Destinations
9 best camping grounds in Waikato
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Ready for a Waikato camping trip? Whether you’re exploring alone or with the entire family, Waikato has a huge range of activities and attractions to suit all holidaymakers - from spectacular limestone caves and black sand surf beaches to the Hobbiton movie set and Bridal Veil Falls, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
But every adventure needs a base. Spend the night at a beautiful location with our list of the best camping grounds in Waikato! Our recommendations include price, location, features, nearby attractions and more for each spot.
Best Waikato campgrounds: 9 spots you can’t miss
Te Kauwhata 3710, New Zealand | Free
This freedom camping spot is a great place to base yourself to explore the Waikato region. There’s so much to see nearby, from visiting the Waikato Coalfields Museum to taking off on the Hakarimata Rail & Walkway. Or head further afield and check out the Hobbit movie set on one of their tours.
At Camping Te Kauwhata, you can use their bathrooms with toilets and running water. It’s just a short walk down the road to visit the Hampton Downs and local shops and the pub.
You can stay for up to three nights in a self-contained vehicle, and must dispose of your waste on departure.
2. Kaniwhaniwha Campsite
Waikato 3295, New Zealand | Free
This is one of the best basic camping grounds Waikato has to offer, boasting an open grassy area right next to the Kaniwhaniwha stream. The perfect peaceful getaway, here you can really immerse yourself in nature and escape the bustle of city life.
Set up camp in the summer months and enjoy swimming in the Kaniwhaniwha Stream. You can also go walking and adventuring around the area. Explore the Kaniwhaniwha Caves, walk further to a Kahikatea tree, or even check out the Pirongia summit.
Enjoy basic facilities at the campsite including flush toilets and running water.
3. Huntly Camping Grounds
5 Taihua Road, Huntly 3700, New Zealand
If you’re looking for peaceful camping grounds in Waikato, Huntly Camping Grounds is the ideal spot. Located right on the lake, it offers easy access to plenty of breathtaking walking tracks!
Set off Kauri Loop Track and enjoy some hiking, venturing up to the Hakarimata Southern Lookout for some amazing views. If you’re after something a little different, check out the Taupiri Sunflower Farm or head to Waikato Coalfields Museum to learn some local history.
This tidy campground has clean bathrooms, a well equipped kitchen and is nice and close to all the shops if you need to stock up.
4. Hamilton City Holiday Park
14 Ruakura Road, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand | From $42 per night
If you’re after family-friendly camping grounds in Waikato, Hamilton City Holiday Park has everything you need for a comfortable stay while exploring the nearby area.
They are centrally located just a 30-minute stroll from Hamilton City Gardens and the Waikato Museum, with a handy supermarket just two minutes down the road. You can also go on a day trip to Raglan or enjoy the movie set of The Hobbit just 45-minutes away.
There are plenty of facilities the whole family can enjoy with a BBQ area, laundry room, fully-equipped kitchen, toilets, showers and more. There’s even a swing set for kids to enjoy while you cook up a storm.
Book now.
5. Kawhia Camping Ground
73 Moke Street, Kawhia 3889, New Zealand | From $20 per adult
On the hunt for the ultimate relaxation spot? It’s easy to unwind in the ambience at Kawhia Camping Ground. This quiet holiday park is just down the road from Ocean Beach, where you can visit the Te Puia Hot Springs as they seep through the black sand. Simply grab a shovel (provided free) and dip your own little hot pool.
There’s so much to see and do during your stay. Take off on a beach or harbour walk, enjoy some horse trekking, take on a round of golf, or kayak in the Kawhia River.
One of the most family-friendly camping grounds in Waikato, kids will have a great time here. As well as all sorts of fun facilities for little ones, they also offer showers, BBQ, toilets, kitchen and more.
6. Ruapuke Motor Camp
1510 Whaanga Road, Raglan 3296, New Zealand | From $25 per adult
Nestled in a beautiful valley at the north end of Ruapuke Surf Beach, this tranquil Waikato camping ground will help you escape into nature and enjoy an adventure or two.
Head to Ruapuke Beach in the warmer months to catch a wave, or sink your toes into the golden sand as you relax and explore the local area. You can take a drive to the Bridal Veil Falls, where you will find four separate view decks to enjoy the scene.There’s also the Te Toto Gorge Lookout offering up incredible views.
After a busy day adventuring, head back to the campsite to make use of their communal kitchen, toilet and showers. There are also two BBQ areas and washing machines to make daily tasks easy.
7. Mighty River Domain, Lake Karapiro
601 Maungatautari Road, Maungatautari 3494, New Zealand | From $20 per person
This is one of the best camping grounds Waikato has to offer for those after some action!
The campsite features plenty of outdoor pursuits for you to take part in, including a high ropes course, low ropes course, archery, kayaking, abseiling, yachting, and more. Fuel up at the Podium Cafe in the heart of the domain, offering sweeping views of the lake, right next to the playground where kids can run amok.
They have 60 powered and 80 non-powered camping sites with two amenity blocks with toilets and showers, a kitchen, laundry and dump station.
As well as being a quality campsite, this is one of New Zealand’s top event venues, hosting plenty of sporting and cultural occasions - so it could be worth checking availability ahead of your stay.
8. Forest View Motor Camp
232 Waiwera Street, Kawhia 3843, New Zealand | From $20 per night
This is one of our favourite camping grounds in Waikato, situated in the heart of Kawhia. Make use of the spacious grounds, with just a five-minute walk to the beach, bars, cafe, shops and wharf.
The camp has a communal kitchen with fridges, oven, toaster and more, a laundry with two washing machines and a dryer and token-operated showers. There’s also a playground for the kids, with a boat wash and fish filleting facilities.
9. Te Kopua Whanau Camp
86 Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive, Raglan 3297, New Zealand | $10 per person
This basic campground is situated nicely and close to the beach, right at the start of Ngarunui Beach. There’s even a walking track that takes you from the camp into town, where you can pick up any supplies you need.
Take a stroll to the other end of the beach where you can enjoy the surf, or jump in the car to see the sights. It’s just 10 minutes from the laid back vibes of Raglan town!
There are no powered sites, but you can make use of the showers and bathrooms, which are nice and clean, with fresh water.
Hire a van for your Waikato camping trip
Explore an underground labyrinth of limestone caves, visit the heart of Middle Earth, or take a riverside hike into the native bush. Named after the longest river in New Zealand, Waikato is a stunning region with so much to see and do. And with these amazing camping grounds in Waikato, you’ll have a beautiful base to spend each night!
But before you set off on a Waikato road trip, you’ll need to sort out campervan hire in Waikato with Camplify.
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