tutira viewpoint for some stunning views of the area.
This basic campsite operates on a first-in first-served basis, so there is no need to make a booking. You will have access to non-flush toilets and water from the stream.
6. Waiwhenua Farmstay
Address: 800 River Road, Hastings 4179, New Zealand | Price per night: from $25
Want to try something a little bit different? Set in the heart of Hawke’s Bay less than an hour from Napier and Hastings, this is a great base for exploring the wider region.
You can also make some special memories on the farm with a spot of trout fishing and farm walks. Check out the Woolshed Walk and see what’s going on in the woolshed, or head into the Peninsula Walk, with amazing views of the river.
There are no specific camping sites for campervans that don't require power, so you can just choose your favourite spot. There are also a number of facilities available, including a hot shower, flushing toilets, dishwashing area, firewood, rubbish bins and more.
7. Hastings TOP 10 Holiday Park
Address: 610 Windsor Avenue, Parkvale, Hastings 4122, New Zealand | Price per night: from $42
Hastings TOP 10 Holiday Park is a brilliant Hawke’s Bay campsite where you can enjoy all the comfort of private spa pools, outdoor heated pools, landscaped grounds and more. Kids will love the jumping pillow and fire spit, with a tennis/basketball court and playground. Enjoy the communal lounge, full kitchen, shower and toilet blocks and more.
Ready to explore the area?Pay a visit to Hawke’s Bay Farmyard Zoo just 15 minutes away, before heading to Karamu Splash Planet next door. Alternatively, a 20-minute drive will take you to Bluff Hill Lookout for panoramic ocean views. If you prefer to stay close to home, wander through Keirunga Gardens down the road.
Hire a van in Napier for your Hawke’s Bay camping trip
Ready to start exploring the Hawke’s Bay region? With our ultimate list of the most beautiful camping grounds in Hawke’s Bay, you can get the most out of your trip. But first, sort out campervan hire in Hawke’s Bay so you can explore the region in comfort. Happy travels!
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