Papamoa and Mount Maunganui camping is a popular option for visitors looking for affordable accommodation. Both beaches are very sort after as holiday destination with miles of sandy beach coastline to enjoy. Mount Maunganui especially is a hive of activity for much of the year but even more so over the warmer months. Activities that attract the crowds include swimming, surfing, Mauao walking tracks, hot pools, fishing, kayaking, cruise ships and more. 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 are a number of campgrounds dotted along the coastline from Papamoa to Mount Maunganui. 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.

MOUNT MAUNGANUI BEACHSIDE HOLIDAY PARK

Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park is tucked right under Mauao/Mount Maunganui itself which makes it a prime camping location. This Mount Maunganui Camping ground stretches from the harbour to the ocean offering powered sites to queen bed cabins. With a number of amenities right on the doorstep, you will have everything you need within walking distance. This includes the relaxing Mount Maunganui Hot Pools, great restaurants and cafes, ice cream parlours and a superette for those urgent items.

Cost: From $45pn for two people (Powered Site, Off-peak) to $140pn for 1-2 people, $27 per extra adult and $15 per extra child (Family Cabin, Peak). Prices are subject to change and minimum nights apply.

Recommended nearby attraction: Mount Maunganui Hot Pools and Mauao Summit Tracks are credible activities in their own right but combining the two makes for a perfect few hours in Mount Maunganui.

COSY CORNER HOLIDAY PARK

Cosy Corner Holiday Park is a summer holiday park that opens just before Christmas until Easter. It may open at other times of the year for special events and large group bookings. Located in Omanu it is less crowded but central to Mount Maunganui and Papamoa. Within walking distance, there is the Omanu Surf Lifesaving Club, Bridge Club, Bowling Club, and Golf Club. You will also find a great little cafe, Indian restaurant and dairy nearby. If you have had enough of the sand and surf you can enjoy the pool area that includes a 20m solar heated pool and an open hot spa.

Cost: From $56pn for two people (powered site) to $199pn for up to four people (self-contained unit). Prices are subject to change and minimum nights apply.

Recommended nearby attraction: Bayfair Shopping Center has over 130 stores open 7 days a week including a food court and late-night dining.

PAPAMOA BEACH RESORT

Papamoa Beach Resort is by far the most accommodating camping ground in the region offering campsites to luxury beachfront villas. Located right on the beachfront this campground can also accommodate for large groups, conferences, and weddings. Everything you need is within walking distance including restaurants, shopping, takeaways, cafes, and pubs.

Cost: From $56pn for two people (powered site) to $290pn for two (Beachfront Bliss Villa). Prices are subject to change and minimum nights apply.

Recommended nearby attraction: Papamoa Hills Regional Park offers amazing 360 views with over 200 archaeological features to be found. 

PACIFIC PARK CHRISTIAN HOLIDAY CAMP

Pacific Park offers something a little special and unique as a non-profit organisation. The campground specialises in catering to families with a philosophy of creating lifetime memories. This is an alcohol and smokefree campground that prides itself on providing a safe family-friendly environment. Situated in Papamoa East within walking distance of the beach there is easy access to all necessary amenities. Kids will have a great time here with plenty of activities onsite including a games room, volleyball court, trampoline, playground and a nine-hole minigolf course. In the evening’s everyone can relax and enjoy the hot pool.

Cost: From $34pn for two people (non-powered site) to $239pn for up to six people (4 Bedroom Villa). There is also a 31-bed lodge that can be booked for large groups at $579pn. Prices are subject to change and minimum nights may apply.

Recommended nearby attraction: Iona Boysenberry Orchard is only open for a short time each year from December until early January for ‘pick your own’ berries. But if you are around it is a really fun family activity!

FREEDOM CAMPING IN PAPAMOA & MOUNT MAUNGANUI

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 Papamoa and Mount Maunganui areas. 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 TAURANGA

Across the harbour are more camping grounds which each offer something a little different from the beachside campgrounds above. From waterfalls and hot pools to less crowded options you will surely find something to suit you. To find out more about what you can find closer to Tauranga city, check out my blog on Camping Grounds Tauranga.

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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