New Zealand Camping Tours

Why choose to camp in New Zealand?

It's a fantastic way to appreciate the stunning nature of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Camping is truly the best option if you're nature lover, and here's why:

1. You'll wake up to the sounds of nature and breathe in the fresh air—it's like sleeping in your own natural paradise.
2. Discover amazing sights from pristine beaches and crystal clear rivers to majestic mountains and serene lakes, New Zealand's scenery will take your breath away at every turn. 
3. Enjoy hiking and biking trails right at your doorstep by day, and marvel at star-filled skies by night.
4. Swap stories around the campfire and connect with fellow travellers from around the world, creating lifelong friendships.
5. Relax! New Zealand is home to friendly wildlife, so you can enjoy your camping trip knowing there won't be any dangerous animals paying you a visit. 
6. Most importantly, you’ll discover the real New Zealand—venture off the beaten track and uncover hidden gems only locals know. Your true New Zealand adventure awaits!

Still not convinced? Here are some other reasons to camp in New Zealand.

What does camping on a Flying Kiwi tour look like?

When you decide on a camping adventure with Flying Kiwi, you're in for an unforgettable experience!

Awesome Accommodation

As you've probably gathered by now, camping is our bread and butter - so whether you opt for a shared or single tent or choose to upgrade to cosy cabins for a touch of rural luxury, our setups are designed to cater to your preferences. You can bring your own sleeping bag or rent one from us, and you need to bring a pillow - either an inflatable or simply a pillowcase that you can stuff with your coat/jumpers.

Our camping setup is designed to be super simple - even for first time campers! We have self-inflating camping pads for a comfortable night's sleep, and our friendly guides are always on hand to assist with tent setup or anything else you might need.

Epic Locations

We carefully select our camping locations to showcase the very best of New Zealand. From tranquil beaches and crystal-clear lakes to majestic mountains and lush forests, our campsites are set up to immerse you in the heart of nature. With a mix of holiday parks and wilderness camps, you’ll wake up to breathtaking views, dine by the water’s edge as the sun sets, and enjoy the serenity of the great outdoors—far from the crowds.

Endless Activities

For you outdoor enthusiasts, our camping tours provide easy access to numerous experiences and activities. Explore scenic trails on our hiking tours that wind through pristine wilderness, or hop on your bike and pedal along picturesque routes that offer stunning views at every turn. With heaps of excellent trails available right at your tent-step, there's no shortage of adventures to be had each day.

Home Comforts

Whilst freedom camping is common practice in New Zealand, we understand the value of niceties on our New Zealand group tours. That's why most of our campsites offer laundry facilities, charging ports, hot showers and kitchen facilities - these are standard at pretty much all our campgrounds but your guide will keep you updated if there's anything you need to be aware of so you can relax knowing we've got your back.

Where specifically do we camp?

Now you might be wondering where exactly these "epic locations" are - unless you're on tour, we can't reveal all of our secret spots, but here are some of the places you can expect to spend a night or two.

North Island Camping Spots

• Waitomo – Famous for its glowworm caves, where you can take a boat ride through an underground galaxy of twinkling lights.
• Hot Water Beach, Coromandel – Dig your own natural hot pool in the sand and relax while soaking in the steaming waters.
• Rotorua – A geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, geysers, and rich Māori culture.
• Tongariro National Park – Home to three volcanoes, this UNESCO heritage park showcases some of the country's most drastic landscapes.
• Foxton Beach – A serene coastal spot known for its sand dunes and surfing, offering a peaceful camping experience.
• Picton – The gateway to the South Island, surrounded by the stunning and tranquil Marlborough Sounds.
• Paekākāriki, Kāpiti Coast – A charming seaside town with long sandy beaches, coastal walks, and views of Kāpiti Island.

South Island Camping Spots

• Abel Tasman National Park – Golden sands, turquoise waters, and world-famous coastal hiking and kayaking.
• Kaikōura – A coastal gem known for whale watching, fresh seafood, and rugged seaside landscapes.
• Lake Tekapo – A turquoise lake famous for its breathtaking night skies and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd.
• Ōamaru – A historic town with Victorian architecture, a quirky steampunk culture, and little blue penguins.
• Te Anau – The gateway to Fiordland, offering access to glowworm caves, serene lakes, and scenic hiking trails.
• Fiordland National Park – Home to stunning fjords, waterfalls, and the iconic Milford and Doubtful Sounds.
• Lake Hāwea – A stunning alpine lake surrounded by Mt Aspiring National Park, ideal for hiking and stargazing.
• Fox Glacier – One of New Zealand’s most accessible glaciers, where you can take guided ice walks or scenic flights.
• Punakaiki, Paparoa National Park – Famous for the Pancake Rocks and blowholes, with lush rainforest and rugged coastal views.