Top Ten Holiday Parks And Campgrounds Near Wellington

Titled "the coolest little capital in the world" by Lonely Planet, Wellington rests on the southern tip of the North Island. Embraced by nature on all sides and bursting with creative vibes, Wellington is a compact blend of history, arts, cuisine and wilderness. As if this buzzing hub wasn’t worth the visit in itself, the Kapiti Coast, Wairarapa and Manawatu are all within driving distance. Home to some of New Zealand’s most memorable activities and spectacular sights, you’ll have the road trip of a lifetime.

With the great outdoors on its doorstep, you can camp in a motorhome, caravan or campervan just a short drive from this thriving city. The Department of Conservation campsites in Wellington’s hinterland is a fantastic low-cost option. And for those who are happy to spend a little bit more, many holiday parks offer convenience and comfort like no other. Below, we break down the best holiday parks and campsites in Wellington and its neighbouring regions.

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Camp Elsdon

Porirua

20km from Wellington

Photo credit: Aidan Wojtas via Wikimedia Commons (See full licence).

Only a 20-minute drive from Wellington, Camp Elsdon is the perfect base for exploring this quirky capital. Here, you can get your fix of city life without compromising on the view or squandering your budget.

This spacious campground overlooks the turquoise waters of Porirua harbour from Colonial Knob Reserve, so you can wake up to spectacular scenery and native bird calls. If you’re camping on a Saturday, stop by the Porirua Market for fresh Pacific, Asian and Māori delights before heading downtown. And if the city isn’t calling you, try some boating or fishing in the bay.

Features: Powered and unpowered sites, kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities, and a playground. You can even bring your pooch along if pre-arranged!

Price per night: Powered sites are $25 per adult and $5 per child, unpowered sites are $15 per adult and $5 per child

Website: www.campelsdon.co.nz

Waimeha Camping Village

Cape Palliser 130km from Wellington

Photo credit: @andreassjovall via Unsplash.com

The two-hour drive to Cape Palliser is so stunning, it’ll be hard to put your camera down. And it won’t get any easier when you pull up to camp. Located right on the beach with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Kaikoura Ranges, you'll get lost in the coastal splendour of Waimeha Camping Village as soon as you arrive.

At this shiny new campground, you can explore land and sea to your heart’s content. Cast a line at Ngawi fishing village, go surfing at Dee Dee’s break, or hire a bike and cycle out to Cape Palliser lighthouse or the North Island’s largest fur seal colony. Then head back to Waimeha Camping Village for a beachside BBQ in front of a vivid sunset.

Features: Powered and unpowered sites, laundry, bathroom and kitchen facilities, BBQs, a playground and a fish filleting station

Price per night: Powered sites from $20 per adult and $15 per child, unpowered sites from $15 per adult and $10 per child

Website: www.waimehacamping.co.nz

Catchpool Valley Camping Area

Remutaka Forest Park

30km from Wellington

Photo credit: @anetek via Unsplash.com

Catchpool Valley is one of Wellington’s most beloved outdoor destinations for a reason. Nestled in the heart of Remutaka Forest Park, you’ll enjoy endless outdoor adventures as you explore dense woodland and vast open ridges. Take your pick from a variety of leisurely strolls and rewarding treks, ranging from 1km to 30km long. The Remutaka Forest Park is also teeming with native wildlife, so make sure to keep an eye out for tui, ruru, kaka, kereru, red deer, pigs, goats and possums along the way. Back at Catchpool Valley Campsite, you can settle in beside Catchpool Stream - a tributary of the Wainuiomata River - for a cooling post-hike dip.

Features: Unpowered sites, bathroom facilities and BBQs

Price per night: $13 per adult, $6.50 per child

Website: www.doc.govt.nz

Kaitoke Regional Park Campground

Upper Hutt

50km from Wellington

Photo credit: Pseudopanax via Wikimedia Commons.

Situated just 45 minutes north of Wellington, Kaitoke Regional Park is spread across 2,800 hectares at the base of the Tararua Ranges. This magnificent expanse includes the Hutt River gorge, rolling bushland and ancient rimu, rata and beech forests.

Campers can choose a parking spot by the Pakuratahi River before setting off over the swing bridge to swim in glistening river pools or hike down woodland tracks. Try the Ridge Track for amazing views of Upper Hutt Valley or explore the mystical location that served as Rivendell in the Lord of the Rings films. We promise this spot is just as magical in real life!

Features: Powered and unpowered sites, BBQs and bathroom facilities

Price per night: Powered sites are $16 per adult and $8 per child, unpowered sites are $8 per adult and $4 per child

Website: www.gw.govt.nz

Holdsworth Campsite

Tararua Forest Park

110km from Wellington

Photo credit: @tmarquis via Unsplash.com

Holdsworth is the eastern gateway to Tararua Forest Park. Covering over 116,000 hectares, this the largest conservation park on the North Island - And it is just as beautiful as it is big.

With panoramic views of the tallest peaks in the Tararua Range, you’ll discover short but sweet walks and challenging hikes up into the alpine forest. All you have to do is set out straight from the Holdsworth campsite! Situated in a jaw-dropping location with the Atiwhakatu Stream bubbling through, this well-maintained campsite offers picturesque picnics and scenic swims, as well as fantastic trout fishing nearby.

Features: Unpowered sites, bathroom and cooking facilities, and a picnic area with insane views

Price per night: $8 per adult, $4 per child

Website: www.doc.govt.nz

Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park

Martinborough 80km from Wellington

Photo credit: Scott Venning

Brimming with old-time charm, Martinborough is known for its many boutique cellar doors - Most only a stroll or cycle from the village square and each with their own distinct character. For a wine-filled weekend with friends or a romantic getaway in the countryside, look no further than Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park. You can tailor your trip here for the perfect level of adventure and luxury, with activities ranging from quad bike tours and horse treks, to wine tastings and massages. And it’s all only an hour or so from Wellington!

Features: Powered and unpowered sites, WiFi, kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities

Price per night: Powered sites from $46, unpowered sites from $40

Website: www.martinboroughholidaypark.com

Putangirua Pinnacles Campsite

Aorangi Forest Park

115km from Wellington

Photo credit: Touko Maksimainen via Wikimedia Commons (See full licence).

Over the last 120,000 years, strong winds and heavy rainfall have gradually eroded an ancient conglomerate to create the outlandish Putangirua Pinnacles. If these otherworldly formations look familiar, it’s probably because you’ve watched Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - The rocky steeples set the scene for the ‘Paths of the Dead’, a haunted passage in J. R. R. Tolkien’s fantasy world.

See these geological wonders in person by setting up camp for the night just a stroll away. Park your RV right beside Putangirua Stream to enjoy views of Cook Strait and its pebbly shoreline before heading off to check out the towering hoodoos.

Features: Unpowered sites, bathroom facilities and a must-see attraction for any The Lord of the Rings fans

Price per night: $8 per adult, $4 per child

Website: www.doc.govt.nz

Corner Creek Campsite

Remutaka Forest Park

106km from Wellington

Photo credit: @jhc via Unsplash.com

Tucked away in the coastal manuka woodland of Remutaka Forest Park, Corner Creek Campsite is only a five-minute walk from Palliser Bay. This rugged coastline is a haven for surfers, mountaineers, mountain bikers, hikers and swimmers alike - No matter which outdoor adventure you’re after, Corner Creek Campsite is only a stone’s throw away. After a day of exploring all that this remarkable wilderness has to offer, grill some fresh kaimoana on the beachfront BBQ at this gem of a campground.

Features: Unpowered sites, sheltered cooking area, bathroom facilities

Price per night: $8 per adult, $4 per child

Website: www.doc.govt.nz

Foxton Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

Foxton

118km from Wellington

Photo credit: Virginia McMillan via Wikimedia Commons (See full licence).

Foxton Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park rests on the banks of the Manawatu River estuary. With a beautiful beach that gently drops off into the deep ocean, it’s a lovely and safe swimming spot for all ages. These waters are also home to kahawai, snapper, groper, gurnard, flounder and sole, so don’t miss some excellent fishing opportunities if that’s what you’re into. For a more active day, you can go surfing, kite surfing and paddle boarding, or even hit up the nearby 4WD tracks. Alternatively, enjoy the tranquillity of nature, with a country walk or cycle in Tararua Forest Park - You might even glimpse one of the world’s rarest animals, like the tuatara or takahe. And when the sun starts to set over the Tasman Sea, sit back, relax and take in the stunning views back at camp.

Features: Powered and unpowered sites, kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities, two BBQ’s, two petanque courts, and a playground with a duck pond

Price per night: From $26

Website: www.foxtonbeach.info

Kapiti Holiday Resort

Kapiti Coast

55km from Wellington

Photo credit: James Dignan via Wikimedia Commons (See full licence).

Under an hour’s drive from Wellington, Kapiti Holiday Resort sits on a quiet sandy shore just minutes from the hustle and bustle of popular Paraparaumu Beach. Amble down Marine Parade to check out the quaint seaside cafes, delicious restaurants, and artsy boutiques.

Afterwards, visit Kapiti Island and explore one of New Zealand’s few island nature reserves with public access. And if you’d prefer to while away the day in the sunshine, beautiful beaches are literally on your doorstep - Go swimming, boating, surfing, or fishing along New Zealand’s Nature Coast.

Features: Powered and unpowered sites, kitchen and laundry facilities and a playground. This is also the only campground in the lower North Island where each campsite has its own shower and toilet!

Price per night: $22 per adult, $10 per child

Website: www.kapitiholidayresort.co.nz

We've got some more of the top places to go camping on the Kapiti Coast! Want to travel further afield? Check out the best campgrounds in Wairarapa!

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What does that mean?

Essentially, we provide a unique sharing service where owners of caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes, and campervans list their RV for hire while not in use. As an owner, this enables you to earn over $10,000 each year instead of having your RV just sitting around while you’re not using it.

As a holidaymaker, Camplify helps you find an RV that is perfect for you so you can experience the joys of caravanning - without having to own one yourself.

Interested? Learn more about Camplify here.

Feature Image Photo credit: Julian Apse