A few weeks ago, I asked the 14,000 members of the Facebook group Motorhome Friends New Zealand for recommendations for campgrounds that have powered sites that are absolute waterfront. 

I love nothing more than being parked right by the water – the closer, the better. I often end up choosing freedom camping spots because they have better views. However, given the current situation, I want to do my part to support local tourism businesses – and I also find having power makes life in the van a bit easier in winter.  

Luckily, it turns out that there are quite a few campgrounds to choose from that have POWERED sites with uninterrupted views of oceans, lakes, rivers and estuaries. 

Here is a full list of all the ones I’m aware of so far. The ones marked with an * are campgrounds I have been to myself and can confirm that they do have powered sites that are ABSOLUTE waterfront. I can’t vouch for the ones I haven’t been to, so can’t guarantee this list is accurate – visit them at your own risk :)

If you know of any other campgrounds with waterfront POWERED sites, it would be great if you could let me know so I can add them to the list. Email me at lisa@lifedonedifferently.com or leave a comment below.  

NOTE: This list is specifically about campground that have powered sites in ultimate waterfront locations. There are many more spots with great views that don’t have powered site but they are not included on this list :)

Some of the camps listed here only have a small number of waterfront sites so make sure you ask for them when you book. 

Northland

• Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park*

• Matauri Bay Holiday Park

• Tauranga Bay Holiday Park*

• Paihia Top 10 Holiday Park

• Whangaruru Beach Front Motor Camp

• Bland Bay Motorcamp

• Ruakaka Holiday Park

• Waitangi Holiday Park

• Tinopai Community Camping Ground

• Pahi Campground - Kaipara Harbour

Auckland

• Takapuna Holiday Park*

• Orewa Top 10 Holiday Park*

• Sandspit Holiday Park

• Martins Bay Holiday Park

• Whangateau Holiday Park* 

Waikato

• Willowhaven Holiday Park (Rotorua)*

• Hahei Holiday Resort (Coromandel)

• Long Bay Motor Camp (Coromandel)*

• Motutere Bay Top 10 Holiday Park (Lake Taupo)

• Papa Aroha Motor Camp (Coromandel) 

Bay of Plenty

• Island View Holiday Park (Opotiki)

• Mt Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park

• Waihi Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

• Ohiwa Beach Holiday Park

• Papamoa Beach Holiday Park 

• Bowentown Holiday Park 

• Murphys Holiday Camp

• Ohope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

• Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park

Gisborne 

Hawkes Bay

Taranaki

• Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park (New Plymouth)*

• Oakura Beach Holiday Park*

• Opunake Beach Kiwi Holiday Park

• Tainui-Wetere Domain

• Seaview Holiday Park Mokau

Whanganui-Manawatu

• Dudding Lake Motorcamp 

Wellington 

• Castlepoint Holiday Park*

Marlborough

• Peketa Beach Holiday Park (Kaikoura)

• Momorangi Bay Campground

• Tahuna Holiday Park (Nelson)

Nelson-Tasman

• Pakawau Beach Park (Golden Bay)

• Mapua Leisure Park

• Collingwood Holiday Park

• Golden Bay Holiday Park

West Coast

• Ross Beach Top10 Holiday Park

• Rapahoe Bay Holiday Park

• Punakaiki Beach Camp

Canterbury

• Duvauchelle Holiday Park

• Lake Tekapo Holiday Park

Otago

• Moeraki Village Holiday Park

• Glendhu Motor Camp (Lake Wanaka)

• Lake Waihola Holiday Park 

Southland