If you want to explore the great outdoors, the Bay of Plenty
has something for every kind of camper. From freedom camping to beachfront tent
sites and glamping, there's a place for you here.
But it's important to tread
lightly and stay safe, respect the natural environment and make the most of
your time outdoors over the summer.
Freedom Camping
Freedom Camping, also known as campervanning, is an
excellent way to get away from it all and explore the beautiful New Zealand
countryside. But it’s important to be aware of the rules that apply when free
camping in NZ.
First of all, it’s a good idea to
check out the local council website and see what’s allowed in your area. Then,
you can search for areas online that are labelled as being freedom Camping Bay of Plenty areas.
You can also download a number of apps that will help you
find freedom camping spots throughout the country. These include NZ Freecamp,
NZ Apps and Rankers.
While freedom camping is a great
way to experience the New Zealand countryside, it can also be a bit of a pain
when it comes to finding places to camp. Some areas can be extremely busy and
it’s sometimes hard to find a place that fits your requirements.
Another issue is that you can
sometimes have to pay for a permit before you can use a free camping spot. This
is especially true for sites that have facilities such as toilets and showers,
so it’s a good idea to do some research before heading out.
Finally, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather while
you are freedom camping. If it’s too rainy or windy, it may be a better idea to
look for another spot instead of staying in the current one.
In Tauranga, there are a few
places that you can freedom camp. Firstly, Motiti Reserve is a great spot that
has easy access to Papamoa Beach and has a number of campsites.
Alternatively, head to Otumoetai Beach Park in Matua for
another option. This huge park has a variety of things to do and offers freedom
camping spaces for selfcontained vehicles.
However, it’s important to note that some of these spots are
reserved for selfcontained vehicles only and others have restrictions. So, it’s
a good idea to contact the council before you visit so that you can avoid
getting caught out.
If you’re looking for a fun, unique and memorable travel experience, freedom camping is definitely the way to go! However, it’s important to keep in mind that you should never stay too long at a single site and always take your waste with you as you leave. This will help reduce the amount of litter that can be left behind on the ground.
Lakeside Camping
Lakeside camping is an excellent
way to make the most of a summer trip. It's a great way to keep cool in the
heat and create memories with your family that will last forever.
In New Zealand, we have some fantastic lakeside camping
spots to choose from where you can relax and soak up the beauty of nature. And
if you want to save money, many of these campgrounds are best part of the Great Good Sam
Campground network, so you can benefit from a 10% discount on your stay!
The Bay of Plenty is a paradise for camping and holidaying,
with so much to see and do. From the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, to Kauri forests,
dolphin sightseeing and island hopping, there's something for everyone.
When it comes to finding the best places to camp in the Bay
of Plenty, you have lots of options, from holiday parks and Department of
Conservation campsites to park over properties and freedom camping. It's
important to know what you're looking for in a campground so that you can find the
right one for you.
A good start is to check the
website for any restrictions that may apply. For example, it's not always
possible to use a boat at certain campsites. Also, be aware that some campsites
are situated on the edge of lakes and wetlands. This can cause a problem for
aquatic and marine life.
If you're heading up to the Bay of Islands, be sure to check
out Uretiti DOC campground, which offers an affordable and stunning location.
It's a popular campsite for school groups, especially on Monday to Thursday
nights in November and mid-February to April.
Another popular option is Jones' Landing, a river-side
campsite on the west coast of the Waikato River. This campsite has easy access
for campervans and motorhomes, plus a range of facilities to keep you
entertained.
If you’re a self-contained
campervan and want to experience some of the most beautiful parts of New
Zealand, consider freedom camping. There are a number of free camping areas,
including the Rotorua Lakes District, but it’s important to be responsible and
only freedom camp when there is room for you to do so.
TOP 10 Holiday Parks
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beach,
the Bay of Plenty has a lot to offer. The region is home to long sandy beaches,
rolling green hills, forests and many of New Zealand’s top geothermal
attractions.
If the idea of camping in a tent or caravan appeals to you,
then Bay of Plenty campgrounds are a great option. They are typically situated
at the best beaches in the area and offer a variety of accommodations for all
ages.
Often, campgrounds can be quite affordable (even when booked
well in advance!) and there’s usually plenty of space for your tent or car.
They also often have amenities such as pools, hot tubs and playgrounds to keep
you entertained.
There are also some campgrounds that go above and beyond to
provide you with a luxurious experience. These parks can be more expensive, but
they have a higher standard of amenities than privately owned campsites.
For example, at Ohope Beach Holiday Park you’ll find a cafe
(and great coffee), a jumping pillow, pool with hydroslides and mini golf, and
a lot more. It’s a popular place to stay for families.
Another popular destination is Mount Maunganui, and you’ll
find a beachside holiday park here as well. The camp is very family-friendly,
and there are even cabins with their own kitchen.
The camp is very close to the town centre, and there are a
couple of supermarkets, as well as a petrol station.
When we were there, it was really busy so we recommend
booking in advance.
If you’re on a budget, you can always check out privately
owned campsites which are much less expensive than the Bay of Plenty’s more
popular Holiday Parks. They aren’t as full of amenities, but they can be a
great way to save money on accommodation.
This is a great place to escape
the crowds, and you’ll have the freedom to explore the region on your own
terms. It’s also an excellent base for fishing, boogie boarding and kayaking,
so you’ll be sure to have a good time.
Glamping
Glamping is a trend that has gained popularity in recent
years. This camping style involves luxurious tents, cabins and treehouses that
are located in beautiful and scenic locations. While this style of camping was
originally popular in Africa, it has now spread across the United States.
There are many reasons why glamping is a growing trend, and it’s easy to see why: The beauty of nature is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or want to spend time with your family, a glamping experience is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while enjoying the most of all modern comforts of home.
Here are some of the top glamping destinations to consider:
Sinya on Lone Man Creek Wimberley, TX (map it) Inspired by
an African safari, this glamping retreat in Texas Hill Country blends the
ruggedness of traditional camping with the romance and luxury of a five-star
hotel. Featuring a tent with an elephantinspired theme, this property offers
guests the opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Texas Hills and
the peace of a babbling creek.
Big Cedar Lake Resort in Jackson, WY (map it) This glamping
destination is a favorite among vacationers who want to explore the outdoors.
Located in a stunning natural setting, this lakeside resort features
safari-style tents with plush beds, electricity, instant hot and cold water,
and power outlets for USB charging. It also has a full bar, a spa and sauna,
and a restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch.
Firelight Camps Ithaca, NY (map it) If you’re looking for the ultimate in glamour tent camping, Firelight is the place for you. These glam tents feature hardwood floors, “safari-style furniture,” a balcony and even a fireplace! They also provide a bar, locally-sourced complimentary breakfast and a spa/sauna.
Naturluxe & Stars Watkins Glen State Park, NY (map it) For travelers who love the Finger Lakes region of New York, this glamping resort in Watkins Glen is a must. The resort features safari-style tents with king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves and West Elm patio furnishings, in addition to en suite bathrooms with organic bath products. It also offers on-site cafe-style dining and complimentary camp programming such as yoga, guided hikes, live music and nightly s’mores.
