Destinations
6 best Whanganui camping grounds
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Ready for a Whanganui camping trip? Set up camp along the second-largest river on the North Island. With the longest navigable waterway in the country that runs for 290km from the tip of Mount Tongariro to where the Whanganui Coast meets the Tasman Sea, there’s all kinds of adventures on offer! Spend your days exploring and then head back to base with our ultimate guide to the best Whanganui camping grounds. Our list includes price, location, features, nearby attractions and more.
Best campgrounds in Whanganui: 6 spots you can’t miss
1. Koitiata Motor Camp
339/389 Turakina Beach Road, Turakina 4581, New Zealand | From $6 per night
Koitiata Motor Camp is the ideal spot to pull up for a summer holiday just metres away from the sea. One of the closest Whanganui camping grounds to the beach, this community-run campsite is surrounded by scenic walking trails.
Take a 300 metre walk down a nice sand track to Turakina Beach, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the dunes or to take a refreshing dip. Opposite the campground entrance, you’ll also find a small lookout with spectacular views of the water.
At the campsite, you can enjoy flush toilets, hot showers, BBQ, a dump station, playground across the road and more.
2. Caroline’s Outback Camping Ground
181 Somme Parade, Aramoho, Whanganui 4500, New Zealand | $30 per night for 2 adults
If you’d like to get back to basics and forgo the holiday park feel, then Caroline’s Outback Camping Ground has everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Located directly behind Caroline’s Boatshed Bar and Eatery, you can pull up beside the river and railway line and set up camp.
There’s plenty to see and do around the area. Check out the War Memorial Tower and enjoy a great view of the city, take a drive to Winter Gardens for a picnic or spot of exploring, or bring out your adventurous side with a Whanganui River experience.
It’s one of the best basic Whanganui camping grounds complete with ablutions that include a nice, hot shower and a kitchen you can use. And when your hunger sets in, head on down to the eatery or nearby fish and chip shop!
3. Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park
460 Somme Parade, Aramoho, Whanganui 4500, New Zealand | From $40 per night
If you’re after a fun Whanganui camping ground that comes with all the bells and whistles, you can’t look past Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park.
One of the best things to do is jump on a kayak for incredible views of Whanganiui river, which you can hike to from the campsite! Alternatively, head into Whanganui to check out the pristine beaches, museums, galleries, gardens and trails.
The campsite comes equipped with everything you need for your stay. There are outdoor dining options with a BBQ area and a dining room. Plus, use the kitchen, laundry facility, bathrooms and showers. Not to mention the on-site swimming pool, games room, and playground!
4. Anzac Parade Freedom Camping
40a Anzac Parade, Whanganui East, Whanganui 4500, New Zealand | Free
Looking for a free campsite in Whanganui? Anzac Parade Freedom Camping is the perfect spot right by the river, offering up plenty of trees for shade.
Everything is nice and close by, making your travels even easier. Just a few minutes down the road you can check out Kowhai Park Family Playground, which is an amazing nursery themed park, perfect for a picnic and play. You can jump on the Paddle Steamer Waimarie and take a gentle trip down the river to see everything on offer.
It’s equipped with plenty of facilities, including flush toilets, a drinking fountain, dump station and tap water. It’s just a short walk to Four Square Eastbrook and many other shops and takeaway options for your stay.
5. Kai Iwi Beach Holiday Park
66 Mowhanau Drive, Whanganui 4574, New Zealand | From $41 per night
This is one of the most central yet peaceful Whanganui camping grounds, offering up a great space to escape the hustle and bustle of the city just 10 minutes from its centre.
Kai Iwi Beach is only a short stroll away, where you will find great fishing opportunities, a huge adventure playground for the kids to explore and BBQ facilities. Alternatively, visit the Whanganui Regional Museum, the Sergeant Gallery and New Zealand Glassworks nearby.
At the campsite, settle back to gaze at the Kai Iwi cliffs and views of the Tasman sea. There’s plenty of facilities to enjoy here, including free WiFi, a jumping pillow for the kids and a playground. There’s also bathrooms, a kitchen, an onsite general store, lounge, laundry and dump station.
6. Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park
1A Rangiora Street, Castlecliff, Whanganui 4501, New Zealand | From $34 per night
Settle back and unwind at this fully equipped holiday park just 8km from the city centre. Enjoy three acres of grounds to explore, right next to a huge adventure playground where you can let the kids loose. Plus, the beach is also within walking distance!
Castlecliff Beach is the perfect spot for both swimming and fishing and is popular in the summer months. Jump on a fishing charter trip or explore the stunning parks and gardens around the area - like the iconic Kowhai Park, where you’ll find a fairytale playground ready to explore. Or check out Virginia Lake and discover a variety of birds in the aviary!
Back at camp, laze around after a busy day exploring, making use of their BBQ complex, outdoor fireplace, swimming pool and sauna. Their communal showers and toilets were renovated just two years ago, so expect clean and fresh facilities.
Hire a van for your Whanganui camping trip
Whether you’re planning a Whanganui river road trip, or driving your way around the North Island, it’s time to sort out campervan hire in Manawatu-Wanganui. Set yourself up for days of adventure and unforgettable nights at one of these amazing Whanganui camping grounds!
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