Top 25 Scenic Campsites in New Zealand by Region
From Far North beaches to Fiordland fiords, these 25 campsites deliver epic views, amenity balance, and easy hand-off to KiwiCamping navigation.
Tip: Use KiwiCamping to find these campsites and add them to your trip planner.
Northland to Wellington picks
- Spirits Bay / Kapowairua DOC Campsite – far north sunrise views.
- Tapotupotu Bay DOC Campsite – surf and Te Paki access.
- Urupukapuka Bay Campsite – Bay of Islands island escape.
- Matakana Island Freedom Site – council-managed with golden sand.
- Opito Bay DOC Campsite – Coromandel stargazing.
- Hot Water Beach TOP 10 – geothermal beach minutes away.
- Motuopa Bay Lakeside Reserve – Taupō lakefront sunsets.
- Mohaka River Freedom Site – fly-fishing base.
- Kai Iwi Lakes Campground – freshwater clarity.
- Evans Bay Motorhome Park – Wellington harbour outlook.
- Mt Holdsworth DOC Campsite – Tararua foothills.
- Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park – Taranaki surf vista.
- Tolaga Bay Holiday Park – East Coast pier and sunrise.
Nelson to Southland picks
- Totaranui Campground – Abel Tasman turquoise bay.
- Lyell DOC Campsite – Buller Gorge history.
- Curio Bay Campground – petrified forest and Hector's dolphins.
- Lake Pukaki Reserve – Aoraki panoramic views.
- Lake Tekapo Holiday Park – dark sky sanctuary skycapes.
- Moke Lake DOC Campsite – mirror lakes near Queenstown.
- Gillespies Beach DOC Campsite – West Coast sunsets.
- Lake Paringa DOC Campsite – tranquil forest reflections.
- Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park – central base with mountain backdrop.
- Knobs Flat Campsite – Fiordland valley views.
- Monowai Campsite – quiet Southland lake.
- Oban Campground (Stewart Island) – island glowworms.
Access notes, amenities, booking status
Many DOC sites above are first-come-first-served. Arrive early in summer and keep holiday park backups on standby. Holiday parks offer powered sites, hot showers, and laundries, while council freedom spots usually have limited facilities.
Check KiwiCamping for road access warnings: Totaranui requires a long gravel drive, Lake Pukaki freedom sites can close due to conservation work, and Knobs Flat has sandfly hotspots. Download the KiwiCamping app to store these notes offline.
After storms or maintenance, some tracks and camps may be closed. Check DOC alerts or council notices linked from the KiwiCamping listing before travelling.
Scenic campsite FAQ
- Do I need to book DOC scenic camps?
- Some like Totaranui require bookings in summer; others remain first-come. KiwiCamping lists availability and booking links.
- Are dogs allowed at these sites?
- Most DOC and council scenic sites prohibit dogs due to wildlife protection. Check each listing before travelling.
- Can large motorhomes access them?
- Access varies. KiwiCamping notes road grades, suitable vehicle lengths, and if 4WD is required.
Related reading: Where to camp guide ↗ · Best camping apps ↗ · Holiday park booking guide ↗