It’s that time of year again. Warmer weather, longer days. The outdoors is waiting. Summer holiday plans are being made.
But where to go? What to take along?
Some have their ‘regulars’ – spots they’ve been to for years, even decades. There are families who’ve been going to their favourite spots and may well be wanting to keep those places secret. For the rest of us, there are options galore.
The best spots may involve 4WD adventure, or the 4WD may simply be the best way to access the area. Either way, 4WDs open the door to real New Zealand.
To find these spots, look up the websites listed or use the mighty Google.
NORTH ISLAND
Kapowairua (Spirits Bay)
Add some adventure to the road trip. Spirits Bay campsite is at the top of the North Island is for you. Think long sandy beaches, lush forests, and the ocean right on the doorstep.
This campsite is the perfect place to pull up for a few days, switch off and enjoy your natural surroundings. The far north is renowned for surf breaks and Kapowairua can turn it on when the swell is right. Take a hike, stroll the beach or simply kick back and listen to the waves. As a Department of Conservation site, this spot only has basic facilities: flush toilets, cold showers and non-treated tap water. It’s best to stock up on everything you need before departing the main highway. Access is along 16km of gravel road.
From $15 per night (non-powered site).
Maitai Bay
Karikari Peninsula’s Maitai Bay is 44km northeast of Kaitaia. Access is two km of gravel road. A campground with the ocean on its doorstep nestled between beautiful Pohutukawa trees.
Explore the local walking tracks, swim in the warm northland ocean waters, or simply relax at one of New Zealand’s most beautiful oceanside campgrounds.
Operated by the Department of Conservation. Before departing be sure to check in with DOC to check availability.
Karioitahi Beach
On Auckland’s doorstep, and very much a ‘BYO’ camping experience.
Sand, sun, and sea, beach walks, fishing.
Located on the West Coast about an hour from the CBD, it’s a great place for a relatively easy overnight 4WD getaway.
There are big, open, flat stretches of black sand and legit coastal 4WD tracks that are great fun for all levels.
There’s no official campsite but there are sheltered pockets tucked up near the dunes for setting up camp for the night – just be sure to go above the high-water line.
A tent or roof tent comes in handy on trips like this. There are no camping facilities to speak of, so make sure to “leave no trace” and respect the environment.
To get there, follow SH1 from Auckland or Waikato, turn onto SH22 to Waiuku and from there to the coast.
Waiohine Gorge
Located in Tararua Forest Park in the Manawatu region. A family friendly, off-road camping spot, popular for rafting, canoeing, swimming and some cool forest walks. The road to the campsite is a gravel road with rough and twisty sections and there are two forded stream crossings. A high clearance vehicle Is recommended.
50 non-powered sites (DOC fees apply).
Flush toilets and water supply (untreated, boil first).
SOUTH ISLAND
D’Urville Island
Something super remote and adventurous, Moawhitu campsite on D’Urville Island is worth a trip. Use the barge at French Pass in the Marlborough Sounds across to D’Urville Island. Then there’s a 27km road through native bush to Moawhitu Campsite in Greville Harbour. The last few kilometres of the road are steep and narrow and can be slippery so it’s 4WD-only. Once there, enjoy the best of the Marlborough Sounds: fishing, hunting, surfing, hiking or mountain biking.
There are 11 non-powered sites and non-flush toilets.
Water from tap (untreated).
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit.
Mavora Lakes
The Mavora Lakes campsite has two large, main camping areas: one alongside South Mavora Lake, and the other between South Mavora Lake and North Mavora Lake. An impressive landscape of mountains, wild forests and lakes in Fiordland National Park. Just an hour and a half from the quaint township of Te Anau is Mavora, a place to hike, camp, fish, and bike.
Designated camp spots with BBQs and public access toilets.
Access is a 37km gravel road.
Moke Lake
It’s Queenstown – and yet not. The scenic Moke Lake campsite is just a 20-minute drive from busy Queenstown and offers a peaceful retreat from the adventure capital. Positioned perfectly under the mountains on the edge of Moke Lake. Spend time boating, swimming, kayaking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking.
New Zealand outdoor legend Barry Crump lived in a shearer’s hut further up the valley while writing one of his books, and would regularly walk out to the pub at Arrowtown.
Moke Lake Campsite is a DoC campground. It offers 50 non-powered sites on a first-come, first-served basis – so be sure to get there early. Facilities include non-flush toilets, a cooking shelter, and an untreated water tap.
From $15 per night (powered site).
Skippers
This one is truly special. The 4WD trail through Skippers Canyon to Skippers campsite has rugged roads, hill climbs, mud and puddles and utterly spectacular scenery. Located in the Queenstown area near Coronet Peak, the route follows an old gold mining trail to the former settlement, which has been turned into a campsite. A note of caution: Skippers has been called New Zealand’s most dangerous road”. Rental companies forbid the use of their vehicles for this trip.
How to get there: Skippers Road branches off Coronet Peak Road north of Queenstown. The gravel road is steep and winding with sheer cliff drop-offs and should only be attempted by experienced drivers in a suitable 4WD vehicle.
Campsite facilities: 36 non-powered sites, flush toilets, water from tap (untreated).
Fires are not permitted at any time.
Gentle Annie
Not the one in the North Island. This place is just 50km north of Westport. New Zealand at its finest. Lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and unspoiled vistas.
Gentle Annie is the perfect base camp for day-trip adventures. Sheltered, private camping areas in beautiful grounds. This family-run property is a delight.
Be sure to book in advance.
Powered and unpowered sites available.
The campground is moments away from the Mokihinui river and ocean.
Curio Bay
As south as possible, Curio Bay offers a unique coastal environment on the journey through the rugged Catlins landscape.
The campsite is nestled alongside the swimming beach of Porpoise Bay. Natural alleys of flax provide the campground with sheltered sites. Visitors may be lucky enough to spot the rare Hectors dolphins that have made themselves at home here.
A beautiful beach, fishing locations and loads of nearby activities.
No dogs are allowed on the reserve, due to the sensitive nature of the area and its wildlife.
www.curioscape.co.nz/campground
