The 7 Best Campgrounds in Northland, New Zealand (For a Summer Roadie)
There’s nothing quite like a summer road trip through Northland. The warm breeze, endless coastline, and the feeling of absolute freedom. It’s an adventure that never gets old. But what makes it even better? Finding the perfect campgrounds to set up for the night, wake up to stunning views, and truly soak in the best of what the area has to offer.
I’ve road-tripped through Northland more almost every summer over the past 10 years, and after plenty of trial and error (and a few campsites I wouldn’t return to), I’ve rounded up my absolute favorite campgrounds for the ultimate summer roadie.
Here are seven campgrounds worth checking out and checking in.
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1. Matauri Bay Holiday Park
Matauri Bay is one of those places that makes you stop in your tracks. You’ll encounter rolling green hills, golden sand, and crystal-clear water. The campground sits right on the beachfront, giving you uninterrupted views of the bay.
Just offshore is the final resting place of the Rainbow Warrior, a Greenpeace ship that was skuttled as an artificial reef in 1987. The Rainbow Warrior was bombed in the Auckland Harbour by the french secret service in 1985. This was ahead of it’s departure to protest french nuclear weapon testing in the pacific. The ship was refloated and transported to Matauri Bay where it now rests. If you’re into diving, this is a must-visit dive site.
Matauri Bay is a full-service holiday park, so it’s not as ‘rustic’ as DOC campsites, but that also means more comfort. There are powered and unpowered sites, as well as cabins for those who want a little more luxury. Good showers, a large kitchen and laundry, as well
Book direct on thier website here
2. Elliot Bay Campground
Elliot Bay Campground is the kind of hidden gem that feels like a secret escape. Unlike some of the more popular Northland campsites, this place has a quiet, off-the-beaten-path feel. It’s tucked into a sheltered bay, surrounded by thick bush.
The campsite itself is fairly small and simple, with basic facilities. It’s privatly run and the land is a working farm. There are no powered sites or cabins, so it’s best suited for tent campers and self-contained campervans. But what it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for with its natural beauty.
Your best bet is to just rock up, or call ahead in busy season.
3. Puriri Bay (Whangaruru North Head) Campsite
Puriri Bay is a dream spot for anyone who loves kayaking, fishing, or simply being surrounded by untouched nature. The campground is nestled in a sheltered bay, with calm, clear water that’s perfect for paddleboarding and swimming.
The tent sites are spread out along the coastline, shaded by pōhutukawa trees. There’s plenty of space, so even in summer, it doesn’t feel overcrowded. The facilities are basic but functional.
4. Urititi Beach Campground
Urititi Beach Campground is tucked behind the dunes on Northland’s east coast. It has that perfect mix of accessibility and seclusion. It’s right off SH 1, so it’s easy to get to, but once you arrive, it feels like you’re miles away from everything.
The beach itself is wild and beautiful—great for swimming when the surf is calm and even better for long, uninterrupted walks. There’s a bit of a local nudist presence here, particularly further down the beach.
The campsite is a large grassy area with plenty of space, but it can get busy in summer. It’s not a fancy holiday park, but it has everything you need — toilets, fresh water, and rubbish bins.
5. Rarawa Beach DOC Campsite
The Rarawa Beach campsite is set just behind the dunes, surrounded by native bush. It’s peaceful, remote, and perfect for those looking to get off the grid for a bit. The site is spacious, but being one of the last proper campgrounds before Cape Reinga, it can get busy during peak season.
This is a back-to-basics camping experience. There are toilets, a freshwater tap, and no powered sites. There are also no rubbish bins, so you have to take out everything you bring in.
The campground is managed by DOC. There are 45 unpowered sites (although they tend to open up the upper paddock in peak season to fit a few more in). It’s $16 per person per night, which is an absolute bargain. Book online at the DOC website.
6. Russell Top 10 Holiday Park
Russell Top 10 is one of the most well-equipped campgrounds in Northland. There’s a mix of accommodation options, from tent sites to fully equipped cabins and motel-style units.
The best thing about this campground is you’re right in the heart of Russel – the quaint ex-capitol of New Zealand. It’s only a 5-minute walk to Hone’s Garden Bar in one direction or the stunning Long Beach / Oneroa Bay [view on maps] in the other.
For tent campers, the grassy sites are relatively flat and well-spaced, though in peak season, it can feel a very packed. Campervanners have access to powered sites, and there’s a dump station on-site.
The communal kitchen is large and clean, with plenty of cooking stations, fridges, and seating. The bathrooms are modern, with hot showers that don’t require coins. There’s even a picnic area, a playground for kids, and free WiFi.
If you’re after something more comfortable, the villas come with private bathrooms, kitchens, and stunning views over Russell.
Book direct though their website here
7. Matai Bay DOC Campsite
Matai Bay feels like the kind of place you’d find in a travel magazine. The campsite sits just behind the dunes, giving you direct access to one of the most beautiful beaches in Northland.
There are no cabins or powered sites here—just large grassy areas for tents and campervans. The sites aren’t individually marked, so you can set up where you like.
This campground is first-come-first-served, and you may get turned away in busy season (I have!), which makes it a little bit of a risk being 40minutes drive from both Manganui and Kaitai. Its well worth the risk though and there are some other options nearby if you can’t get a spot.
Facilities are basic: toilets, a cold-water tap, and no showers. You’ll need to bring your own cooking gear, as there’s no communal kitchen or BBQ area. But in exchange for fewer amenities, you get an untouched camping experience with ocean views that hotels would charge thousands for.
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