Destinations
7 best Papamoa camping grounds
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If you’re looking for the perfect holiday retreat, then a Papamoa camping ground is the place to be. Don those swimmers, lather up the sunscreen and hit the beach running!
This stunning suburb of Tauranga is located in the Bay of Plenty, just 11km from the centre of the city. It offers up 16km of pristine beach just waiting to be explored with plenty of activities to keep you busy, including fishing, hiking, surfing, mountain biking and more.
Here’s your guide to the top Papamoa camping grounds including price, location, features, nearby attractions and more. It’s time to plan the ultimate oceanfront adventure!
Best campsites near Papamoa: 7 spots to sleep under the stars
1. Pacific Park Christian Holiday Camp
1110 Papamoa Beach Road, Papamoa Beach, Papamoa 3118, New Zealand | From $38 per night
Enjoy some fun, relaxing family fun at this central Papamoa camping, right near the shores of the sandy white Papamoa Beach. The water is the main attraction at this popular campsite with swimming, surfing, fishing, diving, kayaking and dolphin-spotting right on your doorstep.
If you’re looking to get away from the water, there’s still plenty more to be explored. Take a trip to some significant cultural sites in the area, including Papamoa Hills Regional Park or Te Rae O Papamoa, which offers up incredible views. You can also take off on one of the many walks, including to McLaren Falls, the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park and Mauao.
There’s plenty of facilities to use at the campsite with a communal kitchen, communal bathrooms, a laundry and a games room that includes TV, couches, air hockey and two table tennis tables.
2. Beachgrove Holiday Park
386 Papamoa Beach Road, Papamoa Beach, Papamoa 3118, New Zealand | From $10 per night
Looking for a relaxed place to stay? This Papamoa camping spot is run by a friendly team who are on hand to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
It’s just a one minute walk to Papamoa Beach, where you can enjoy the perfect waves for surfing or simply taking a dip. There’s also plenty of walks around the area, as well as some amazing waterfalls just a short drive away. Head to The Cave Papamoa for some indoor family fun at a virtual reality studio, or visit one of New Zealand’s oldest heritage sites at The Elms Te Papa Tauranga.
Back at camp, enjoy use of their kitchen (minimal cooking gear available), bathroom and shower area, two washing machines plus free Wifi during your stay.
3. Tasman Holiday Parks - Papamoa Beach
Bay of Plenty 535 Papamoa Beach Road, Papamoa Beach, Papamoa 3118, New Zealand | From $39 per night
Located just a skip and a hop from some of the best surfing New Zealand has to offer, Tasman Holiday Parks - Papamoa Beach is the ideal spot to pull up for some coastal relaxation.
This Papamoa camping ground is surrounded by hiking and cycling trails, waves to catch, boats to sail and plenty of animal encounters and adrenaline-raising activities. Get climbing, swinging and jumping at the nearby Adrenalin Forest, take the 20-minute drive to check out Mount Maunganui, head off on a dolphin excursion, or feast on some of the local dining options.
Back at the campsite, you can settle back and watch the run rise over the Pacific Ocean or relax in their spa. Kids will love the giant jumping pillows, adventure playground, bikes for hire, tennis courts and more. You can also make use of kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities.
4. Tauranga Tourist Park
9 Mayfair Street, Tauranga South, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand | From $40 per night
Camp at the closest campground to Tauranga city centre, which is privately owned and run by 5th-generation Kiwis. This pet-friendly camping spot is close to shops and cafes, with plenty of walks around the area to check out the views.
Head to Memorial Park for some mini golf and a skate ramp. Or just a 10-minute drive away, you will find Waimarino Water & Adventure Parkfor some kayaking fun. And don’t forget to check out the Hairy Maclary and Friends Sculpture for some family memories. This Papamoa camping spot is also located just a 17-minute drive away from Papamoa, where you can surf on a world-famous beach.
At the campsite, you will find a fully equipped kitchen, coin-operated laundry, bathrooms complete with hot showers, a library where you can take or exchange books and magazines, a TV lounge, and more.
Book now.
5. Welcome Bay Hot Pools & Campground
409R Welcome Bay Road RD5, Welcome Bay, Tauranga 3175, New Zealand | From $50 per night
If you’re looking for a Papamoa camping site where you can truly relax and unwind, then Welcome Bay Hot Pools & Campground is for you. Located in a peaceful rural setting, it’s still nice and close to the many attractions in the area.
Just a 15-minute drive will get you to the popular Mount Maunganui Main Beach - soak up the incredible views while you take a dip or go for a surf. Meanwhile, Papamoa town is just a 10-minute drive with a great shopping centre to wander through at Palm Beach Plaza. Alternatively, explore plenty of hiking and mountain biking tracks throughout Tauranga.
Of course, the hot pools are the main attraction at this campsite! Enjoy both the main pool and toddler pool, with plenty of surrounding picnic spots to choose from. The campsite also has a communal kitchen, outdoor dining area and BBQ, TV/games room, showers, bathrooms and more.
Book now.
6. Cosy Corner Holiday Park
40 Oceanbeach Road, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand | From $70 per night
Ready for the ideal beach getaway? Camp just 80 metres from the white sands of Mount Maunganui Beach and spend your days swimming, sunbaking and building sandcastles. This camping spot is just a 15-minute drive from Papamoa with so much to see and do on your doorstep.
Climb to the top of Mauao, head to Mt Dury Playground for some fun, browse a local market, visit the Tauranga Art Gallery or head to Tauranga Rose Gardens & Begonia House. There’s even a great playground on Tauranga Waterfront the kids will love, or you can view the native birds at Otanewainuku Forest Park.
The park is equipped with great facilities, including a pool in the summer months, a hot tub to relax in and plenty of games to play. There is also a kitchen, BBQ area, laundry and bathrooms.
7. Te Puke Holiday Park
581 Jellicoe Street, Papamoa Beach, Te Puke 3183, New Zealand | Contact campsite
Just a seven-minute drive from the centre of town, this Papamoa camping site is the perfect spot to base yourself for outdoor adventures! From surfing to skydiving, there’s plenty of thrills waiting for you.
Check out the surrounding scenery and take a drive to Kaiate Falls and Raparapahoe Falls. 17-minutes away, you can take a scenic flight from the Classic Flyers Aviation Museum, which is well-worth the visit. Or take a dolphin cruise to discover the region’s rich marine life!
At the campsite, you can make use of the well-equipped kitchen, laundry, bathroom and lounge area. There’s also a pool that’s open in the summer months, with plenty of spacious grounds for you to wander, unwind and relax in.
Book now.
Hire a van for your Papamoa camping trip
Whether you’re hoping to unwind at the beach or adventure across Papamoa Hills, there’s something for every traveller in this slice of paradise. Sort out campervan hire on the North Island and make a road trip out of it, checking out other amazing destinations along the way! Or arrange campervan hire in Whanganui and head straight to one of the best Papamoa camping grounds above.
Need more places to camp nearby? Discover the best Wanganuicamping grounds!
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