Off the beaten track campgrounds
Hawke’s Bay is the place to be this summer. Fact.
And nothing says summer more loudly than CAMPING. Hawke’s Bay is well served for camp grounds from north to south, and everywhere in between. We’ve compiled six of the best ‘off the beaten track’ camp grounds where you can kick back for a night or two, or longer, and soak up all the serenity you could ever wish for.
Waipatiki Beach Holiday Park
30 minutes north of Napier, this holiday park is terraced to make the most of views over the stunning Waipatiki Beach. Campers can enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, diving and even launch small boats from the bench. Accommodation options include cabins, power and non-powered sites. There’s a heap of walks accessible from the campground, while the starting point for the popular Tangoio and Te Ana Falls walks is just a short drive away.
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Waiwhenua Farmstay and River Side Park
About an hour’s drive from Napier or Hastings, accessible via the Taihape-Napier Road, Waiwhenua is situated on the banks of the Tutaekuri River. With options for camping and RV parking, along with glamping and cabin facilities, Waiwhenua is a family-friendly option to reconnect with nature. As part of a farmstay, there’s also a wide range of activities to entertain everyone including guided trout fishing, farm tours, unguided walks and guided hunting adventures
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Mohaka River Farm
Mohaka River Farm is a 280-acre family owned and operated holiday park and working farm situated on the pristine Mohaka River. Offering accommodation in a scenic setting just minutes from State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo, you'll quickly find yourself transported to a peaceful retreat with endless opportunities to explore. Whether you're looking for a relaxing long weekend on the banks of the river, a horse trekking adventure or an opportunity to learn some new skills and engage in a hands-on farm experience, Mohaka River Farm has it all.
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Mahia Holiday Park
Mahia Peninsula has been the getaway choice for generations of kiwis since ages ago. And there’s no better way to ‘do’ Mahia than the holiday park. With “beds for every budget” and an on-site café, this sprawling camp site is about as close to Mahia Beach as you can get. Neighbouring Mokatahi Lookout offers stunning views across the area, while the nearby Mahanga Beach means there’s always another beach option if the wind gets up. Bonus, the Rocket Lab launch facility is at the end of Mahia Peninsula – so watching a rocket launch has never been so relaxing.
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Beach Road Holiday Park
12 miles of golden sand at Te Paerahi Beach (Porangahau) are just a short walk from Beach Road Holiday Park in Central Hawke’s Bay, located about 50km from Waipukurau. Beach Road is about as family friendly as they come, with mini putt, a play area and loads to space to ride bikes. The neighbouring Porongahau Country Club offers golf, tennis and lawn bowls, while the village has all the supplies you could need. Did we mention the stunning beach just down the road?!
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Waikaremoana Holiday Park
Managed by the Department of Conservation, Waikaremoana Holiday Park can accommodate a range of groups across its powered and non-powered sites, and various cabin configurations. Located on the shore of the stunning Lake Waikaremoana, the park can be used as a starting point for a host of short or long walks, not to mention fishing for rainbow and brown trout on the lake, and just generally relaxing in one of the region’s more spectacular settings.
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Special mention:
Kennedy Park Resort
It's not remotely off the beaten track, but no list of campgrounds in Hawke's Bay is complete without including Kennedy Park Resort in Napier. With park-like grounds, modern facilities and a relaxed community vibe, Kennedy Park has long been a favourite for visitors to Hawke's Bay. All the fun of camping, and just a short drive to the famous Art Deco quarter of Napier's CBD.
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