New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Camping Destinations in 2025

If you love camping, then New Zealand is like your Disneyland. There’s something truly special about pitching a tent in Aoetearoa. From towering snow-capped peaks and shimmering lakefronts to wild coastlines and lush rainforests, every corner of the “Land of the Long White Cloud” offers a chance to reconnect with nature.

If you are an Aussie planning a trip across the ditch, or an outdoorsman coming from the other side of the world, you’ll find countless scenic camping spots in NZ that will blow your mind. Regardless of whether you prefer the calmness of a beach sunrise or the serenity of a mountain sunset, there’s a spot waiting for you.

In this guide, we’ll showcase some of the most beautiful camping destinations across both the north and south islands. We’ll also highlight a few practical tips to help you ensure your next outdoor Kiwi escape goes smoothly.

What Makes New Zealand a Camper’s Paradise?

New Zealand’s landscapes are built for camping. Despite only having a landmass of 268,000 square kilometres, its compact size hides an incredible variety of terrain.

Each region delivers its own version of paradise. Moreover, for campers, the country’s focus on sustainable outdoor tourism means campgrounds are clean, well-maintained and easy to reach.

The great thing about New Zealand is that it offers so much flexibility for outdoorsy types. For instance, you can pitch a tent, park a van, or stay in one of the country’s many family-friendly campgrounds. Many of these sites offer powered spaces, cooking shelters, hot showers and even Wi-Fi.

If you love road trips, you’ll be pleased to know campervan travel is incredibly popular here. Even better, the open roads are scenic, the traffic is light, and there’s always a new beach or trail around the bend.

What Are the Most Beautiful Places to Go Camping in New Zealand in 2025?

When people talk about the best campgrounds in New Zealand, often they’re thinking of places where nature takes centre stage. Thankfully, you’ll be spoilt for choice of where to go. The country’s regions are dotted with remarkable camping destinations that you’ll run out of adjectives to describe.

Here are some of the most beautiful places to go camping in New Zealand.

South Island Highlights

If you can only camp in one part of New Zealand, we suggest it be the South Island. The scenery in this part of the country is sensational, and the best way to see as much of it as possible is to hire a car from GO Rentals Nelson Airport so you can travel at your own pace.

High on your list of places to camp should be the Fiordland National Park. One of the jewels in New Zealand’s crown, this World Heritage Site sits at the southwest corner of the South Island. It’s perhaps best known for the magnificent glacier-carved fiords of the Milford and Doubtful Sounds, which are best explored by boat. The towering Mitre Peak is another spectacular landmark, and there are plenty of Insta-worthy waterfalls and sheer cliffs to be snapped in the area.

Elsewhere, Lake Tekapo and the Mount Cook area are other great destinations for photography and stargazing. Then, there is the magnificent Abel Tasman National Park, which combines forest tracks with golden beaches. It’s one of the easiest places to kayak, as you can do it straight from your campsite.

Queenstown and Wanaka should also be on your list. Both have excellent campgrounds with very good facilities in locations that offer breathtaking alpine scenery. Moreover, if you begin or end your trip around Nelson and the Marlborough Sounds, there are plenty of quiet coves that make perfect spots for quiet, uninterrupted relaxation.

North Island Highlights

The North Island offers a wonderful blend of coastal charm and volcanic drama. One of the most beautiful places you can head to is the Coromandel Peninsula. Famous for its vast white and golden beaches and misty forests, the area extends about 85 km north from the Bay of Plenty’s western end. This forms a natural barrier that protects the Firth of Thames and Hauraki Gulf in the west from the Pacific Ocean to the east. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera here.

Elsewhere, the Bay of Islands promises peaceful seaside views and excellent swimming conditions (although the water might be a bit chilly for some!). At the same time, Lake Taupō is the perfect setting for lakeside camping and a morning dip before breakfast.

For those who prefer something more rugged, Tongariro National Park offers alpine walks and crisp mountain air that will clear your head in seconds.

Essential Tips for Your 2025 New Zealand Camping Holiday

If you do plan to go camping in New Zealand, it is important to plan. While for much of the year it is cold there, the weather is warm during the summer months of December to February. As you can imagine, this is the most popular time of year to go camping. So, you should always book anywhere you want to stay as far in advance of your visit as possible, because slots go quickly.

Whichever season you decide to camp in, you should pack for all conditions. Make sure you have a good tent, a waterproof jacket, a reliable stove, and a quality sleeping bag. These basics will ensure you maintain a level of comfort wherever you go.

Before setting off, it is a good idea to read up on local camping rules. For instance, freedom camping is only allowed in approved zones, while some councils are strict about where you can stay. You should always check signs, respect private property and use designated waste stations. Importantly, you should also follow the “leave no trace” rule by taking all your rubbish away with you.

Lastly, if you’re new to camping, it's worth familiarising yourself with these survival skills. Mother Nature can often be unforgiving in New Zealand. So, it would be good to know how to look after yourself if you ever find yourself in a tough situation.