Secret Caravan Sites on the North Island

The North Island of New Zealand is one of the most coveted regions in the country for its picturesque landscapes and attractions. If you want to visit this part of New Zealand, you’ll find an abundance of holiday parks and caravan grounds. These caravan sites give you access to many activities, such as hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, and other nearby sights.

Top Hidden Caravan Sites on the North Island

We’ve pulled together a list of the hidden gem caravan sites you’ll want to visit on your next caravan adventure. So make this your go-to list to explore the best of what the North Island has to offer.

Matai Bay Campsite

Matai Bay Campsite is one of the few remaining hidden gems on the North Island, New Zealand. This camp and caravan site is located at the end of the Karikari Peninsula. Therefore, the area remains relatively undiscovered and secluded, with only a few caravanners and campers.

The lack of an online booking system is partly why it is quiet most of the year. If you want a piece of this campsite, ensure you get there before everyone else. There are no reservations or pre-booking before you go. However, the journey to get here is worthwhile because the bay offers gorgeous views of the lush hills filled with Pohutukawa trees. This campsite is also protected from coastal winds by the surrounding landscapes and hills.

While you can’t book a stay online, you must pay a fee when you get to this caravan site. It covers the conservation of the area through the Department of Conservation.

Expect basic amenities when you go there. However, this campsite is better suited for caravanners who want to escape their everyday life and enjoy nature. There are plenty of activities here, such as bush walking, fishing, and diving.

 

Mangaokewa Scenic Reserve

Another one of the North Island’s hidden gems is the Mangaokewa Scenic Reserve. This caravan site is approximately 25 minutes away from the Waitomo Caves.

It is a riverside camping site that allows you to enjoy its natural offerings in peace and seclusion. Unfortunately, the mobile service is unreliable here. But when you go there, you’ll want to unplug because there are so many things to see and do in the nearby areas.

The solitude of the reserve makes it the perfect location to stargaze at night (weather permitting). It is a spacious caravan site, too. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about other caravanners being too close, and you can enjoy your privacy.

Seabreeze Holiday Park

One of the lesser-known camp and caravan sites on the North Island is the Seabreeze Holiday Park. It is an excellent destination for pet lovers since it is a pet-friendly campsite. It’s a big win for many pet lovers who like to travel with their furry friends. Ensure you inform the park authorities ahead of time if you wish to bring your pet dogs.

In addition to being pet-friendly, the Seabreeze Holiday Park features an onsite brasserie and brewery. It also boasts modern facilities and amenities like bike hire, an onsite gym, and BBQ facilities. Therefore, this campsite is the best choice for caravan enthusiasts who enjoy modern conveniences during camp.

Flaxmill in Coromandel

One of the secret caravan sites on the North Island is Flaxmill. This caravan site is ideal for beginners to this kind of experience who are not ready to rough it just yet. A stay at this caravan site offers you an option between powered and non-powered camping sites. They also have cottages and sleeper cabins for those needing extra overnight space.

In addition, Flaxmill provides caravan campers access to some of the most beautiful beaches on the North Island. You can enjoy leisure time at the beach or embark on a bushwalk experience. Whichever your caravan preference might be, you’ll have the best time at this caravan site.

Tatapouri Bay

If you love surfing as much as caravanning, you must head to one of North Island’s hidden gems: Tatapouri Bay. This area is home to some of the secret surf breaks in the region.

When you come to Tatapouri Bay for a caravan adventure, expect non-powered caravan sites. However, you won’t mind that at all because of the beauty that nature has to offer here. In addition, Tatapouri Bay is one of the best spots on the North Island to see the sunrise. Therefore, you have an added incentive to wake up early before you hit the surf.

The caravan site offers onsite hot showers, laundry facilities, a BBQ area, and a café.

 

 

Opoutere Coastal Camping

If you want to be surrounded by white sand and a lush forest, head to Opoutere Coastal Camping. It is located approximately two hours from Auckland and is on the eastern portion of North Island. The caravan site is situated next to Opoutere Beach. This stretch of sand features calm waters, rock pools, and hiking tracks.

The waters of Opoutere Beach are a favorite destination for anglers. Therefore, don’t be surprised to find many fishing enthusiasts at the harbour. Another popular water-based activity at this caravan site is kayaking.

It is a well-equipped caravan site, giving you access to traditional facilities like a communal kitchen, BBQ, dining areas, toilets and showers, and laundry facilities. You can also find many recreational spaces where you can play or relax.

Ready to Embark on Your Caravan Adventure?

Hopefully, these hidden gems have sparked your desire to take your caravan out on the road again. There are many popular caravan sites on the North Island, but these hidden gems are the best options if you want to enjoy some privacy and seclusion. Not only are these secret caravan sites quieter and free of tourists, but they also impress in terms of natural beauty.

Include these secret sites on the North Island when you plan your next caravan adventure. Happy caravanning!

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