7 best camping grounds near Tongariro National Park

Photo credit: Kelsi Millar www.kelsipaigephotography.com

Tongariro National Park is home to the best one-day trek in New Zealand - the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Plus, it’s also host to the North Island’s most popular ski field - Whakapapa Mt Ruapehu. With so much to do in one place, you will want to stay at one of the best Tongariro National Park camping grounds!

We’ve listed the best camping grounds in and around Tongariro National Park, each of which is scenically stunning. Plus, we’ve also included the address, price per night and information on the nearby attractions and facilities for each campsite.

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Best camping grounds near Tongariro National Park

1. Whakapapa Holiday Park

Image: Whakapapa Holiday Park Facebook_

Address: State Highway 48 Whakapapa Village, Tongariro National Park, Mount Ruapehu 3951 | Price: From $21 per night

Whakapapa Holiday Park is the most central camping ground, located right in the heart of Tongariro National Park (right next to the visitor centre). It is nestled amongst alpine beech trees and a mountain stream with awesome views of the volcanoes.

This is the perfect place to stay if you want to do easy walks such as the Whakapapa Nature Walk (15-minute loop) or the Taranaki Falls Walking Track (6km loop). However, it’s also great for more advanced hikes such as the Tama Lakes Tramping Track (17km return) or even the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (19.4km one-way) (shuttle bus available).

Given its central location and great facilities, this is also a good option for those wanting to ski or snowboard Whakapapa Mt Ruapehu.

Facilities at this Tongariro National Park camping ground include a kitchen and dining room, laundry, drying room, barbecue, bathroom block, onsite food truck, shuttle bus service and more. Both unpowered and powered camping sites are available. Bookings can be made online.

2. Discovery Lodge and Camping

Image: Discovery Lodge Tongariro Facebook_.

Address: Discovery, 3890, State Highway 47, National Park 3989 | Price: From $18 per night

Discovery Lodge and Camping is a privately owned campground, located near the entrance to Tongariro National Park and only a 6-minute drive from the Visitor Centre. It offers 10 acres of camping grounds , set amongst alpine meadows with views of the nearby volcanoes.

Given its location and facilities, it is an excellent choice for those wanting to do either short walks such as the Ridge Walk (1.2km return) or multi-day hikes such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (19.4km one-way) (shuttle bus available).

It’s also perfect for those wanting to ski or snowboard Whakapapa Mt Ruapehu.

Facilities at this camping ground include a camp kitchen and dining area, shared bathrooms, laundry, hot showers and a shuttle bus service. Both unpowered and powered camping sites are available. Bookings can be made online.

3. Mangahuia Campsite

Address: Volcanic Hoop Highway, Tongariro National Park 4691 | Price: From $15 per night

Mangahuia Campsite is the most central Department of Conservation (DOC) camping ground, located just a 10-minute drive from the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre.

This peaceful campsite sits beside a stream on the edge of the National Park. Whilst basic, it is close to the 42 Traverse Mountain Biking trail (46km one-way) and Tawhai Falls (Gollum's Pools) (0.5km return).

Facilities at this camping ground include a cooking shelter, non-flush toilets and tap water. There are 21 unpowered campsites. Bookings are required and can be made online.

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4. Tongariro Holiday Park

Image: Tongariro Holiday Park Facebook_.

Address: 2091 47 State Highway Tongariro National Park, Tongariro, Tūrangi 3353 | Price: From $50 per night

Tongariro Holiday Park is located just outside the northern outskirt of Tongariro National Park and is a 12-minute drive from the Visitor Centre. It offers a peaceful campsite with awesome facilities and volcano views amongst bush surroundings.

Given that this campground has a drying room , it is great for those who want to ski and snowboard Whakapapa Mt Ruapehu. However, they can also help you arrange shuttle service or car ferrying (using your own vehicle) if you would like to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Facilities at this camping ground include a camp kitchen, laundry, games room, spa pool, playground, drying room and bathroom blocks. Both unpowered and powered campsites are available. Bookings can be made online.

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5. Mangawhero Campsite

Address: Ohakune Mountain Road, Manawatu-Wanganui 4691 | Price: From $15 per night

Mangawhero Campsite is located within the southern outskirts of Tongariro National Park. A 40-minute drive to the Visitor Centre, this camping ground is located in the forest on the flanks of Mount Ruapehu.

Nearby is the Mangawhero Forest Walk (3km loop), an easy 1-hour walk that leads you into a giant forest and over a large volcanic crater. A little further up the road is the Mangawhero Falls Walk (10-minute return), another easy track that leads to a beautiful set of waterfalls.

Facilities at this campsite include non-flush toilets and tap water. Only unpowered campsites are available. Bookings are required and can be made online.

6. Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park

Image: Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park Facebook_.

Address: 5 Moore Street, Ohakune 4625 | Price: From $53 per night

The Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park is located in the town of Ohakune , just outside the southern border of Tongariro National Park and about a 35-minute drive from the Visitor Centre. This highly-rated campground is set amongst bushland and a tranquil mountain stream.

Whilst this camping ground is further from the National Park than other options, it provides easy access to shops and restaurants (making it a great choice for visitors who only want to spend a day exploring Tongariro). It is also close to the Hapuawhenua Viaduct , which forms part of the Ohakune Old Coach Road (a historic walking and cycle trail).

Facilities at this camping ground include a communal kitchen and dining room, laundry, drying room, private spa hire, gas barbecues and bathroom blocks. Both unpowered and powered campsites are available. Bookings can be made online.

7. Raetihi Holiday Park

Image: Raetihi Holiday Park Facebook_.

Address: 10 Parapara Road, Raetihi 4632 | Price: From $20 per night

Raetihi Holiday Park is located southwest of Tongariro National Park and is a 35-minute drive from the Visitor Centre. This family-friendly campground offers mountain views , scenic bush walks, garden games (like giant chess) and it even has a glowworm cave!

Again, whilst this camping ground is further from the National Park than other options, it is still a great choice for visitors who only want to spend a day exploring Tongariro. Plus, you can hire a canoe directly from the Raetihi Holiday Park and paddle the Whanganui River (considered one of New Zealand’s Great Journeys ).

Facilities at this camping ground include a camp kitchen and dining room, hot tub hire, access to a solar-heated swimming pool, garden games, amenity buildings and much more. Both unpowered and powered campsites are available. Bookings can be made online.

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