Destinations
Nelson region camping grounds: 7 best scenic spots
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Searching for the best camping grounds in the Nelson region? Set on the Eastern Shore of the Tasman Bay, Nelson is known for its array of art galleries, restaurants and vineyards. You can also feed your sense of adventure in its surroundings, exploring the caves, beaches and rainforests of nearby Abel Tasman National Park.
Get comfortable during your holiday with our ultimate guide to the best campgrounds around Nelson! Our list includes price, location, features, nearby attractions and more.
Nelson campgrounds: 7 spots you can’t miss
1. Nelson City Top 10 Holiday Park
230 Vanguard Street, Nelson South, Nelson 7010, New Zealand | From $38 per night
Nelson City Top 10 Holiday Park is one of the most accessible camping grounds in the Nelson region, located within walking distances of shops, cafes and local attractions.
With three national parks nearby, this holiday park is also a great place to base yourself for hiking, kayaking, canyoning, biking, rafting, jet-boating, stand-up paddle boarding and skydiving - Nelson is an adrenaline-seekers paradise!
Prefer something a little more laid back? Spend the day at Tāhunanui beach, visit the famous World of Wearable Art Museum, or check out the Nelson Market every Saturday morning (rain, hail, or shine!).
Back at the campsite, you can let the kids run loose at the onsite playground. There’s also a communal kitchen and dining, outdoor dining and BBQ area, TV room and laundry facilities.
2. Tahuna Beach Holiday Park & Motel
70 Beach Road, Tāhunanui, Nelson 7011, New Zealand | From $21 per night
Located just 4.5 kilometres from Nelson city, this is one of the most central camping grounds in the Nelson Region. Tahuna Beach Holiday Park & Motel lies right next to the golden sands of Tāhunanui beach! The park itself is worth taking a wander around, covering a huge 54 acres of parkland.
Start your day at the gorgeous Tāhunanui beach that’s perfect for a dip, dive and splash before venturing to the nearby bars and restaurants. Just a 10-minute drive away, you’ll land yourself in Nelson city, where you can explore local art galleries and try the delicious cuisine. If you’re after some outdoor adventure, take off on one of the many cycling trails, or even give skydiving a go!
The campsite is well-equipped to make the most of your stay. Make use of the BBQ area, bathrooms, cafe, shop, TV lounge and more.
3. Queen Street Holiday Park
442 Lower Queen Street, Richmond 7020, New Zealand | From $35 per night
If you’re ready to explore the great outdoors, then this is one of the best camping grounds in the Nelson Region to base yourself. Located in the Richmond area, there’s plenty for you to see and do during your stay, whether you’re a thrillseeker, or looking for something a little more laid back.
If it’s sunshine you’re seeking, this is the place to find it. The Richmond, Nelson and Tasman areas have the highest sunshine hours in the South Island, with plenty of native bushland for you to explore. You can work your way across the hills on the many coastal walks, pay a visit to one of the local markets, explore the numerous wineries in the region, and so much more.
At the campsite, you’ll find 82 powered sites for campervans, caravans and tents. Enjoy access to running water and are within a short distance to their lounges, communal shower, toilet, laundry and kitchen facilities.
4. West Bay Campsite
Mount Robert Road, Nelson Lakes National Park 7072, New Zealand | From $7.50 per night
West Bay Campsite is located in Nelson Lakes National Park in the Nelson/Tasman region. If you're looking for camping grounds in the Nelson Region where you can get away from it all and enjoy a little peace and quiet, then this is our top pick for you.
Spend your days enjoying water activities on the lake and taking in the stunning views offered up by gorgeous Nelson Lakes National Park. Only open during the summer months, this campsite is perfect for exploring the outdoors and getting onto the water to kayak, fish, canoe, swim and more.
The campsite itself has basic facilities, including cold showers and non-flush toilets.
5. Brook Valley Holiday Park
600 Brook Street, The Brook, Nelson 7040, New Zealand | From $22 per night
If you’re really looking to get off the grid, then this is one of the best camping grounds in the Nelson Region. Escape into a lush valley surrounded by the sounds of the flowing river and native birdsong. This campsite has no mobile phone reception, so you will well and truly get back to basics!
Take off on a hike around the area or enjoy a mountain bike ride through the bushland. There’s so many historic walks to enjoy, along with more challenging trails that will really test your endurance.
Back at the campsite, you can use token-operated showers ($1), laundry access ($5), toilets and a basic camp kitchen.
Book now.
6. Quinney's Bush Camp
Motupiko 7072, New Zealand | From $12 per night
Quinney’s Bush is a basic adventure holiday park set in 10 hectares of native bush. There’s plenty of fun to be had at the campsite itself throughout the year with a flying fox, water slide, go karts, and even trailer rides!
For a day out, head to Tapawera just a short drive away, where you can enjoy the best trout fishing on the South Island. Alternatively, take a walk around the Kahurangi National Park or head to Spooners Tunnel, which is New Zealand’s longest disused rail tunnel, and learn all about its history.
There’s great facilities at this camp, with a bush shop onsite stocking all the basics so you have everything you need, along with bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, BBQ and dump station.
7. Mapua Leisure Park
33 Toru Street, Māpua 7005, New Zealand | From $15 per person per night
Set up camp at Mapua Leisure Park, one of our favourite camping grounds in the Nelson Region. Set on 25 acres of native land, there’s plenty to do at the campsite itself with facilities catering to all age groups - including tennis courts, volleyball, a swimming pool and sauna!
Abel Tasman National park is also just 30 minutes away, where you can explore around 23,000 hectares of land. Venture onto the famous Coast Track to trek through golden beaches and headlands.
You can also visit the local vineyards, take on a round of golf nearby or head into town. Known for its arts and crafts scene, there are more than 300 full-time artists living in the Nelson area with plenty of works on display for you to see!
Waiting for you back at the campsite are fully-equipped kitchens, modern shower blocks, automatic laundry, outdoor gas BBQs, refrigerated lockers and refuse disposal points.
Book now.
Hire a van for your Nelson camping trip
Sitting right at the top of the South Island, the Nelson region is one of those unsung heroes of New Zealand. Sort out campervan hire in Nelson Tasman and take a Nelson road trip, making your way through the beaches, rainforest, lakes, wineries, art galleries and more! And at the end of each day settle in at one of the best camping grounds in the Nelson region.
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