Advice on camping options in New Zealand

New Zealand lends itself very well to motorhome or motorhome travel and has become extremely popular with the locals as a mode of holiday. Tourists with families in particular also find this a very convenient means of touring the country. Camping facilities are usually excellent, and readily available.

With the option to camp for free or stay at campgrounds and vacation parks, you should never have a problem finding a place to stay for the night.

Free Camping in New Zealand

While you can camp freely in many places, sometimes it will be necessary and more desirable to stay in one camping spot, especially in larger cities or towns. You should check with your local Tourist Information Offices to find out what the free camping regulations are in your areas, as they vary. Sometimes there is a very small charge, around $5. Check the red, black, and white camping signs.

There is also a relatively new Native Parks Organization where, for a fee of $70, you can stay in up to 50 campsites on private property. You must drive a fully independent motorhome or rental motorhome to participate in this program. This is a great way to meet the locals.

New Zealand Campgrounds

Being a nation of campers, there are plenty of options when it comes to finding a place to camp. You should be aware that during the peak summer period (Dec-Jan) the campgrounds will be occupied and you should arrive earlier in the afternoon if possible to ensure you get a site.

Camping grounds in New Zealand range from basic with only cold showers and toilet facilities to holiday parks with

• camp kitchens
• Great bathroom facilities – hot showers, flush toilets etc.
• Laundromats with washing machines, clothes dryers, etc.
• Swimming pools
• Playgrounds for children
• Mini golf
• Tennis courts
• Entertainment rooms with indoor activities

and more…

If your camp is not next to the beach, it could be next to a beautiful lake or with thermal pools. I can’t think of a campground I’ve stayed at that doesn’t have something to delight the family.

Facilities at New Zealand Campgrounds

• DOC Camps (Department of Conservation) they are found in many beautiful locations, invariably along the beach. These are very cheap. Therefore you will have very basic facilities. You get what you pay for, but they are often located on stunning beaches, which is why they are in the best locations in the country.
• Municipal camping area. They tend to have good facilities, with camper kitchens, hot showers, toilets, and laundry facilities.
• Privately owned campsite. These range from basic to excellent. Most are very good. It should have a kitchen, hot showers and toilets.
• Camping areas for motorhomes only There are some campgrounds for RVs and RVs only, often located on private property. They are usually just a nice place to stay with no extra facilities. Your motorhome must be fully self-contained to be suitable.
• holiday parks The 4 star holiday parks have wonderful facilities with cabins, caravan hire on site, swimming pools, hot tubs, children’s play areas and a shop.

Most campgrounds will have a number of RV and RV power outlets, as well as tent sites. There will be rules that are essential for campers to follow in order to keep other campers happy. Many campgrounds will expect noise to be limited after 10pm. They will have a facility for you to get a key, or you should be able to make some arrangements if you are going to be arriving after closing time.

Most of the camps have a basic tent on site or are very close to the tents.