The North Island of New Zealand offers a beautiful variety of camping experiences: from subtropical beaches in Northland to volcanic plateau landscapes in the Central Plateau. Here are our picks for the best DOC campsites and holiday parks across the North Island.
Northland / Bay of Islands
DOC: Urupukapuka Island Campsite
Cost: $15/adult | Access: Water taxi from Paihia or Russell | Facilities: Toilets, cold showers, shelter, water supply
Stay on one of the Bay of Islands' most beautiful islands. Walk the island's network of trails, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy incredible views across the bay. Book ahead in peak season: this site is popular.
DOC: Maitai Bay Campsite
Cost: $15/adult | Access: Car: gravel road off SH10 | Facilities: Toilets, cold showers, tap water, rubbish bins
A classic Northland coastal campsite on the Karikari Peninsula. White sand beach, safe swimming, and mature pohutukawa trees providing shade. This is quintessential North Island beach camping.
Top 10 Holiday Park: Paihia
Cost: $50 — $80/night (powered site) | Facilities: Kitchen, hot showers, pool, playground, WiFi
Well-located in the Bay of Islands. Great for families wanting comfort and easy access to Paihia's restaurants, activities, and boat tours to the Hole in the Rock.
Coromandel Peninsula
DOC: Fletcher Bay Campsite
Cost: $10/adult | Access: Car: long, winding (mostly unsealed) road from Coromandel town
At the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, this is a remote and beautiful spot. Spectacular coastal views, great fishing, and the start of the Coromandel Coastal Walkway. Facilities are basic: bring everything you need.
DOC: New Chums Beach (Wainuiototo Bay)
Cost: Free | Access: 30-minute walk from Whangapoua | Facilities: None (basic camping only)
One of New Zealand's most beautiful (and photographed) beaches. Basic camping only: no facilities, no fires. This is proper off-grid camping, but the reward is one of the world's best beaches almost to yourself.
Waikato / Raglan / Waitomo
DOC: Raglan Kopua Holiday Park
Cost: $12 — $18/adult | Facilities: Toilets, showers, kitchen, powered sites
Right on the Raglan Harbour. A short drive from the world-famous surf breaks at Manu Bay and Whale Bay. Good facilities and a relaxed vibe. Book ahead in summer.
Taupō / Tongariro
DOC: Waitahanui Campsite
Cost: $15/adult | Facilities: Toilets, cold showers, water supply
On the shores of Lake Taupō, this popular campsite has direct lake access. Great for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The sunset views across the lake toward Tongariro are spectacular.
DOC: Tīrau Campsite
Cost: $10/adult | Facilities: Toilets, tap water, fireplaces
Located on the western side of Lake Taupō near the Tongariro River. Quieter than the eastern shores. Close to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trailhead and great trout fishing.
Rotorua / Bay of Plenty
Rotorua Top 10 Holiday Park
Cost: $45 — $75/night (powered site) | Facilities: Hot pools, kitchen, playground, WiFi
The Rotorua Top 10 is a destination in itself, with thermal hot pools on site. Close to the Redwoods, mountain biking trails, and all of Rotorua's geothermal attractions.
East Coast / Hawke's Bay / Wairarapa
DOC: Tātapouri Campsite
Cost: $10/adult | Facilities: Toilets, cold shower, picnic tables
A beautiful coastal campsite north of Gisborne. Right on the beach with safe swimming. One of the best camping spots on the East Coast. Great for a quiet, relaxed stay.
Wellington Region
DOC: Ōtaki River Campsite
Cost: $10/adult | Facilities: Toilets, water supply
Convenient for Wellington access. Located along the Ōtaki River with good swimming holes. A popular spot for kayakers and anglers. Close to the Tararua Forest Park for day walks.
Tips for North Island Camping
- Book DOC campsites online in advance during summer (December — February)
- The Coromandel and Northland get busy: arrive early for first-come sites
- Carry insect repellent: sandflies are present on many beaches
- Many gravel roads in Northland and Coromandel: check road conditions
- Fire bans are common in summer: check with DOC before lighting any fires
- Pack for all weather: the North Island can deliver four seasons in one day
How to Book: Popular Sites and First-Come Sites
The North Island's best-known sites need different strategies. Some DOC sites — including Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands and a growing number of serviced sites — are bookable online through the DOC website, and they fill quickly for weekends and school holidays. Others, like Maitai Bay and Fletcher Bay, are first-come, first-served: arrive before midday in peak season, or have a backup site in mind. Holiday parks such as Top 10 Paihia take bookings year-round and are the safest choice if your dates are fixed.
New Zealand school holidays run roughly from late June to mid-July, late September to early October, and mid-December to late January. If your trip overlaps these windows, book everything you can in advance — Kiwi families fill campsites fast.
Best Time to Visit Each Region
Because the North Island spans subtropical and temperate climates, the ideal season varies by region. Northland and the Bay of Islands are best from November to April, when the beaches are warm enough to swim; in winter many coastal campsites are quiet but cold. The Coromandel peaks in summer, and its unsealed roads can be slow after rain. The Central Plateau (Taupō, Tongariro) works year-round — summer for hiking and lake swimming, winter for skiing at Whakapapa and Tūroa. Wellington is windiest in spring; its region is more of a shoulder-season destination in autumn.
Wherever you camp, pack for changeable weather — the North Island can genuinely deliver four seasons in one day, especially in spring — and check DOC's website for campsite status and fire bans before you travel.