The Wairarapa is a region that rewards slow travel, especially by campervan. We tend to use Masterton as our base when we need to come back into town to shop, empty waste and fill up on water. Most of the coastal towns run on tank water, so staying for long stretches can be a challenge. Getting to each seaside village isn’t as simple as driving a straight road either — you usually have to come inland before looping back out to the coast.
But for us, as keen fisherwomen and divers who love the beach and campervan life, these are small prices to pay to live our dream. On good days, these camping spots are absolutely stunning but when Tāwhirimātea — the god of wind — decides to blow, the coast can be brutal. That’s all part of the Wairarapa’s charm and it makes finding the best camping spots in the Wairarapa even more rewarding.
🏕 Campgrounds
The Wairarapa has several well-equipped campgrounds that give you comfort while still keeping you close to nature. These spots work perfectly as bases while you explore the coast, go fishing, or head inland for supplies. Each one has its own unique feel:
- Castlepoint Holiday Park and Motels
- Location: Right on the waterfront, steps away from Castlepoint Beach.
- Features: Powered and non-powered sites, cabins, hot showers and a camp store.
- Why Stay: Wake up to sunrise views of the famous Castlepoint Lighthouse and enjoy easy access to fishing, surfing and reef exploring.
- Martinborough Top 10 Holiday Park
- Location: Right in the heart of Martinborough, within walking distance of the town square and dozens of boutique wineries.
- Features: Powered and non-powered sites, cabins, communal kitchen, BBQ area, and bike hire available for wine touring.
- Why Stay: The ultimate base for exploring Martinborough’s famous vineyards. Park up, hire a bike and spend the day cycling between cellar doors before returning to a comfortable and well-serviced holiday park.
- Carterton Holiday Park
- Location: A central base for exploring the wider Wairarapa.
- Features: Wide grassy sites, children’s playground, communal kitchen and bathrooms.
- Why Stay: Known for its friendly, family vibe and convenient access to both countryside and wineries.
- Masterton Mawley Holiday Park
- Location: On the edge of Masterton beside the Waipoua River.
- Features: Modern facilities, laundry, powered sites, cabins and shady spaces.
- Why Stay: Ideal for restocking, emptying waste and refilling water before heading back out to the coast. A practical yet green and relaxing stopover.
🌿 DOC Campsites
For travellers who love being close to nature, the Wairarapa DOC campsites offer simple facilities in stunning natural settings. These sites are ideal for trampers, photographers and anyone wanting to experience the wild side of the region.
- Putangirua Pinnacles Campsite
- Location: At the trailhead to the famous Putangirua Pinnacles, on the road to Cape Palliser.
- Features: Basic facilities including toilets and water (not always reliable), non-powered sites.
- Why Stay: Wake up with the eerie rock formations just minutes away. Perfect for an early morning walk before the crowds arrive and a must for Lord of the Rings fans.
- Holdsworth Campground
- Location: In Tararua Forest Park, about 20 minutes from Masterton.
- Features: Large grassy sites, river access, picnic areas, toilets and water supply.
- Why Stay: A classic back-to-nature camping spot popular with trampers. It’s the starting point for hikes into the Tararua Ranges and has a peaceful riverside setting surrounded by native bush and birdsong.
🚐 Freedom Camping
The Wairarapa offers some truly unique freedom camping spots, each with its own character and setting. These places are best suited for self-contained campervans and give you the chance to park up right by the sea, a lake or even beside a village full of character.
- Castlepoint Carpark
- Location: Right by the beach and close to the iconic Castlepoint Lighthouse.
- Features: Limited spaces, tight turning areas, there are toilets in the town
- Why Stay: Incredible location steps from the sand. Best suited for smaller vans and short overnight stops.
- Henley Lake Park (Masterton)
- Location: On the northern edge of Masterton, beside Henley Lake and connected to the town’s walking and cycling trails.
- Features: Large grassy areas, lakefront setting, toilets nearby, close to shops and services.
- Why Stay: A handy and peaceful overnight stop close to Masterton, with plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the lakeside paths. Great if you need town facilities but still want a relaxed, natural setting. This is my brothers favourite spot to stay, he reckons the showers are the best.
- Ngāwī
- Location: A rugged fishing village on the southern Wairarapa coast.
- Features: Parking along the shoreline, no powered sites, very basic facilities. Toilets, Dump Station. No water.
- Why Stay: One of the most unique freedom spots in Aotearoa – New Zealand. Sleep by the sea alongside rows of bulldozers used to launch fishing boats. Quirky, raw, and full of local character.
- Lake Domain Reserve (Lake Wairarapa)
- Location: On the shores of Lake Wairarapa, about 15 minutes from Featherston.
- Features: Grassy lakefront area, basic toilets, plenty of open space.
- Why Stay: When calm, this spot is stunning with mirror-like reflections and vast skies. On windy days it can be brutal, so always check the forecast before committing to a night here.
Final Thoughts
From holiday parks with full facilities to rugged DOC campsites and wild freedom camping spots, the best camping spots in the Wairarapa show off just how diverse this region really is. Whether you’re chasing waves, hiking trails or peaceful lakes, camping here gives you a true taste of what Wairarapa life is all about.
🌍 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.
He rā ora, he wā poto.
A day of life is but a short time.