The Best Camping and Glamping Spots in New Zealand

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is located at the northern tip of the South Island, and is famous for its golden sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and lush native forests. You can camp at one of the many beachfront campsites along the Abel Tasman Coast Track, a 60-kilometer hiking trail that follows the coastline. You can also kayak, swim, snorkel, or take a boat tour to see the marine life and the scenic islands.

If you want a more comfortable and eco-friendly option, you can glamp at the Abel Tasman Eco Camp, which offers spacious canvas tents with beds, solar power, and composting toilets. You can also enjoy the communal kitchen, lounge, and fire pit, as well as the organic garden and orchard. The eco camp is located near the Marahau beach, where you can access the Abel Tasman Coast Track and the Abel Tasman Aqua Taxi.

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is situated in the central North Island, and is home to three active volcanoes: Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu. You can camp at one of the several campsites in the park, such as the Mangahuia Campsite, which offers stunning views of the volcanoes and the surrounding landscape. You can also hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 19.4-kilometer trek that takes you across the volcanic terrain, past emerald lakes, and to the summit of Mount Tongariro.

For a more luxurious and romantic experience, you can glamp at the Chateau Tongariro Hotel, which is a historic hotel that was built in 1929. You can stay in one of the elegant rooms or suites, which feature antique furniture, plush bedding, and modern amenities. You can also enjoy the fine dining, spa, golf course, and cinema, as well as the breathtaking views of the volcanoes and the park.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is located in the southwest corner of the South Island, and is renowned for its majestic fiords, waterfalls, mountains, and rainforests. You can camp at one of the many campsites in the park, such as the Henry Creek Campsite, which is situated on the shore of Lake Te Anau. You can also explore the park by boat, kayak, or helicopter, and see the stunning sights of Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Dusky Sound.

If you want a more secluded and cozy option, you can glamp at the Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments, which offers self-contained cabins with kitchenettes, bathrooms, and balconies. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of Lake Te Anau and the mountains, as well as the free Wi-Fi, laundry, and barbecue facilities. The motel is located near the town of Te Anau, where you can find shops, restaurants, and activities.

Coromandel Peninsula

Coromandel Peninsula is located on the east coast of the North Island, and is known for its beautiful beaches, forests, and hills. You can camp at one of the many beachside campsites on the peninsula, such as the Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, which is located near the famous Hot Water Beach. You can dig your own hot pool in the sand, and relax in the natural thermal water that bubbles up from underground.

For a more glamorous and spacious option, you can glamp at the Coromandel Cabins, which offers stylish wooden cabins with queen beds, en suite bathrooms, and kitchenettes. You can also enjoy the outdoor deck, hammock, and fire pit, as well as the complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and bikes. The cabins are located near the town of Coromandel, where you can visit the Driving Creek Railway, the Waterworks, and the Coromandel Mussel Kitchen.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is located in the central South Island, and is dominated by the highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki/Mount Cook. You can camp at one of the few campsites in the park, such as the White Horse Hill Campsite, which offers spectacular views of the mountain and the valley. You can also hike, ski, or fly over the park, and see the glaciers, alpine lakes, and wildlife.

For a more unique and memorable option, you can glamp at the SkyScape, which offers a glass-roofed dome that lets you sleep under the stars. You can also enjoy the king bed, en suite bathroom, and kitchenette, as well as the outdoor bathtub, telescope, and binoculars. The dome is located on a private farm, where you can experience the rural life and the stunning scenery.

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is located in the Hauraki Gulf, near Auckland, and is famous for its vineyards, olive groves, and beaches. You can camp at one of the several campsites on the island, such as the Waiheke Backpackers Hostel, which offers tent sites, cabins, and dorms. You can also enjoy the swimming pool, spa, sauna, and bar, as well as the free shuttle to the ferry terminal and the town.

If you want a more sophisticated and relaxing option, you can glamp at the Wild Estate Vineyard, which offers a spacious canvas tent with a queen bed, sofa, and fireplace. You can also enjoy the private bathroom, outdoor kitchen, and dining area, as well as the complimentary wine, cheese, and breakfast. The tent is located on a working vineyard, where you can taste the award-winning wines and enjoy the views of the vineyard and the sea.

Rotorua

Rotorua is located in the central North Island, and is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori culture, and adventure sports. You can camp at one of the many campsites in the area, such as the Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park, which offers tent sites, cabins, and motels. You can also enjoy the heated pools, playground, games room, and Wi-Fi, as well as the proximity to the geothermal attractions and the city center.

For a more futuristic and fun option, you can glamp at the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, which offers a geodesic dome that resembles a spaceship. You can also enjoy the king bed, en suite bathroom, and mini fridge, as well as the LED lights, Bluetooth speaker, and USB ports. The dome is located in a geothermal park, where you can see the volcanic craters, hot springs, and geysers.

whale tail

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is located on the east coast of the South Island, and is famous for its whale watching, dolphin swimming, and seafood. You can camp at one of the few campsites in the town, such as the Kaikoura Peketa Beach Holiday Park, which offers tent sites, cabins, and caravans. You can also enjoy the beachfront location, playground, barbecue, and laundry, as well as the free Wi-Fi and shuttle to the town and the whale watch.

If you want a more rustic and charming option, you can glamp at the Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses, which offers a wooden hut that overlooks the ocean and the mountains. You can also enjoy the king bed, fireplace, and balcony, as well as the shared kitchen, lounge, and hot tub. The hut is located on a deer farm, where you can see the animals and the olive trees.

Waitomo

Waitomo is located in the western North Island, and is famous for its glowworm caves, black water rafting, and caving. You can camp at one of the several campsites in the area, such as the Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park, which offers tent sites, cabins, and units. You can also enjoy the swimming pool, spa, playground, and games room, as well as the free Wi-Fi and shuttle to the caves and the town.

For a more magical and cozy option, you can glamp at the Woodlyn Park, which offers a hobbit-themed cabin that is built into a hillside. You can also enjoy the double bed, sofa bed, and bathroom, as well as the kitchenette, TV, and DVD player. The cabin is located near the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you can see the amazing spectacle of thousands of glowing worms.

Queenstown

Queenstown is located on the south coast of the South Island, and is famous for its adventure sports, nightlife, and scenery. You can camp at one of the many campsites in the area, such as the Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park, which offers tent sites, cabins, and motels. You can also enjoy the lake view, playground, barbecue, and laundry, as well as the free Wi-Fi and shuttle to the town and the airport.

For a more exotic and comfortable option, you can glamp at the Moke Lake Yurts, which offers a traditional Mongolian yurt with a queen bed, sofa, and fireplace. You can also enjoy the private bathroom, outdoor kitchen, and dining area, as well as the complimentary breakfast, coffee, and tea. The yurt is located on the shore of Moke Lake, where you can kayak, fish, or bike.

Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands is located on the north coast of the North Island, and is famous for its history, culture, and wildlife. You can camp at one of the many campsites in the area, such as the Russell Top 10 Holiday Park, which offers tent sites, cabins, and villas. You can also enjoy the swimming pool, spa, playground, and games room, as well as the free Wi-Fi and shuttle to the ferry terminal and the town.

For a more secluded and luxurious option, you can glamp at the Donkey Bay Inn, which offers a private island retreat with a king bed, en suite bathroom, and balcony. You can also enjoy the infinity pool, sauna, library, and art gallery, as well as the gourmet meals, wine, and champagne. The retreat is located on a private island, where you can see the dolphins, whales, and penguins.

New Zealand is a wonderful destination for camping and glamping, with its diverse and beautiful natural attractions, friendly and hospitable people, and exciting and fun activities. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly or a splurge-worthy option, there is a camping or glamping spot for you. So pack your bags, grab your tent or book your glamp, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in New Zealand.

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