Destinations
Lake Waikaremoana camping: 5 best grounds guide
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Located in Te Urewera in the North Island of New Zealand, Lake Waikaremoana translates to ‘sea of rippling water’ in Maori. It’s one of the country’s most incredible wilderness escapes, with the largest area of native forest on the North Island just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re keen to tackle the three-day track around its perimeter or prefer to relax on its pristine beaches, there’s plenty to see and do on a Lake Waikaremoana camping trip!
Here’s your guide to the top Lake Waikaremoana camping grounds to base yourself. Our list includes price, location, features, nearby attractions and more so that you can plan the perfect lakeside getaway.
Best Lake Waikaremoana campsites: 5 spots you can’t miss
1. Rosie Bay Campsite
Lake Road, Hawke's Bay 4195, New Zealand | Free
Camp on the shore of Lake Waikaremoana in a stunning secluded bay at Rosie Bay Campsite. This Lake Waikaremoana camping spot is the perfect base for getting out on the lake and enjoying a variety of water activities during your stay!
Want to explore further afield? Just one minute down the road, you can take in the breathtaking views at Lou’s Lookout. Or just 15 minutes drive away, you can visit Papakorito Falls and Aniwaniwa Falls.
The basic campsite has 6 non-powered sites available that have access to a fire pit (perfect for roasting marshmallows!), non-flush toilets and water from a stream.
2. Waikaremoana Holiday Park
6249 Lake Road (SH38) Te Urewera, 4195, New Zealand | From $20 per night
Whether you’re looking to conquer the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk, or simply want to relax back in utter tranquility, this Lake Waikaremoana camping spot is the ideal place to visit.
There are plenty of activities in the area to keep you busy, from getting out on the lake for a boat or fishing trip to hikes ranging from 10 minutes to two hours on well-formed tracks. This campground is also well positioned for a visit to nearby Papakorito Falls and Aniwaniwa Falls.
Waikaremoana Holiday Park is one of the larger camping grounds around, offering up 26 non-powered sites and 32 powered sites. There are also plenty of facilities to enjoy during your stay, such as a BBQ, electric stove, dump station, phone, shop, hot showers, flush toilets and water from a tap.
3. Mokau Landing Campsite
Hawke's Bay 4195, New Zealand | From $8 per night
If you really want to escape into nature, then this Lake Waikaremoana camping site is your answer. Situated between native forest and Lake Waikaremoana, it’s nestled on a large grassy space.
It’s just 1.5km from Mokau Falls, making an easy day trek to check out this amazing site. However, the best way to spend your time is making use of the boat ramp and getting out onto Lake Waikaremoana to explore. You can also enjoy a swim, kayak or canoe.
The camp offers up 40 non-powered sites with boat launching, campfires, non-flush toilets and water from a tap. Pay with cash or credit card on arrival at Te Urewera Visitor Centre, which is located at Te Kura Whare, next to the Waikaremoana Holiday Park.
4. Te Taita A Makoro Campsite
Hawke's Bay 3079, New Zealand | Free
Te Taita A Makoro Campsite is a basic Lake Waikaremoana camping spot located in the Te Urewera area. Great for those looking to holiday in the middle of the great outdoors, you can camp right next to a stream and hike to your heart’s content.
It’s a nice and remote spot, just a short walk to the water. Use this peaceful spot as a base to explore the nearby area - drive the short distance to make the most of the lookouts and waterfalls in the surrounding wilderness.
This cosy campground has just 10 non-powered sites on offer, with access to non-flush toilets and water from a tap.
5. Orangihikoia campsite
Lake Road, Hawke's Bay 3079, New Zealand | Free
A little further out from the other Lake Waikaremoana camping options, Orangihikoia campsite is tucked away in a quiet grassy clearing surrounded by tall trees.
Right off Waikaremoana road 30 minutes from the lake, this is a great spot to set up camp for your first or last night in the area. Check out the region’s amazing waterfalls, take off on one of the many treks, or simply settle back and soak up the surrounding views before you head home.
This basic campsite offers up 10 non-powered sites with a fire pit, non-flush toilets and water from a tap. No bookings are required, it operates on a first in, first served basis.
Hire a van for your Lake Waikaremoana camping trip
From forest hikes and incredible waterfalls to canoe and kayak adventures, there are so many different ways to explore Lake Waikaremoana. All you need is to find your favourite Lake Waikaremoana camping ground and a van to take you there!
We’ve got you covered with our list of the top places to go camping near the water, plus all kinds of options for campervan hire in Hawkes Bay! Whatever your price point or preferences, there’s a campervan, motorhome or caravan to hire with Camplify.
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