Destinations
4 best Golden Bay campgrounds
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Ready to go camping in Golden Bay? Travel to this northern tip of the South Island to discover some of New Zealand’s most scenic landscapes. Discover one of the world’s largest natural sand spits, Farewell Spit, unwind at Waikoropupū Springs, kayak around pristine inlets, take on a caving adventure, or simply stretch out on the sparkling sand.
Our ultimate guide to the best Golden Bay campgrounds includes price, location, highlights and more. Get planning for your Golden Bay adventure below!
Best campgrounds in Golden Bay: 5 spots you can’t miss
1. Golden Bay Holiday Park
Address: 99 Tukurua Road, Parapara 7182, New Zealand | Price per night: from $39
Head to the centre of the bay and enjoy a beachfront view at Golden Bay Holiday Park. It’s situated halfway between the Abel Tasman National Park and Farewell Spit, making it a great base for exploring the area!
Head to Wharariki Beach to check out the Archway Rocks. Venture to the northernmost point in the South Island at Cape Farewell, where you can make your way up to a breathtaking viewing area. The Waikoropupu Springs is the perfect spot to dip your toes and take off on one of the many walks. Or simply head into Takaka Town and check out their buzzing arts and crafts community!
The campsite has two kitchen blocks, equipped with gas cooktops, ovens, toasters, microwaves, fridges and freezers. There’s also a lounge and dining area, and two ablution blocks with showers, toilets and a laundry.
2. Pakawau Beach Camp
Address: 1112 Collingwood-Puponga Main Road, Pākawau 7073, New Zealand | Price per night: Adult: $17, Child (5-12 years): free
Pakawau Beach Camp is situated right on the beach, so you can spend your days seeing the sights of Golden Bay, relaxing back on the sandy shores and dipping your toes in the refreshing waters.
When it comes to Golden Bay campgrounds, this privately owned spot is a true hidden gem. Enjoy fishing, bird watching, or take a hike to check out the Kaihoka lakes. Or jump in the van and drive just 15 minutes down the road to visit Farewell Spit, Puponga Farm Park and Wharariki Beach.
The campsite is well-equipped with a kitchen complete with microwave, fridges and a freezer, a dining area, and a BBQ. There are also showers and toilets, laundry and a children’s play area. Directly across the road, you can enjoy the convenience of a garden bar and tennis courts to use during your stay!
3. Pohara Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Address: 809 Abel Tasman Drive, Pōhara 7183, New Zealand | Price per night:from $36
Pohara Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park is one of our favourite Golden Bay campgrounds. Wake up in the morning and head to Pohara Beach just footsteps away for beautiful vistas and refreshing dips.
On one side of the campsite, you will find Abel Tasman National Park just waiting to be explored. Jump straight onto the Abel Tasman Coast Track! Kahurangi National Park is on the other side, full of wonderful walking trails.
Looking for something a little bit different? Check out the Cape Farewell Horse Treks, or test out the Golden Bay Blokarts and cruise across the sand.
At the campsite, you can enjoy a BBQ area, laundry, kitchens, bathrooms, and more.
Book now.
4. Farewell Gardens Holiday Park
Address: 37 Seddon Street, Pūponga 7073, New Zealand | Price per night: $25 per person, power + $5 per site. Children: $10 (2 – 12 years)
This is one of the best Golden Bay campgrounds, located at the base of the Farewell Spit, right on Puponga Beach. Head for a swim, kayak, fish, or even take a walk to the resident seal colony at Abel Head. At low tide, you can collect cockles and mussels! As you might expect from the name, the park also boasts some amazing gardens for you to wander through.
There’s plenty to do around the local area. Farewell Spit Nature Reserve is the ideal spot to take a 4WD bus to check out the lighthouse and enjoy some stunning views. You can also walk through the park to Fossil Point on the West Coast, which is another great beach to check out.
This eco-friendly campsite offers up two fully equipped camp kitchens, a dining room and BBQ area, washing machine, hot water and rainwater that’s suitable for drinking.
Spend your nights at Golden Bay campgrounds in a campervan
There’s no better place to explore and relax in the wild than stunning Golden Bay. Known for its incredible natural beauty, Golden Bay is the perfect place to get outdoors, as well as enjoy a vibrant arts and crafts scene. So sort out campervan hire in Nelson and make your way to this picturesque tip of New Zealand! With these top 5 Golden Bay campgrounds, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable South Island adventure.
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