Best Campgrounds & Services in Napier–Hastings

Napier and Hastings are extremely motorhome-friendly—with dump stations, freedom camping zones, and full-service holiday parks. Here are the top 4 paid, 4 freedom, and 2 DOC-style campsites, along with essential services to keep your journey smooth.

🏨 Paid Holiday Parks with Full Facilities

Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park – Bay View, Napier

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$26pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, kitchen, BBQ area, laundry, playground, Wi‑Fi, dump station, beachfront access
• Why it’s great: Peaceful beachfront park with landscaped grounds and a friendly cafe on-site—perfect for families or those who want comfort with style
• Tips: TOP 10 Club members enjoy discounts. Highly regarded for spot-on amenities and $1 five-minute showers.

Ocean Lodge Motel & Holiday Park – Napier

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: ~$25–30pp
• Facilities: Powered sites, cabins, kitchen, laundry, spa pool, playground
• Why it’s great: Centrally located amidst leafy grounds with luxurious spa pool access—ideal for couples or small families.
• Tips: Reserve early during peak seasons or Art Deco weekend.

Hastings TOP 10 Holiday Park – Hastings

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: ~$23pp
• Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, kitchen, laundry, playground, Wi‑Fi
• Why it’s great: Spacious and family-friendly, with easy access to charming town cafés, shops, and heritage architecture.
• Tips: Great base for nearby wineries or coastal cafes.

Splash Planet Holiday Park – Hastings

• Type: Holiday park | Cost: ~$24pp
• Facilities: Powered sites, cabins, kitchen, laundry, playground, adjacent waterpark
• Why it’s great: A fun-packed family destination—stay and play all in one place, with zero travel stress.
• Tips: Best for families as parks can be busy on weekends.

Ready to book your campground? Most campervan sites in Aotearoa – New Zealand are bookable directly through the holiday park’s website or apps like CamperMate and Rankers. If you’re looking for cabins or motel-style units instead, many of these can be booked via Booking.com or Tripadvisor
And don’t forget Travel Insurance that covers campervan trips — especially handy if you’re carrying gear or heading remote.

🚐 Freedom Camping in Napier–Hastings

There are plenty of places to freedom camp across Napier and Hastings, especially for certified self-contained vehicles. Before settling on places we stayed in this area, we read a lot of reviews and spoke with fellow travellers. While many of the city waterfront sites look great on paper, they can get a bit rowdy—especially from Thursday through Sunday nights. The spots below offer a more balanced experience, with scenic views, quieter surrounds, and a safer feel for your overnight stay.

Evers-Swindell Reserve – Ahuriri

• Type: Freedom camping (self-contained only) | Cost: Donation appreciated
• Facilities: None
• Why it’s great: Spacious reserve beside the estuary—quiet and scenic on calm evenings.
• Tips: Leave a koha—it helps keep the reserve tidy.

Perfume Point, Ahuriri Estuary

• Type: Freedom camping (self-contained only) | Cost: Free
• Facilities: None
• Why it’s great: Scenic estuary views near Hawke’s Bay Airport and Fishmarket—a peaceful coastal setting.
• Tips: Can get a bit noisy Thurs to Sunday with nearby activity, but the views are worth it.

Richmond Road Riverside Spot – Hastings

• Type: Freedom camping (self-contained only) | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets nearby, riverside grass banks
• Why it’s great: Peaceful overnight spot by the river—ideal before heading into town or vineyards.
• Tips: Stay within marked bays and keep your gear tidy.

Papakōwhai, Napier Foreshore

• Type: Freedom camping (self-contained only) | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Toilets and some picnic benches
• Why it’s great: Open coastal reserve with safe pathways and lovely views over the sea.
• Tips: Quiet nights guaranteed—perfect for a beachside sunset.

🌳 2 DOC-Style Camping Sites

A Note on DOC Campgrounds in This Region
DOC campgrounds offer a more rugged, off-the-grid experience—but they’re not always the easiest to access. In the Napier–Hastings region, many DOC sites involve rough gravel roads, limited signage, and basic facilities at best. The two mentioned here—Waikare River Mouth and Mangatutu Hot Springs—are among the more worthwhile options, but even these require a bit of effort. If you’re comfortable with remote settings and minimal amenities, they can be rewarding stays. Just check conditions on the DOC website before you go.

Waikare River Mouth (DOC)

• Type: DOC campsite | Cost: Free (hut fee if >14 days)
• Facilities: Basic long-drop toilets, riverside setting
• Why it’s great: Ideal for fishing, swimming, and birdlife—great for a peaceful escape.
• Tips: Gravel access; be wary of river flooding in rain.

Mangatutu Hot Springs (DOC)

• Type: DOC campsite | Cost: Free
• Facilities: Basic, stream-fed hot pools, scenic mountain backdrop
• Why it’s great: Unique natural hot springs and hiking trails—quintessential DOC adventure.
• Tips: Gravel road access only. Bring warm clothes and water.

🧰 Essential Services in Napier–Hastings for Motorhome Travellers

Service Type	Locations & Details
Dump Stations	Domain Rd Westshore; Marine Parade at Napier Boat Ramp; Latham St, Napier
Rubbish Drop-offs	Napier’s Omarunui Landfill & Hastings’ Transfer Stations (check council websites)
Laundromats	On-site at Napier Beach TOP 10, Ocean Lodge, Hastings TOP 10 & Splash Planet
Supermarkets	Countdown & New World in Napier & Hastings city centres

🚐 Need a Campervan for Your Journey?

Looking to explore Aotearoa – New Zealand by road? Start by comparing motorhome options with Motorhome Republic. It’s a simple way to find the best fit for your travel style — whether you’re after a cosy van for two or a fully equipped home on wheels.