The Best Cheap Campgrounds in New Zealand's North Island

The campgrounds are definitely more expensive in the north island than the ones on the south island. Being the broke college students we are, we were not planning on spending over $20 per person for a campground. Here are my top 4 cheap campgrounds around the north island:

4.) Rarawa Beach Campsite

Cost: This is a doc owned campsite that costs $13 per night per person.
Where: This site is located in the middle of the northern peninsula. It's a great halfway point on the way to or from Cape Reinga. 
About: The best part of the campsite, by its name, is the white sand Rarawa beach which is a 2-minute walk from your camper. It's sad that you can't see it from your campsite but you can easily walk over to watch the sunrise. There are also plenty of flushable toilets with toilet paper which is a bonus and an outside cold shower. For more information visit this link: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/te-paki-recreation-reserve/things-to-do/campsites/rarawa-beach-campsite/


3.) Waiotapu Tavern

Cost: $20 per vehicle
Where: It's conveniently along the main highway (highway 5) across from Wai-O-Tapu.
About: If you're coming with a vehicle any bigger than a normal van then I suggest you find a different campsite. This place is small since it's basically just the backyard of a bar/house. A nice couple runs the restaurant and you can go inside to pay them. I suggest getting there early (before 7pm) since they close around 8 and space can fill up fast. There's a hot shower, flushable toilet, and 2 outdoor outlets to charge your phone. If you're tired of camping, you can also get a small hotel room here.

2.) The Cowshed

Cost: $10 per person
Where: On the northern peninsula, 61 Wallis Rd, Kaikohe 0472 New Zealand to be exact
About: If you look at other reviews, yes this place is just a parking lot on a farm. However, it's a great place to meet other fellow travelers like yourself. There is a common area with a kitchen (bring your own fuel), 2 flushing toilets, a hot shower, and a hangout spot with couches and board games. There is also wifi but it only works by the house, ask the owner when you first get there for the password. You also might be able to hear kiwi's nearby during the night like we did!

1.) McLaren Falls Campsite

Cost: $10 per person
Where: Just outside Tauranga
About: Don't let the name deceive you, this place is more than just a campsite. It's basically a campground resort. There are many different campsites within the park to choose from and there are plenty of things to do while you're there! They have a glow worm trail, a lake you can kayak on, a disc golf course and I can't forget, the beautiful Mclaren waterfalls just outside the entrance to the park. However, the best part just might be the 4 very nice hot showers. Many people choose to camp by the showers but I recommend choosing a different site that is less crowded and more scenic then making your way to the showers early in the morning.

Image result for mclaren falls new zealand




Tip: You can find more cheap campgrounds around both of the islands using Campermate. I recommend downloading the offline map since there will be times where you will not have wifi or service. Download Link for Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/nz/app/campermate/id465040067?mt=8
(This is not sponsored! Just a recommendation from a local kiwi.)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Zealand: South Island 5 Day Itinerary

Image
Christchurch --> Queenstown or vice versa If you’re on a tight time schedule when seeing the south island, this is the itinerary for you. These must-do’s are all you need. Day 1: Christchurch --> Lake Tekapo Driving in New Zealand takes longer than what google maps will tell you. With the winding roads and many distractions to look at, you’ll probably end up pulling over to every scenic viewpoint if it’s your first time there. You can grab a rental car or campervan near the Christchurch airport at a few different places such as JUCY, Spaceship etc. The Church of the Good Shepherd Then make your way out of town on highway 73 where you'll reach your first stop in just under an hour. The famous Sheffield's Pie Shop! Eating a meat pie might sound weird if you're not from New Zealand but trust me you'll want to try these. All of the locals rave about them. My personal favorite is the Salmon but they have many different flavors and other bakery good
Read more

Tongariro Alpine Crossing Guide - North Island of NZ

Image
Time: 7-8 hours Cost: ~$30 per person for the shuttle or just drop your party off and only send one person on the shuttle to save money Skill: You don't need to be particularly skilled in any way just be able to walk the whole day and go up and down a steep elevation. What to Bring:  The peak elevation of this hike is very windy and cold even in the middle of summer so pack some warm clothes -Multiple bottles of water -Snack and possibly lunch -Some toilet paper (the portapotties along the way don't always have it) -Hat -Light jacket -Hiking boots The Hike: Please note this is a one-way hike, not a loop. You will need to start at a certain end of the trail so you don't make the mistake we made. You will need to park your car at the end of the trail then take a shuttle to the beginning. The majority of shuttles only run in the morning not in the evening so there will be no one to pick you up if you start at the wrong end. The Mangatepopo road is the end whe
Read more

5 Things to do on the Outskirts of Christchurch, NZ

Image
1. Port Hills These are those "mountains" you see in the distance when you are anywhere in Christchurch. However, once you get there, you realize they are just hills. Take the gondola or better yet, hike up to the top. It is about a 30min hike and is fairly steep but not too bad compared to the rest of New Zealand's hikes. Once you're at the top, you'll receive a stunning view of all of Christchurch and of Lyttleton Harbour on the other side. There is also a gift shop and a really good restaurant at the top. PS - Sometimes the road at the top is open and you can drive up. 2. Lyttleton Harbour View of Lyttleton Harbour from Port Hills Just a short bus ride away is Lyttleton Harbour. If you're there on a Saturday, you can enjoy their popular farmer's market on London Street from 10am to 1pm. For dinner, consider eating at Fisherman's Wharf, a popular seafood spot right on the harbor. Just a warning, it might be a bit pricey for your average bac
Read more