Campsites in Waikato

The Waikato spreads across rolling green farmland, native bush and the mighty Waikato River, with lakes and reserves offering plenty of places to pull up for the night. From lakeside spots and quiet river landings to forest clearings and remote backcountry huts, the region's campsites suit everyone from casual overlanders to those chasing a wilder night out under the stars.

Arohena Campsite

Arohena Campsite is a roomy riverside spot on Lake Arapuni in the Waikato, with sheltered bush sites, a boat launch and great swimming and fishing.

Dunham's Point Reserve

Dunham's Point Reserve is a peaceful free camping spot on Lake Whakamaru in the South Waikato, with hot showers, riverside grassy sites and lovely lake views.

Jones Landing Campsite

Kakaho Campsite

Kakaho Campsite is a popular riverside camp in Pureora Forest Park, Waikato, with podocarp forest, swimming holes and a scenic rimu loop walk.

Lake Whakamaru Reserve

Little Waipa Reserve

Ngaherenga Campsite

Ngaherenga Campsite in Waikato's Pureora Forest Park is a basic, peaceful native-forest spot with outstanding birdlife and easy 2WD access.

Piropiro Campsite

Piropiro Campsite is a spacious, well-kept DoC site in Pureora Forest Park, Waikato, with sheltered fire-pit spots, river scenery and nearby 4x4 and walking trails.

Waipakihi Campsite

Waipakihi Campsite is a bush-fringed riverside camp off the Desert Road in the Waikato, no facilities and a genuinely tough 4x4-only access track.

Wildlife Hut

Campsites in other regions

Northland Auckland Coromandel Bay of Plenty Gisborne Hawke's Bay Manawatu-Whanganui Wellington Nelson Marlborough West Coast Canterbury Otago Southland

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