Camp and Swim: Two of NZ's favourite pastimes pulled together thanks to DOC - what are you waiting for?
Nothing beats spending time in the beautiful great outdoors of New Zealand. And there's no way to get closer to nature than spending the night in a tent or campervan at one of the great Department of Conservation (DOC) campgrounds around the country that are perched right on the beach. That’s why we’ve talked to the locals and rounded up the best DOC campgrounds with beaches that New Zealand has to offer. All you need to do is grab your mates, pack the car and head out for the best camping adventure! And if you want to discover more campgrounds, try these hot spots in Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury.
Plus if you’ve got a favourite DOC camping spot, why not pitch up and share your love for it on Localist. Let the good times roll!
Matai Bay, Northland
Matai Bay is an epic beach AND DOC campground. People can’t believe how beautiful and perfect the turquoise water and white, white sand is. The water clarity is so good it’s well worth taking a snorkel, sometimes you even see stingrays basking in the sunshine!
Matata Campsite, Bay Of Plenty
A great get-a-way down the coast with a standard family-friendly DoC campsite on site adjacent to a beautiful sandy ocean beach with excellent fishing and swimming. It’s adjacent to the Matata wildlife refuge with birds galore.
Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson
One of my favourite campgrounds in New Zealand is located in Abel Tasman National Park at Totaranui Beach. This is pretty much as far as you can go into the national park with a vehicle and is an idyllic place to spend a few days camping. In summer, it's full of families from the Nelson area who holiday here every year so if you are looking for peace and quiet it pays to plan a visit in November or February and March. A total stunner!
Waitoetoe Campsite, Taranaki
This campsite is beautiful, it’s an awesome way to wake up in the morning and look out along the Waitoetoe black sand beach. Many people may not agree with me on this one, but I love that it has no power outlets, it’s the perfect excuse to get away from all the online malarky and just reconnect with the natural being that you are! The best part? It’s absolutely free to camp here! There is a four night maximum, but four nights without power is probably enough!
Whites Bay, Blenheim
This is the spot I go to as soon as I get off the Interislander. My husband and I spent the first blissful days of our honeymoon camping beneath a tall ti tree and fossicking for large mussels off the rocks. The DOC campground is heavenly but it does get very busy in the peak of summer so it pays to get in early or book in advance. This is one of the South Island's most beautiful spots because it is so calm and peaceful. I highly recommend it!
Anaura Bay, Gisborne
About an hour and half drive from Gisborne both private and Department of Conservation (DoC) campsites service this beautiful sheltered bay. The cost-effective DoC campsite is adjacent to the beach alongside a stream, surrounded by forest and coastal bush. Toilets are not provided so campers must have a chemical toilet and boil the water before drinking. There’s swimming, walking on the Anaura Bay Walkway at the northern end and more extensive tramping on the Mt Hikurangi Track, 80km north or Cooks Cove walkway 20km south. The Anaura Bay Family Motor Camp is also beachside and has a store and full amenities.
Port Jackson, Coromandel
Not only is this one of the coolest DOC campgrounds in all of New Zealand but a roadtrip to Port Jackson on the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula is something any Kiwi should have to do on their bucket list. The drive to Port Jackson begins around the pohutukawa-drenched Thames Coast and ends up transporting you into the depths of one of the most untouched parts of the Coromandel Ranges. And once you come across the crest of the hill atop the Ranges and look out towards Great Barrier Island in the distance, you know you've travelled to a very special, spiritual place. Just make sure your car is nice and road-worthy because the gravel stretch on the Coromandel side is pretty gnarly!
Mahia Peninsula, Gisborne
This is an idyllic place, picture-perfect on a calm day. Some people call it paradise and it’s relatively unknown. There is a camp ground here although it’s mostly holiday home and bach accommodation. Fantastic for the family with white sand beaches on either side, places to snorkel, kayak, fish and frolic.
Spencerville, Christchurch
A favourite spot for Canterbury locals, Spencerville is a classic Christchurch beach. Located at North Beach, Spencerville is the perfect spot for camping or just spending a day. I love the community atmosphere here and close proximity to New Brighton.
Monkey Island, Invercargill
I love Monkey Island! This place has it all from a fantastic picnic area, beach, fire pits and great shelter to protect against the winds. At low tide Monkey Island can be reached by foot and has amazing views of the mountains. A perfect place to camp!
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