Best Camping in the Bay of Plenty

The Best Camping in the Bay of Plenty combines golden beaches, forest hideaways, and relaxed freedom camping spots. This coastline stretches from Waihi Beach to Ōpōtiki, offering a huge variety of places to stay. Although Rotorua is officially part of the Bay of Plenty, it connects more naturally with the Waikato region so we have included it in that section instead.

Camping here offers the perfect mix of beachfront holiday parks, DOC sites surrounded by nature and countless freedom camping spots where travellers can connect with the land and sea.

🏕 Campgrounds

The Bay of Plenty is home to some excellent holiday parks where you’ll find powered sites, cabins and plenty of family-friendly facilities. These campgrounds are perfect for travellers who want comfort without losing that classic Kiwi camping feel.

• Maketu Beach Haven Holiday Park – Tucked away in the seaside town of Maketū, this holiday park offers quiet sites with ocean views and direct access to the beach. It’s a laid-back spot popular with fishing enthusiasts and those who love coastal walks.
  • Features: Beach access, cabins available, close to local fish and chips.
• Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park – Ōhope Beach is one of Aotearoa’s favourites, and this award-winning campground puts you right on the sand. Families love the safe swimming and spacious facilities while couples enjoy the easy strolls along the coastline.
  • Features: Waterfront sites, playground and pool, modern amenities.
• Tirohanga Beach Holiday Park – A peaceful, no-fuss campground in Ōpōtiki with a true Kiwi feel. It’s right on the beachfront and offers a relaxed base for exploring the eastern Bay of Plenty.
  • Features: Beachside sites, fishing and swimming, pet-friendly options.
• Awakeri Hot Springs Holiday Park – Set inland near Whakatāne, this park combines camping with soothing hot pools. It’s a great choice if you want something different from the coast and love a hot soak after a day of exploring.
  • Features: Thermal pools, powered sites, cabins and motels on-site.

🌿 DOC Campsites

For travellers who prefer simpler setups and back-to-nature experiences, the Bay of Plenty has DOC campsites in stunning natural locations. These sites offer fewer facilities but more peace and plenty of scenery.

• Matatā Campsite – Located on the coast between Whakatāne and Tauranga, this DOC site is set near a wildlife refuge and offers a tranquil beachside escape. It’s an ideal spot for birdwatchers and those who love quiet evenings by the sea.
  • Features: Beach access, basic facilities, close to lagoon walks.
• Manganuku Campsite – Hidden in the Waioeka Gorge near Ōpōtiki, Manganuku is a bush-surrounded campsite beside the river. It’s a peaceful choice for travellers driving the scenic route between Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty.
  • Features: Riverside sites, picnic area, great stop for road trippers.

🚐 Freedom Camping

The Bay of Plenty is known for its abundance of freedom camping spots, many of them right on the beachfront. If you’re travelling in a certified self-contained vehicle these reserves let you experience the coast in its most authentic way.

• Taylor Reserve – A beachfront location near Papamoa with wide-open grassy areas and plenty of space.
  • Features: Beachfront views, toilets nearby, family-friendly setting.
• Motiti Reserve – Another Papamoa spot with easy access to the beach and great sunrise views.
  • Features: Beach access, picnic facilities, wide-open parking.
• Maketū Surf Lifesaving Club Reserve – Camp right by the surf club and enjoy the charm of Maketū with its fishing spots and local takeaways.
  • Features: Beachside location, toilets, short walk to shops.
• Dotterel Point Reserve – A peaceful reserve near Pukehina Beach that’s popular with campers wanting a quiet, scenic stay.
  • Features: Coastal views, birdlife, picnic tables.
• Te Puna Station Road Reserve – A riverside reserve north of Tauranga with calm surroundings and easy access for overnight stays.
  • Features: Riverside location, shady areas, peaceful setting.
• Waitui Reserve – Located near Te Kaha on the eastern stretch, this is a classic Bay of Plenty freedom camping spot with wide-open spaces and ocean views.
  • Features: Coastal setting, basic facilities, great stop on a road trip.

Final Thoughts

Camping in the Bay of Plenty is all about freedom, relaxation and connection to nature. From full-service holiday parks to quiet DOC camps and stunning freedom camping spots, there’s something here for every style of traveller. And remember, these are just a handful of highlights — the Bay is dotted with countless hidden reserves and beachside pull-ins where you can enjoy the simple joy of waking up by the ocean.

🌍 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.