Tauranga City and the wider Tauranga region is a popular summer destination in the Western Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. It is home to an array of beautiful beaches, exceptional restaurants and cafes, a variety of events and festivals as well as gorgeous surrounds. Finding accommodation can be a challenge, especially over the summer holidays, so it is a good idea to book in advance if you can. Camping and campgrounds are a popular budget accommodation option for New Zealand’s and visitors alike. And there is a wide variety of campgrounds in the Tauranga area to choose from. New Zealand campgrounds usually offer a range of options from unpowered campsites to fully equipped cabins. Freedom camping is an option for travellers with certified self-contained vehicles.

TAURANGA TOURIST PARK

Camping Grounds Tauranga – Tauranga Tourist Park is the closest campground to Tauranga City and caters mainly for mobile homes with powered/non-powered sites, tent sites, cyclist sites, and standard one-room cabins. This is a small family-owned and operated campground located on the water’s edge just 4kms from Tauranga’s city center. Very popular for couples or solo travellers as the park does not cater for groups. The park offers a reduced rate on non-powered sites for genuine cyclists to recognise visitors.

COST: From $38 for two people (non-powered site) to $95.00 for two people (Ensuite Cabin). Prices are subject to change.
RECOMMENDED NEARBY ATTRACTION: Downtown Tauranga for shopping, restaurants, cafes, galleries and more…

WELCOME BAY HOT POOLS & CAMPGROUND

Camping Grounds Tauranga – Welcome Bay Hot Pools & Campground is a boutique camping ground less than 15 minutes from Tauranga. The location also allows for easy access to Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke. Situated in tranquil settings this is the ideal spot for those looking for something relaxing and quiet over the summer months. The campground is fully booked throughout the winter months. There are 24 powered campsites as well as cabin accommodation. Guests also have free access to the thermal mineral pools during their stay.

COST: From $45 for two people (powered site) to $100.00 for two people (kitchenette + 2 room Cabin). Prices are subject to change.
RECOMMENDED NEARBY ATTRACTION: Kaiate Falls is a cascade of waterfalls with a swimming hole at the bottom of a loop track.

MCLAREN FALLS PARK

Camping Grounds Tauranga – McLaren Falls Park is located on 90 hectares of parkland just ten minutes out of Tauranga. The Falls and Lake McLaren are both big attractions to the park. Visitors also enjoy picnic areas, disc golf, walks, the cafe and water activities such as kayaking. A highlight for campers is definitely the glowworms at night. McLaren Falls Park would be one of the most affordable options for camping in the Tauranga area and the perfect place for nature lovers.

COST: From $10.50 per adult (non-powered site) to 10-bunk hostel for $153 per night. Prices are subject to change.
RECOMMENDED NEARBY ATTRACTION: Marshalls Animal Park is home to a variety of domestic and exotic animals that visitors can feed and get up close to.

OMOKOROA KIWI HOLIDAY PARK

Camping Grounds Tauranga – Omokoroa Kiwi Holiday Park is a great place to stay if you want to enjoy all the Tauranga Harbour has to offer. Omokora is a small rural holiday village that is less than 25 minutes from Tauranga. Activities that attract holidaymakers include fishing, kayaking and safe places for swimming. The holiday park has a number of great facilities including three thermal hot pools. Accommodation rangers from multi-room motels, cabins and powered sites.

COST: From $46 per night for up to 8 people (powered site) to approx $200 per night for up to 8 people (3 bedroom motel). Prices are subject to change.
RECOMMENDED NEARBY ATTRACTION: Katikati Bird Gardens is home to gorgeous gardens and wonderful birdlife. A great day out for all ages.

ACCOMMODATION AT TE PUNA

Camping Grounds Tauranga – Accommodation at Te Puna offers a large range of accommodation that includes Motel rooms, Chalets, Cabins, Powered Sites and a Backpackers Lodge. Less than ten minutes from Tauranga City and within easy reach of hot pools, wineries, restaurants, and scenic walks. Enjoy everything Tauranga has to offer without the hustle and bustle of the city.

COST: From $20 per person (powered site) to $205 per night (2 bedroom motel). Prices are subject to change.
RECOMMENDED NEARBY ATTRACTION: Mills Reef Winery and Restaurant offers tastings and a fantastic cellar door. Stay and dine for lunch or dinner from their delicious menu.

FREEDOM CAMPING IN TAURANGA

Freedom Camping is a popular option for those who have self-contained vehicles. There are plenty of places you can park up for freedom camping in the Tauranga area. Please note that self-contained vehicles must be certified and their certification must be visible at all times when parked in a freedom camping area. Anyone illegally camping overnight in a freedom camping area may be issued with a $200 fine.

CAMPING GROUNDS IN PAPAMOA & MOUNT MAUNGANUI

On the other side of the harbour you will find a number of camping grounds, all located near the beach. Papamoa and Mount Maunganui are both popular during the summer months and camping grounds can often book out. It is a good idea to book in advance if you are planning a camping holiday at the beach. Check out my blog to find out more about Camping Ground in Papamoa and Mount Maunganui.

CONSIDERING AN AIRBNB?

Maybe camping is not quite what you are looking for. Airbnb is a great option if you are looking for a bed, a room or a whole home. There are no shortages of Airbnb’s in the Papamoa & Mount Maunganui area. If you are new to Airbnb you can sign up with this link and get up to $31 off your first booking.

For a complete guide on visiting Tauranga be sure to check out my Ultimate Travel Guide for Tauranga New Zealand.

OTHER LINKS THAT MAY INTEREST YOU:
Top 12 Things to do in Tauranga
Top Ten things to do in the Bay of Plenty
Explore the Karangahake Gorge
Moutohorā (Whale Island) Wildlife Sanctuary

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