The Guide to Camping in Rotorua
With so many geothermal parks, Maori cultural experiences and adventure activities on offer in Rotorua no wonder you want to save cash on accommodation for more exciting things. Camping in Rotorua is a great way to save money for the things that matter when you’re travelling as well as being a great outdoors experience in itself. Whether you’re in your tent, your campervan or you have a self-contained vehicle, we’ll help you find where to camp in Rotorua.
There are four types of campgrounds in the Rotorua district: holiday parks, Department of Conservation (DoC) campsites, park over properties and freedom camping. Rotorua really is a camper-friendly place with plenty of options for tent-dwellers in the DoC campsites scattered across the lakesides, plus, multiple options for self-contained campervans from the facility-filled holiday parks to the affordable park over properties and freedom camping options.
So take a look at the directory below to find your ideal places to camp in the Rotorua district.
Holiday Parks and Campsites in Rotorua
There are three different types of campsites in Rotorua: holiday parks, Department of Conservation (DoC) campsites, and free campsites/freedom camping. Here are the main differences:
Holiday Parks
Holiday parks in Rotorua have a range of facilities of a high standard. Unsurprisingly, this comes at a higher price. They also offer a number of accommodation types, but campers can always rely on holiday parks to have powered sites to plug up your campervan and tent sites (providing there is availability). For more on what to expect from a holiday park, check out Accommodation Guide to Holiday Parks in New Zealand
Department of Conservation Campsites
The Department of Conservation (DoC) maintains 6 campsites around the Rotorua Lakes District. Facilities are basic in these low-cost campsites, but always including toilets. Other facilities may include a water supply that may need treating before use, a gas barbecue, picnic benches and a cooking shelter.
Park Over Property (POP)
A Park Over Property (POP) is a space for self-contained vehicles to park up overnight either for free or a usually low fee. There are unlikely to be any facilities to use.
Freedom Camping in Rotorua
There are very limited options for freedom camping in Rotorua. Only certified self-contained vehicles can park in the spots listed below with the exception of the Trout Pool Reserve. Make sure you respect the rules of freedom camping stated in 11 Golden Rules of Camping in New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.comHoliday Parks in Rotorua
Ngongotaha
- Willowhaven Holiday Park – NZ$15 per person for a tent site/powered site
- Waiteti Trout Stream Holiday Park – NZ$21 per person for a tent site/powered site
- Rotorua Family Holiday Park – NZ$30-$34 for two people in a tent site/powered site
Rotorua Lakes
- Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park, Lake Tikitapu – NZ35-58 for two people in a tent site/powered site
Rotorua City
- All Seasons Holiday Park, Hannahs Bay – NZ$46 for two people in a tent site/powered site
- Rotorua Top 10 Holiday Park, Pukuatua Street – NZ$40-$62 for two people in a tent site/powered site
- Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park, Springfield – NZ$20-$25 per night in a tent site/powered site
- Cosy Cottage Thermal Holiday Park, Koutu – NZ$41-$48 for two people in a tent site/powered site
- Holdens Bay Holiday Park, Holdens Bay – NZ$40 for two people in a tent site/powered site.
Note that prices are approximate and are subject to change.
© NZPocketGuide.comDOC Campsites in Rotorua
Rotorua Lakes
- Lake Okareka Campsite – NZ$15 per person
- Lake Tarawera Outlet (Te Tapahoro) Campsite – NZ$15 per person
- Hot Water Beach, Lake Tarawera – NZ$15 per person (not suitable for campervans)
- Rerewhakaaitu, Brett Road Campsite – NZ$8 per person
- Rerewhakaaitu, Ash Pit Road Campsite – NZ$8 per person
Note that prices are approximate and are subject to change.
© NZPocketGuide.comCouncil Campsites in Rotorua
Rotorua Lakes
- Boyes Beach Campsie – NZ$20 (no tents allowed)
- Lake Okaro Campsite – NZ$8 per person (no tents allowed)
- Guy Roe Reserve Campsite, Lake Rerewhakaaitu – NZ$8 per person
- Trout Pool Road, Lake Rotoiti – Free (No tents allowed).
Note that prices are approximate and are subject to change.
© NZPocketGuide.comPark-over Properties (POP) in Rotorua
Rotorua City
- 47A Taharangi St, Koutu – Contact Raewynne Latemore, 07 348 3352 – NZ$4 per person for a powered site
North Rotorua
- 171 Te Waerenga Rd, Hamurana – ContactRoss Larcombe, 07 332 3866 – NZ$5 per van
Ngongotaha
- 22 Tarena St, Mamaku – Contact David & Steph Fleet, 07 332 5728 – Free.
Note that prices are approximate and are subject to change.
© NZPocketGuide.comFreedom Camping in Rotorua
Rotorua City
- Haupapa Street Car Park – 5pm-8am only
- Hinemoa Street Car Park
- Lakefront Drive Car Park
Ngongotaha
- Park over property, Mamaku – Contact David & Steph Fleet, 07 332 5728
Rotorua Lakes
- Trout Pool Road, Lake Rotoiti – Free (Council campsite)
Check out 5 Free Camp Spots in Rotorua for more details.
