From the giant Kauri of the far north to the golden sand digs of the Coromandel, the Upper North Island is a massive playground of salt, soil, and soul. We’re talking hidden white-sand coves, geothermal hot spots, and coastal towns where the fish is fresh and the coffee is actually good.
Whether you’re heading to the "top of the world" at Cape Reinga or navigating the winding coastal roads of the Coromandel Peninsula, this guide is built to help you find the best spots to park up and fuel your soul.
Using real-time CamperMate data, we’ve pulled the most popular free and paid campsites — from secluded beachside reserves to premium holiday parks — alongside the local cafés, breweries, and wineries that real travellers are actually stopping at.
Bowentown Beach Holiday Park, Waihi
📌 Jump to a Region
Looking for the best free and paid campsites, plus the top food and drink stops in a specific region of the Upper North Island? Click below to jump straight to your next destination!
Northland — The Winterless North 🌊
Auckland — City to Surf 🌆
Coromandel — Golden Sands & Hidden Coves 🏖️
Waikato — Rolling Hills & Left-Hand Breaks 🐄
Coastal Bay of Plenty — Sun-Drenched Shores ☀️
🌊 Northland
Subtropical bays, ancient trees, and "The Winterless North."
Northland is where it all began. From the crystal-clear Bay of Islands to the massive dunes of Ninety Mile Beach, it’s a region made for life in a van. Dive the Poor Knights, grab a world-famous fish and chip basket in Mangonui, or just find a quiet bay and watch the tide come in.
Tokerau Beach
Stay in Northland
Trending Free Campsites
- Tokerau Beach - A stunning free campsite with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Onerahi - Beach Road Reserve - Camp right by the water at Whangarei Harbour.
- Ruakaka Beach Reserve - A popular free camping spot with a beautiful beach, perfect for a quiet overnight stay. Lifeguards are often on duty during peak periods.
- Sandy Bay Freedom Camping Area - A beautiful beachside location with picnic area and a nearby stream for the kids to play in
- Woolleys Bay - western carpark - Camp in park-like grounds right by the beach in the heart of Northland.
Trending Paid Campgrounds
- Whangarei TOP 10 Holiday Park - Whangarei is a great place to base yourself at, whether exploring the local district and its many attractions, or for day trips further afield.
- Tapotupotu Campsite - Stay at New Zealand's most northern campsite and experience the scenic wonders of Tapotupotu
- Camp Waipu Cove - Enjoy the sound of waves and the ocean breeze at our beachside sites or something more secluded
- Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite - Camp in a picturesque setting between the beach (5 min walk) and hills of the Aupouri Peninsula north of Kaitaia.
- Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park - The perfect base to explore the various activities this stunning region has to offer. Including fishing, diving, kayaking, sightseeing, historical tours, and adventure activities
🍽️ Where to Refuel – Northland
Grab a brew at Phatgouse in Haruru or head to The Duke of Marlborough in Russell for a pint with a view. You can’t leave without hitting the Mangonui Fish Shop—it’s built right over the water and the snapper is as fresh as it gets!
Explore our curated guide to Northland's best food and beverage stops
🌆 Auckland
Volcanic peaks, urban hubs, and wild West Coast surf.
Don’t let the skyscrapers fool you—Auckland is a world-class road trip hub. To the west, you’ve got the moody black sands of Piha; to the north, the craft markets and vineyards of Matakana. It’s the only place you can hike a volcano for breakfast and hit a boutique brewery for lunch.
Orere Point TOP 10 Holiday Park
Stay in Auckland
Trending Free Campsites
- Margaret Griffen Park - Offers a convenient and affordable stay for travellers on the outskirts of Auckland.
- Hamiltons Gap - A wild and scenic coastal spot known for its towering black sand dunes — some of the highest in Auckland. From the top, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the rugged west coast
- Barry Curtis Park Freedom Camping - Enjoy the spacious grounds and convenient location near Ormiston Mall, which offers a supermarket, gym, and restaurants within a 20-minute walk.
- Gulf Harbour - Camp at the Fabulous Gulf Harbour - it pays to arrive here early!
- Port Albert - A popular and peaceful camping spot, ideal for travellers with kids as there is a playgorund on site.
Trending Paid Campgrounds
- Piha Camping Ground - This camp offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of Auckand - and the beach is only a 5 minute walk away!
- Red Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park - This park is located 25 minutes north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, on the beautiful Hibiscus Coast, fringing Red Beach.
- Ambury Campground - Part holiday park / part farm stay, this gives you a great option with a lot of space and perfect for familes.
- Takapuna Beach Holiday Park - Enjoy the superb location on the shores of Takapuna Beach! Wake up to the sunrise over Rangitoto Island with panoramic views of the beautiful Hauraki Gulf
- Orere Point TOP 10 Holiday Park - Located at the top of the Firth of Thames, this popular coastal park is just an hour's drive from central Auckland and two hours from Coromandel. The park's stunning natural surroundings and easy beach access make it an ideal base camp.
🍽️ Where to Refuel – Auckland
For a proper city brunch, Depot on Federal Street is the go-to. If you’re out west, Hallertau Brewery in Riverhead is the perfect pitstop for a tasting paddle and wood-fired pizza.
Explore our curated guide to Auckland's best food and beverage stops
🏖️ Coromandel
Golden sands, hidden coves, and total "slow down" vibes.
The Coromandel is the ultimate Kiwi summer playground. With its misty, forest-clad hills and insane coastline, it’s a place where the clocks don't matter. Dig a hole at Hot Water Beach or take the walk to Cathedral Cove—these two kiwi icons are only minutes apart!
CamperMate Tip: Make sure to check the tides, as both Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach are best explored 2 hours either side of low tide.
Rays Rest Reserve
Stay in the Coromandel
Trending Free Campsites
- Rays Rest Reserve - Stunning free camping spot just outside of Miranda.
- Paku Drive Carpark - Wake to stunning views of the bay and a short walk to the beach.
- Hauraki Rail Trail Terminus - Camp right on the beach and with the convenience of being right on the famous rail trail for exploring.
- Waiomu Domain - This is a charming seaside camping spot perfect for a relaxed stay on the Thames Coast.
- South End Reserves - A free camp, but with flushing toilets, stunning ocean views and a great swimming beach!
Trending Paid Campgrounds
- Tasman Holiday Parks - Miranda - This park is ideally located at the gateway to the Coromandel, and only 1 hour from Auckland airport, making it perfect for a first night stay in the Coromandel.
- Tairua Campground - A family operated campground, located centrally in Tairua with the harbour, shops, restaurants, cafes and playground and surf beaches all nearby.
- Hahei Beach Resort - Hahei is regularly voted one of the best beaches in NZ and you can stay right on the beachfront, just a short walk from Cathedral Cove.
- Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park - The best of both worlds thanks to the park being situated in a beautiful valley with direct access to the shoreline of Kikowhakarere Bay at the end of the park and a new heated pool and splash zone.
- Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park - Just a short walk from one of New Zealand’s most famous beaches - Hot Water Beach. The camp is surrounded by native bush and landscaped grounds and you can wander down to the shore, dig your own natural hot pool in the sand at low tide, and soak in the warm mineral water with the sound of the waves rolling in.
🍽️ Where to Refuel – Coromandel
Get a massive burger at Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu—it’s the local legend for a reason. For something fresh, grab a bag of mussels at The Coromandel Oyster Company.
Explore our curated guide to Coromandel's best food and beverage stops
🐄 Waikato
Rolling hills, limestone caves, and world-class left-hand breaks.
Beyond the green pastures of Middle-earth, the Waikato hides some of the country’s best secrets. Explore the glow-worm caves at Waitomo, visit the shire at Hobbiton™ Movie Set, or head to Raglan to watch the pros tackle the longest left-hand break in the world.
Whakamaru Recreation Area
Stay in Waikato
Trending Free Campsites
- Horahora Domain - Great campsite with plenty of space right on the lake edge, make sure you bring your togs!
- Lake Ngaroto - Lake Ngaroto offers a wild and picturesque camping experience, with many travellers praising its beautiful lake views, walking trails, and peaceful atmosphere.
- Whakamaru Recreation Area - Just 90 minutes from Hamilton and 35 minutes from Taupō, Lake Whakamaru Reserve is a peaceful freedom camping spot set along the edge of Lake Whakamaru
- Te Kauwhata Domain - A typical kiwi free camping spot at the local rugby club, near Waikare Estate.
- Jones Landing - Located along the scenic Waikato River in South Waikato, it offers a peaceful riverside escape for campers. The spacious grassy area at the river’s edge is framed by striking rocky bluffs, providing a perfect setting for relaxation, picnics, or water activities.
Trending Paid Campgrounds
- Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park - Located right in the heart of Waitomo Caves Village so you can walk to everything Waitomo has to offer!
- Raglan Holiday Park Papahua - Camp just minutes from the beach in the famous surf town of Raglan.
- Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park - Just 19 km from Hobbiton Movie set and 50 minutes drive to Waitomo caves, this park puts you in the middle of the two of the countries biggest attractions.
- Brocks Place Matamata - An idyllic Farm stay just 2.25kms from Hobbiton™ Movie Set.
- Kawhia Beachside S-Cape Holiday Park - Nestled alongside Kawhia Harbour, it offers the only waterfront acccommodation in Kawhia.
🍽️ Where to Refuel – Waikato
The Shack in Raglan is a must for coffee and a big breakfast. If you're in Hamilton, Good George Brewing is the spot for a local cider in a converted old church.
Explore our curated guide to Waikato's best food and beverage stops
☀️ Coastal Bay of Plenty
A rich blend of flavour, culture, and coastal living
The Coastal Bay of Plenty offers far more than just beautiful beaches. This is a region shaped by deep Māori heritage, abundant land and sea, and a thriving food story that continues to gain national attention. From orchard trails and ocean-fresh seafood to standout dining experiences grounded in local produce, the Bay invites travellers to taste their way through its landscapes. Beyond the shoreline, you’ll find welcoming communities, rich storytelling, and a slower pace that rewards those who take the time to explore.
Tasman Bay Holiday Parks - Pāpāmoa Beach
Stay in Coastal Bay of Plenty
Trending Free Campsites
- TECT Park Kiwicamp - This park is made up of 1650 hectares forest land administered by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. This huge forest area situated between Tauranga and Rotorua boasts a host of activities
- Harrisons Cut (Papamoa reserve 1) - A popular beachside camping spot with stunning views of the ocean. Travellers praise its quiet nights, beautiful sunrises, and proximity to the beach.
- Stella Place - A handy free camp right on the beach in the popular coastal town of Papamoa
- Beach Road Reserve - A reserve and popular camping spot with a beautiful view of Mount Maunganui and direct access to the estuary and sea front
- Dotterel Point Reserve - The reserve offers stunning ocean views, a beautiful beach, and a picturesque estuary not far from Little Waihi.
Trending Paid Campgrounds
- Tasman Holiday Parks - Papamoa Beach - A 5-Star Gold Qualmark rated park and awarded NZ's best large holiday park in 2025! Think sun, surf, and wide-open spaces just steps from the sand.
- McLaren Falls Park - McLaren Falls Park is a popular camping and caravan destination that has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from travellers
- Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park - Set on the white-sand shore of Ōhope Beach – voted New Zealand’s most-loved
beach – you'll camp just steps from the surf and offers panoramic views of Whakaari / White
Island and Moutohorā / Whale Island. - Tauranga Tourist Park - Tauranga Tourist Park is an affordable, small, sheltered camping ground located only 4 kilometers from the city centre.
- Bowentown Beach Holiday Park, Waihi - Absolute beachfront! Situated centrally to both Bay of Plenty & Coromandel Peninsula. Our unique beachfront location between the ocean and the harbour provides the ideal Waihi Beach accommodation.
🍽️ Where to Refuel – Coastal Bay of Plenty
Enjoy a beachfront brunch at the iconic Flat White Café in Waihī Beach or enjoy a relaxed tasting at The Cider Factorie, where locally crafted ciders capture the essence of the region.
Explore our curated guide to the Bay of Plenty's best food and beverage stops
