Our guide to the best North Island campgrounds

It’s time to experience the freedom of life on the road on a Star RV road trip. Driving with your home-away-from-home opens countless opportunities to get into the heart of New Zealand’s best natural wonders. Whether it’s waking to crashing waves, trees swaying, or a cheeky native critter outside your motorhome, life in nature is significantly more peaceful than the ding of a hotel elevator.

Finding the best motorhome campgrounds can be challenging; there are hundreds across New Zealand, after all. This is why we’ve selected our 12 favourite North Island campgrounds by category to include on your next adventure, starting from our Star RV Auckland branch

Who loves a beach more than humans? Dogs! And with Star RV, you can bring your dog along on your New Zealand adventure in our Polaris 6 vehicle (a pet fee applies, bookings required). You’ll find a paw symbol 🐾 if our chosen campground is dog-friendly.

As you road trip, keep the Tiaki Promise in mind and tread lightly, leave no trace, be respectful, and travel with an open heart and mind.

Best North Island beach campground: Kapowairua Spirits Bay, Far North

With 15,000 kilometres of coastline, choosing the best North Island beach campground is like choosing your favourite chocolate bar – there are so many good ones! That said, there are plenty of standouts across the country. Kapowairua Spirits Bay in the Far North is our favourite beach spot.

Something special awaits at this Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite; it’s as far from work emails, bills, and 5 am gym classes as you can imagine. Think broad sandy beaches, sparkling azure waters, and, as it’s super-secluded, plenty of ‘at one with nature’ vibes.

While you’re here, enjoy the freedom to swim, dive, and hike to your heart’s content. Spirits Bay connects to the 6.5-kilometre Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway.

This stunning beachside campground has 45 non-powered spots, so ensure you’re charged and ready to go before making your way here. The site is affordable, with bookings necessary.

Best romantic North Island campground: Fernland Spa, Tauranga

If you’re planning a road trip with a special someone and seeking a destination that can dial up the romance, Fernland Spa will not disappoint. Alongside its beautifully lush location, Fernland Spa has mineral-rich, chlorine-free thermal pools to soak in. And it’s only a few minutes from Tauranga and 10 minutes from Mount Maunganui, with cycle and walking trails to both.

While the main pools are included in your campground entry, for more alone time a private pool booking will likely suit you more. Choose from still or sparkling (Jacuzzi); both are reasonably priced.

Our ideal romantic evening at Fernland Spa starts with a cooking romantic feast in your Star RV Polaris 2 kitchen before strolling through the verdant grounds to the hot pools. Follow it with a couple’s massage, before retiring to snuggle with a hot chocolate under the starry night sky. Heaven.

Our Polaris 2 motorhome is our perfect pick for a couple’s getaway.

Best in-nature North Island campground: Kauri Coast Top 10 Holiday Park, Dargaville 🐾

If spending the night in your Star RV amid two idyllic hectares of native bush sounds heavenly, don’t miss a stay at the Kauri Coast Top 10 Holiday Park. You’ll awaken to the lulling sounds of birds tweeting, before rustling up a delicious home-cooked breakfast as fuel for your choice of activities for the day.

Take a refreshing dip at the gorgeous swimming hole before the park’s nature trails. At night, take a 2-hour guided walk through Trounson Kauri Park Forest. Experiencing the forest by night, accompanied by the experience of a knowledgeable guide, is thrilling.

One of the top reasons to stay at Kauri Coast Holiday Park is the campground’s proximity to Northland’s top treasures, including Tane Mahuta, New Zealand’s famous giant kauri tree, and the tranquil Kai Iwi Lakes.

Best child-friendly North Island campground: Waikawau Bay Campsite, Coromandel

If you’re bringing little ones along on your New Zealand road trip, the safe sea waters at the family-friendly DOC Waikawau Bay Campsite are ideal. This North Coromandel gem has plenty to offer, including an unspoiled white beach, two estuaries, broad wetlands, and native bush. It’s great for the whole family, and with our 6-berth Polaris 6 motorhome, you can even invite the grandparents.

There are ample ways to enjoy the bay. Swim, snorkel, kayak, fish, explore or flop and drop. Pack a picnic for the 3-hour Matamataharakeke Walkway; it follows a route once used by gold miners.

Book ahead if you’d like one of Waikawau Bay’s 12 powered sites; alternatively, there are 120 non-powered spaces available. Be sure to pack everything you need food and drinks wise; the nearest store is 15 minutes' drive away.

Best lakeside North Island campground: Whakaipō Campground, Lake Taupō 🐾

The freedom of travelling in a Star RV isn’t only the spontaneity each day can bring as you tour Aotearoa; it’s that you can take advantage of freedom camping, too. Freedom camping is only available to those travelling in certified self-contained vehicles. All our RV models are self-contained, giving you access to free camping spaces around New Zealand. Freedom camping is ideal if you’d rather spend money on activities and attractions.

In stunning Lake Taupō, you’ll find the free DOC Whakaipō Campground a short walk from a lakeside beach. Native bush affords a sense of privacy and serenity, making it an idyllic spot to switch off and reap the rewards that time in nature affords. Activities here include kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, and hiking. Check out Whaikapō Bay tracks for the latter two.

Whakaipō has 50 non-powered sites available on a first-come-first-served basis, so get there early. You may only stay for a maximum of four nights.

Best night sky North Island campground: Marehako Camp Ground, Bay of Plenty

We love camping under a starry night sky; it fills us with gratitude and a sense of perspective. At the Maraehako Camp Ground, you can do just that thanks to its remote location and minimal light pollution. That there’s no mobile service or Wi-Fi enforces a brilliant off-the-grid stay. There are also no powered sites.

Located in the Bay of Plenty, the campground’s old-school-summer-holiday atmosphere takes you back to basics. Like home cooked meals, time spent connecting to nature, and fireside chats. Bring everything you need, as the closest supermarket is over 80 kilometres away.

Spend your days swimming, snorkelling, reading, kayaking, or fishing before retiring to your cosy camp chair to watch the dazzling night sky switch on as dusk falls. The next day, the crash of waves breaking and birds tweeting becomes your idyllic morning call; it beats an alarm.

Best dog-friendly North Island campground: Seabreeze Holiday Park, Coromandel 🐾

That we have approved dog-friendly motorhomes has been a big win for Star RV travellers because why leave your pooch at home when there are beaches to roam, trails to sniff, and doggie mates to make? Exploring New Zealand with your four-legged best friends only amplifies your enjoyment of the country.

One of our favourite dog-friendly North Island campgrounds is the Coromandel’s Seabreeze Holiday Park. Not only can your loveable pooch stay on the grounds (by prior arrangement), but they can also join you at the onsite brewery and brasserie.

Other facilities include a gym, volleyball court, plus bike and spade hire. The latter is useful for a visit to the Coromandel’s famous Hot Water Beach. You’ll find the delights of Hahei, Cooks Beach, and Cathedral Cove close by, too.

Best Wellness-inspired North Island Campground: Blue Lake Holiday Park, Rotorua 🐾

While there are minimal wellness facilities at the Blue Lake Holiday Park itself (a hot tub only), it’s so close to the thermal hot springs and mineral-rich mud of Rotorua, that it deserves the accolade of being our top wellness-inspired campground for the North Island.

As Blue Lake Holiday Park overlooks stunning Lake Tikitapu, the lake scenery, thick bushland, and mountain backdrop make this a natural stress-relieving place to camp. Within minutes of setting up your site, watch your shoulders drop, and your recent woes feel like they happened decades ago.

For the rest of your wellness-focused activities, visit the famous Polynesian Spa and a enjoy soak in the cedar hot tubs at the Secret Spot. For ancient Māori treatments to rebalance your mauri (vital energy) and wairua (spirit), head to the local iwi-owned Wai Ariki.

For an enchanting evening, head to the Redwoods Nightlights to walk the fairytale-like lights in the Whakarewarewa Forest.

Best North Island campground for active travellers: Whakapapa Holiday Park, Tongariro

Returning to the comfort of your Star RV motorhome after tramping the iconic Tongariro Crossing will feel nothing short of bliss. It’s one of New Zealand’s best – but toughest – one-day hikes. This is also true if you’ve been hitting Mount Ruapehu’s ski slopes. Both are accessible from Whakapapa Holiday Park.

Being able to create a masterpiece in the kitchen to refuel your energy before snuggling under the duvet on a super comfy bed is the recipe for post-workout heaven, trust us. A good sleep is practically guaranteed.

The daily shuttle buses ferrying you to and from Whakapapa Holiday Park to the start and finish of the Tongariro Crossing make tackling this life-affirming hike a breeze. And with the Whakapapa Ski Field only six kilometres away, you can grab a shuttle to take advantage of the North Island’s best ski fields with ease, too.

Whakapapa Holiday Park is in the heart of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park and offers powered and non-powered sites, free unlimited Wi-Fi, laundry, a drying room, and a small grocery store.

Best of Both Worlds North Island Campground: Flaxmill, Coromandel

If you consider yourself more a luxury traveller than the outdoorsy type, renting a Star RV vehicle is your happy medium. It’s the perfect way to enjoy nature’s finest, without sacrificing creature comforts. Particularly if you stay at the Coromandel’s boutique Flaxmill Bay grounds.

Choose from powered and non-powered sites or one of the adorable Sleeper Cabins or cottages. The latter two are perfect if you’re travelling in a group and want to break from the group for a night or two of alone time.

Flaxmill is next to Cooks Beach, a gorgeous Kiwi beach that reminds you of endless childhood summer holidays. Choose to soak up nature’s mellow vibes, take a rejuvenating bushwalk, swim or snorkel. For organised activities, choose to kayak, take a boat or fishing tour, or scuba the Coromandel’s top dive sites like South Sunk Rock and The Wedge.

Nearby, discover the Coromandel’s famous natural wonders, including Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach and Whitianga.

Best North Island campground for surfers: Tatapouri Bay, Makorori Bay 🐾

For surf lovers or those looking to learn, the absolute beachfront-powered campsites at Tatapouri Bay make it a must-stay campground. Especially as it gains you access to the Eastern Cape’s thrilling surf breaks. Located in Makorori Bay, the campground is 16 kilometres from Gisborne.

Start your day right by opening the curtains on your Star RV at sunrise. Knowing you’re watching the sun make its daily debut before the rest of Aotearoa feels like you’re receiving VIP treatment. That Tatapouri Bay also makes you feel special is a credit to their set-up.

Besides an incredible beachfront location and the joy of hearing waves crashing from your motorhome, you’ll also enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a fabulous café.

Have we inspired you with our top 12 North Island campgrounds? Whether you choose to visit one, several, or stay at all 12 on your next road trip is up to you. If you're planning a South Island road trip, check out our guide to the best South Island campgrounds.

To book your Star RV North Island road trip, click BOOK NOW above or call our helpful team on 0800 500 078.