Destinations
5 best Cape Reinga camping grounds
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Ready to set up camp at the northern point of the North Island? Cape Reinga is one of the most spiritually significant places in New Zealand, with an ancient pohutukawa tree marking this special Maori site. Sleep under the stars where spirits leave the land of the living on a Cape Reinga camping trip!
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay for your Northland adventure, our below guide to the best Cape Reinga camping grounds includes price, location, features, nearby attractions and more. And once you’re settled in, there’s plenty to see and do! Watch two oceans collide, take on the lighthouse walk, visit Tapotupotu Bay, or hike the Te Paki Coast Track. Read to start planning!
Best campgrounds near Cape Reinga
1. Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite
Cape Reinga 0484, New Zealand| From $15 per adult, per night
Immerse yourself in the lush forests and sandy beaches of this incredible Cape Reinga camping ground. Located in the Cape Reinga and Te Paki Recreation Reserve in the Northland region, it’s the perfect base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
Relax and recharge surrounded by mother nature. Bordered by a beautiful beach and the rolling hills of the Aupouri Peninsula, this is an ideal place for anyone who loves to go fishing, swimming and walking.
At the campsite, you will find cold showers, flush toilets and water from a tap, with 25 non-powered sites available throughout the year.
2. Tapotupotu Camping Area
Tapotupotu Road, Tapotupotu Bay 0484, New Zealand | From $15 per night, per adult
If you’re hoping to stay near water, then this Cape Reinga camping ground is your answer. Set up camp right on a lagoon that is great for swimming and kayaking, with Cape Reinga just a 5-minute drive away.
Head off on one of the many walks in the area, or even take the 3-hour walking track to the famous Cape Reinga Lighthouse for some more spectacular views. Tapotupotu is also part of the 4-day Te Paki Coastal Track.
Back at the campsite, you can make use of their boat launching ramp, cold showers, flush toilets and water from the tap. There’s also 25 non-powered tent sites to choose from.
3. Rarawa Beach Campsite
Rarawa Beach Road, Ngataki 0484, New Zealand | From $15 per person, per night
This Cape Reinga camping ground allows you to sleep along a river bank surrounded by nature - and within walking distance from the stunning Rarawa Beach.
There’s plenty to keep you busy here throughout the day. Start by sitting back and spotting wildlife. Rarawa Beach plays host to the Northern New Zealand dotterel during their breeding season each year! There’s a Rarawa Beach Walk that goes through the campground and through to the beach from some fishing and kayaking. Alternatively, take a day trip to Cape Reinga to check out the spiritual significance of this area.
The campsite itself is equipped with cold showers, flush toilets, water from a tap, and there are 35 non-powered sites available throughout the year.
Book now.
4. Pukenui Holiday Park
34 Lamb Road, Pukenui 0484, New Zealand | From $18 per night
Discover a family-friendly camping spot 35 minutes from Cape Reinga at Pukenui Holiday Park. Walk down to the wharf for a spot of fishing or visit their farmyard animals: their sheep Rambo and Ebony, miniature ponies Star and Sunny, Kemo the rabbit, Fatty the guinea pig, geese, ducks and chickens. Feed these adorable animals and get some quality photos!
They also have fruit in season, which you’re welcome to pick and enjoy. Then take a drive and check out some of the beaches nearby, including Rarawa Beach, Henderson Bay, Tapotupotu Bay and HouHora Heads.
This holiday park offers up plenty of facilities with two kitchens, two bathroom blocks, laundry, picnic table, dump station, fish cleaning facilities, a BBQ area and more.
5. Houhora Heads Motor Camp
Pukenui 0484, New Zealand | From $36 per night
A 40-minute drive from Cape Reinga, Houhora Heads Motor Camp is situated on the harbour entrance.
Make a day trip to check out Cape Reinga Lighthouse or visit Houhora Golf Club down the road for a relaxing day. You can also travel a little further to spend time at Rarawa Beach, jumping the waves, catching fish, or taking off on one of the nearby walks.
There’s plenty to do back at the campsite, with small communal kitchens, BBQs and pizza ovens. You can also enjoy a great children’s playground with a trampoline, and an outdoor swimming pool. Coin-operated washing machines and hot showers are available.
Hire a van for your Cape Reinga camping trip
Connect with Maori culture and marvel at breathtaking landscapes on a Cape Reinga camping trip. With our above list of the best Cape Reinga camping grounds, all you have to do now is sort out campervan hire in the Northland and hit the road! Or start further south with an Auckland to Cape Reinga road trip. Whatever route you choose, Camplify has you covered.
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