Planning an epic summer holiday and looking for an equally epic holiday park or campground to base yourself? Tairāwhiti Gisborne is home to a huge array of camping accommodation options, from something a little fancy (we’re talking beachfront glamping in Tatapouri Bay) to secluded campsites that take life right back to basics - whatever you want, you’ll find it here! 

We’ve put together a handy list of the best camping accommodation options…read on and start planning your trip to Tairāwhiti Gisborne!

Māhia

Māhia Beach, in the Wairoa District, is a stunning spot to spend a holiday camping by the sea! Located on the Māhia Peninsula, this coastal area has a number of beautiful beaches and is the perfect playground for those who love to fish, dive, swim, hike, or simply relax. Mahia Motel & Holiday Park offers self-contained units, cabins, and powered and non-powered campsites, and is situated right on the beachfront so you can wake up, grab a coffee and catch the sunrise.

Gisborne

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit more central for your summer camping trip, check out the great range of holiday parks and beachfront camping options in and around central Gisborne.

Waikanae Beach TOP10 Holiday Park

Located just a 5-minute walk from the city centre, Waikanae Beach TOP10 Holiday Park is the perfect place to park up and enjoy a relaxed camping holiday with all the luxuries of town nearby. Their beachfront accommodation includes camping sites, motels, cabins and luxury apartments. This is the perfect spot for families with an epic playground, swimming pool, and jumping pillow to keep the kids entertained when you’re not at the beach! Other facilities include: games room, BBQ area, volleyball court, giant chess, communal kitchen, petanque court, communal toilet and shower facilities, and more.

Tatapouri Bay Oceanside Accommodation

Tatapouri Bay Oceanside Accommodation is a stunning beachfront accommodation option that is suitable for families, couples, and friends who are looking for an unforgettable camping holiday in Tairāwhiti Gisborne. Choose from some amazing accommodation options including beachfront glamping, Zen Cabins, tiny homes, self-contained pods, and loads more - you really are spoiled for choice! During the summer months, you’ll also find an onsite cafe serving up delicious coffees, baked goods, bagels and real fruit ice cream!  

Freedom camping

If you’re travelling in a certified self-contained vehicle and are keen to check out the freedom camping sites in and around the Gisborne area, this page has all the information you need to know. There are several beachfront freedom camping spots, including Kaiti Beach carpark, Makorori Beach carpark, and Midway car park. Inland, you’ll find the Bright Street carpark. Please note most of these sites have a maximum 3 nights stay. Responsible campers are welcome, please ensure you’re familiar with the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2021 and remember to “leave only footprints”.

East Coast & Highway 35 campgrounds

If you’re planning an epic summer roadie along the famous Highway 35 and you’re planning on camping - check out these stunning campgrounds and holiday parks dotted along the coast.

Tolaga Bay Holiday Park

Situated on the beach at the base of Maunga Hikurangi, Tolaga Bay Holiday Park is a great place to base yourself while you explore the area. They have 52 powered sites, 85 non-powered sites and 13 cabins available. The holiday park has all the usual facilities including BBQs, a playground for the kids, laundry, fish filleting station, and over the peak period, there is a store operating that sells grocery items, bait, ice creams and more. 

Anaura Bay Motor Camp

Anaura Bay Motor Camp is the epitome of a classic Kiwi campground. They have powered and non-powered camp sites available - 18 of which are right on the beachfront - imagine waking up, zipping open the tent and having nothing but the dunes and ocean out your front door! There is a camp shop on site, as well as access to kayaks for hire, a play room,  an ablution block, and a communal kitchen.

Tokomaru Bay Holiday Park

Tokomaru Bay Holiday Park is located in Tokomaru Bay - a 90-minute drive north from Gisborne. They have a number of powered and non-powered campsites, as well as several cabins to accommodate guests looking for a classic Kiwi getaway. Spend your days swimming at the beautiful beach, fishing, exploring nearby tracks and trails, and learning about the history of the area. 

East Cape Campground 

A coastal pristine campground on the edge of the East Cape where you can enjoy the simple comforts. This campground is perfect for families, has a large range of campsites and sunrise views from your tent make it a must visit! Facilities include hot showers & toilets. There is no mobile coverage or reception. This is an amazing spot for those who enjoy classic kiwi camping. Book here. 

Te Araroa Holiday Park

Located midway between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki in the north, Te Araroa Holiday Park is a beautiful secluded camping ground set amongst established trees with a freshwater stream and only 300m to the beach. There are plenty of accommodation options, including bunkrooms, cabins, motel units, tourist flats, and over 100 powered and non-powered sites. Onsite amenities include: a general store, a fully licensed bottle store, WiFi, diesel stop, kitchen, and wheelchair access facilities. Located directly beside 35 Eat Street, you’ll be in for a treat for breakfast. 

Waihau Bay Holiday Park

Situated across the road from the beach, Waihau Bay Holiday Park is a popular camping destination for families and fishermen. There are plenty of powered and non-powered sites available, all set within the beautiful native bush and mature trees - nice and shady for those hot summer days! Onsite facilities include: communal kitchen and ablutions, an outdoor shower, full-size smokehouse area, and a fish cleaning/filleting station, with it’s own bar bench - perfect for sharing your stories from the day!

Maraehako Campground

For the ultimate Kiwi beachfront camping holiday, look no further than Maraehako Campground. Located just over an hours’ drive south from Ōpōtiki, this beautiful beachfront accommodation is the perfect place to wind down and relax with a good book. The beach is safe for swimming, so the kids will have hours of fun in and out of the water. Basic onsite facilities such as toilets and showers are available, but campers will need to bring their own methods for cooking - there is no kitchen facilities onsite. 

Tirohanga Beach Holiday Park

Passionate about remaining true to the traditional Kiwi camping holiday, Tirohanga Beach Holiday Park is a budget-friendly accommodation option on the East Coast. They have a great range of campsites, cabins, bunk rooms, and tourist flats available at affordable rates. Park facilities include: swimming pool, playground, volleyball and basketball courts, communal kitchen and bathroom blocks, beach access and a fish cleaning station. Tirohanga Beach Holiday Park is pet friendly, meaning you don’t have to leave your furry friends behind! Next door you’ll find the Tirohanga Beach Store which has everything you need for your camping holiday - and their fish and chips are fresh and available every day from midday.

Freedom camping

There are plenty of freedom camping sites along the beautiful East Coast but it is important that you have all the information and free permits required before setting up camp. Some of the top freedom camping sites include Tokomaru Bay, Blue Waters at Tolaga Bay, Kaiaua Beach, Pouawa Beach, and Turihaua Beach. 

Click here to find out everything you need to know about summer freedom camping in Tairāwhiti Gisborne.

Keen to discover more about Tairāwhiti Gisborne? Find out about all there is to see and do in the region and start dreaming about your East Coast getaway.

Want to take this map with you on your roadie? Bookmark this link now to have it ready at your fingertips at any time.