Campervan Campsites in Northland: Holiday Parks, DOC Sites and Where to Stay
Quick summary: Northland has a wide choice of places to stay in a campervan or motorhome, from fully serviced holiday parks in Paihia and Whangārei to simple Department of Conservation campsites above some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Most travellers mix the two: holiday parks in the towns for power, showers and laundry, and DOC sites in the far north and on the coast for the scenery. This guide explains the main types of campsite and the best places to stay on each leg.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Holiday parks | In and around every main town, with power, showers, kitchens and laundry |
| DOC campsites | On beaches and in reserves, with simple facilities |
| Regional and council campgrounds | At lakes, parks and beaches, such as the Kai Iwi Lakes |
| Busiest periods | Summer and school holidays, especially in the Bay of Islands and the far north |
| Self-contained only | Freedom camping, where permitted, needs a certified self-contained vehicle |
| Best approach | Book key nights ahead in peak periods, keep other nights flexible |
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What kinds of campsite are there in Northland?
Holiday parks
Holiday parks are privately run campgrounds with powered sites, hot showers, shared kitchens, laundries and dump stations. Many also have cabins, playgrounds and pools. They’re found in and around every main town, and they’re the easiest choice for nights when you want to charge batteries, do the washing or walk to a town centre or wharf.
Department of Conservation campsites
The Department of Conservation (DOC) runs campsites in some of Northland’s most spectacular places, including Maitai Bay on the Karikari Peninsula, Rarawa Beach and Taputaputa Bay near Cape Reinga, and Trounson Kauri Park. Facilities are simple, typically toilets, water and sometimes cold showers, and some sites need to be booked. Check the DOC website for the facilities and booking arrangements at each site.
Regional, council and community campgrounds
Some of the best-placed campgrounds are run by councils, community groups or regional parks, such as the lakeside camping at the Kai Iwi Lakes and the campground at Muriwai on the way back to Auckland.
Where are the best places to stay on each leg?
| Leg | Good overnight stops | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland to Whangārei | Orewa, Waipū Cove, Mangawhai, Whangārei | Holiday parks |
| Tutukaka Coast | Ngunguru, Tutukaka, Matapouri | Holiday parks |
| Bay of Islands | Paihia, Waitangi, Russell, Kerikeri | Holiday parks |
| Doubtless Bay | Mangōnui, Coopers Beach, Cable Bay | Holiday parks |
| Karikari Peninsula | Maitai Bay, Whatuwhiwhi | DOC campsite, holiday park |
| Cape Reinga | Taputaputa Bay, Rarawa Beach, Houhora | DOC campsites, holiday parks |
| Hokianga | Rawene, Ōpononi, Omapere | Holiday parks and campgrounds |
| Kauri Coast | Waipoua, Trounson, Kai Iwi Lakes, Dargaville | DOC and council campgrounds, holiday parks |
| Kaipara | Matakohe, Parakai, Muriwai | Holiday parks, regional campground |
Do you need a powered site for an RV in Northland?
Not every night, but it helps to have one every few days. A powered site keeps the fridge, lights and devices running and lets you use heaters or appliances that drain the battery. A good pattern is to alternate: a night or two at a simple DOC or beachside campsite, then a night at a holiday park to recharge, refill the fresh water, empty the waste tanks and do the laundry.
Do you need to book campsites in Northland?
In the peak summer period and during school and public holidays, yes, at least for the places you most want to stay, such as Paihia, Maitai Bay and Taputaputa Bay. At other times of year, you can usually find space by arriving in the afternoon, which lets you keep your plans flexible. Some DOC campsites must be booked in advance whatever the season.
What about freedom camping?
Freedom camping, staying overnight outside a campground, is limited in Northland and only allowed where councils or DOC permit it, generally for certified self-contained vehicles. See our Northland freedom camping guide, and our sister site’s overview of campsites, DOC sites and holiday parks across New Zealand.
What should you know about staying at DOC campsites?
- Arrive prepared: with a full water tank, empty waste tanks and enough food, since many sites are remote.
- Take your rubbish with you: some sites have limited or no rubbish collection.
- Respect quiet times and give other campers space.
- Protect the environment: use the toilets provided, keep dogs away where they’re not allowed, and leave no trace.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Highlights include the DOC campsites at Maitai Bay, Taputaputa Bay and Rarawa Beach, the lakeside camping at the Kai Iwi Lakes, and the holiday parks in Paihia for exploring the Bay of Islands.
In summer and during holidays, book the places you most want to stay. At quieter times, you can usually find space by arriving in the afternoon. Some DOC sites always need booking.
Most DOC campsites in Northland are simple, without power. Holiday parks have powered sites.
Paihia’s holiday parks are the most convenient, within walking distance of the wharf. Waitangi, Russell and Kerikeri also have campgrounds.
Holiday parks have dump stations, and there are public dump stations in many towns. Empty your tanks before heading into remote areas such as the far north.