The best way to enjoy the many regional and national parks of the North Island and the South Island is to sleep there. DOC (Department Of Conservation) manages the nature reserves of New Zealand and allows you to spend your nights in amazing campsites for around $10 NZD per night.
These campsites are often in some of the best locations around the country – in national parks, alongside the Great Walks and in tranquil and secluded spots. They are quite basic, offering ‘back to nature’ style accommodation and facilities – that’s why they’re so cheap. A full list of campsites by region can be found on the DoC website. Here are some of our favourites:
Curio Bay Camping Ground
(see top image)
DOC Campsite Curio Bay offers a magnificent view of the Catlins in the South Island. By the sea, the site offers the basic facilities. Curio Bay is known for its surfing beaches and for Hector dolphins who regularly play with the surfers. The terrain offers 75 tent pitches without electricity and 25 sites with power and a dump station. Kitchen and laundry facilities available.
Address : 601 Waikawa-Curio Bay Rd, Tokanui 9884
Telephone : 03-246 8897
Price : starts from $11 – $20 per night / per person
Reservations preferred.
Rerewhakaaitu, Brett Road – Rotorua
Camp on the shores of Lake Rerewhakaaitu. Take binoculars for bird watching. There is good fishing, swimming and walking nearby.
Address :
Rerewhakaaitu Lake is 29 km south of Rotorua. Turn the state highway 5 on State Highway 38, thenRerewhakaaitu Road. Follow Brett Road, Awaatua Bay. Website: www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/conservation-campsites-by-region/bay-of-plenty/rotorua-lakes/rerewhakaaitu-brett-road/
Price: $6 per adult per night – unpowered site
$3 per child (5 – 17) $0 – child (0 – 4)
Cascade Creek in Fiordland
From this campsite you can enjoy a wonderful view of the mountains and fjords. A stream runs through the middle of the camp. You can also enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, or a one-hour walk that will take you to the picturesque Lake Gunn. This location is ideal to prolong the experience of a cruise in the fjords, or before reaching the beautiful region of turquoise lakes.
Address : Cascade Creek – DOC Campsite Fiordland,
Adjacent to SH 94, 76 km north of Te Anau
Website: www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/conservation-campsites-by-region/fiordland/northern-fiordland/cascade-creek/
Price: $6 per adult per night – non powered site
Matata Conservation Campsite – Eastern Bay of Plenty
The Matata campsite is a paradise for fishermen and nature lovers. This DOC campsite is right next to the Matata wildlife sanctuary. An impressive number of birds are found here and you can see them through many viewing points put in place by DOC. There are also many walks inside the park.
Address :
Off Arawa Street in Matata township, head across the causeway to the campground, 200 m
Website: www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/conservation-campsites-by-region/bay-of-plenty/eastern-bay-of-plenty/matata/
Price : 6NZ$/night per adult, unpowered site.
Fantail Bay Campsite – Coromandel
Address :
From Coromandel take Colville Road for 22 km to Whangaahei Junction, then turn left and follow the signs to Port Jackson Road for 28 km. Tel : +64 7 866 6685
Website : www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/conservation-campsites-by-region/coromandel/fantail-bay/
Price : 10NZ$/night, per adult, unpowered site.