Best Campgrounds Around Tongariro National Park – Nature, Peace & Adventure

The Best Campgrounds Around the Mountain are found in the Central Plateau, circling mighty Mt Ruapehu and the Tongariro National Park. Here you’ll find everything from holiday parks with full facilities to DOC campsites in native bush and even freedom camping spots for self-contained travellers.

Staying close to the mountain means you’re right at the heart of the adventure. Whether you plan to tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, ski at Whakapapa or Tūroa or simply enjoy the alpine scenery, camping here keeps you close to nature and the action. Below are some of the top campgrounds we recommend — starting with one especially close to our hearts.

🏕 Whakapapa Holiday Park

This was once our backyard — Toni and I worked here, so it holds a special place for us. Whakapapa Holiday Park is tucked into native bush just outside Whakapapa Village, making it one of the most convenient spots for exploring the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Taranaki Falls and the Whakapapa Ski Field. The setting is peaceful, with the sound of the river nearby and views of the mountains on clear days. It’s well maintained, welcoming and ideal for families, hikers and skiers.

Quick Facts:

• 📍 Location: Just 2 minutes from Whakapapa Village
• 🏕 Sites: Powered and non-powered sites, plus cabins
• 🚿 Facilities: Kitchen, showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, lounge, BBQs
• 🚶 Nearby walks: Taranaki Falls (2 hrs), Silica Rapids (2 hrs), Ridge Track (45 mins)
• ❄️ Best for: Easy access to ski slopes and summer walks, great base inside the park

🚐 Freedom Camping – Waimarino (formerly National Park) Kiwi Camp

Right in the heart of Waimarino (formerly National Park Village), you’ll find a handy spot for freedom campers at the Kiwi Camp located beside the railway station. It’s a practical stop for travellers passing through or those setting up base for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or local ski fields. While it’s not as scenic as some DOC sites, the location and facilities make it a very popular option.

Quick Facts:

• 📍 Location: Beside the railway station in Waimarino (National Park Village)
• 🚐 Style: Freedom camping for self-contained vehicles only
• 🛠 Facilities: Basic Kiwi Camp amenities – powered by tokens for showers, laundry, and device charging
• 🏨 Nearby: Cafés, service station with superette, local pub and hotel all within walking distance
• ❄️ Best for: Budget-conscious travellers and those needing a simple, central stop before the Crossing or the slopes

🌿 DOC Mangahuia Campground

For a more back-to-nature stay, head to the DOC Mangahuia Campground, tucked into native bush just off State Highway 47. It’s only about 10 minutes from Whakapapa Village, making it one of the closest DOC sites to the mountain. With the sound of birdsong and a stream running nearby, it feels far removed from the bustle of the ski fields.

Quick Facts:

• 📍 Location: 6 km from Whakapapa Village on SH47
• 🏕 Sites: Non-powered grass sites, suitable for tents and campervans
• 🚻 Facilities: Toilets, water from a stream (boil before drinking), no powered sites
• 🌳 Setting: Surrounded by native bush with views of Mt Ruapehu on clear days
• ❄️ Best for: Travellers seeking a simple, quiet DOC experience close to the park

🎿 Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park

On the southern side of the mountain, the Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park is a popular year-round choice for families, skiers, and cyclists. It’s close to the town centre yet feels tucked away, with plenty of space and a wide range of facilities. After a day on the slopes at Tūroa or cycling the Old Coach Road, this is one of the most comfortable bases to return to.

Quick Facts:

• 📍 Location: A few minutes from Ohakune town centre, ~25 minutes to Tūroa Ski Field
• 🏕 Sites: Powered and non-powered sites, cabins, motels, and units
• 🚿 Facilities: Modern kitchen, hot showers, laundry, BBQs, Wi-Fi, spa pool, children’s playground
• 🚴 Nearby: Easy access to the Old Coach Road cycle trail and Ohakune’s restaurants and cafés
• ❄️ Best for: Families and travellers who want comfort, convenience, and activities on their doorstep

🌊 Coming Soon – Lake Rotoaira Campground (Mid 2026)

A brand-new option is on the horizon for campers: the Lake Rotoaira Campground, set to open in mid-2026. The campground will be owned by the local hāpu and managed by our good friends, making it a project rooted in local connection and care. Set along the shores of scenic Lake Rotoaira, this site will give travellers another incredible base right at the gateway to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Quick Facts (Planned):

• 📍 Location: Beside Lake Rotoaira, close to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing start point
• 🏕 Sites: Powered and non-powered sites (final details to be confirmed)
• 🚿 Facilities: Modern amenities are planned to make the campground comfortable and welcoming
• 🌄 Setting: Peaceful lakeside views with easy access to iconic Tongariro walks
• ⭐ Why it matters: Locally owned by hāpu and managed by people who know and love the region

🌄 Closing Thoughts

With so many options around Tongariro National Park, there’s a campground to suit every traveller. If you want to be right in the heart of the park, Whakapapa Holiday Park and the nearby DOC Mangahuia Campground keep you close to the trails. For those who prefer the convenience of town, Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park offers comfort and easy access to both the slopes and the Old Coach Road.

Freedom campers will find the Kiwi Camp at Waimarino (formerly National Park Village) a handy stop with simple facilities, while hikers tackling the Tongariro Alpine Crossing often base themselves at Tongariro Holiday Park. Looking ahead, the upcoming Lake Rotoaira Campground (opening mid-2026) will add another exciting option right by the lake.

Wherever you choose to stay, camping around the mountain keeps you immersed in nature and within easy reach of world-class walks, ski fields, and volcanic landscapes.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.