A Guide to Camping in Rotorua

Camping during your travels in Rotorua is a great way to get in touch with the awesome natural landscape that can be found there.

It is also a great option for accommodation if you are traveling on a budget.

In this guide, I will talk about some of my favorite camps in Rotorua.

And remember to practice, leave no trace principals while staying in camps that are in the wilderness.

Views like this, straight from the camper.

Okareka Campground

A popular spot with locals, Okareka campsite is a great campsite right on the shores of Lake Okareka.

If you have a tent, you can pitch it right on the grass next to the lake. If you have a camper, you can park up in the carpark and camp.

There is a camp shelter which you can cook under and vault toilets. There is no fresh water, but you can boil the lake water to use.

Like I said, this spot is popular with locals so can be quite busy during the day. There is also a spot near here where people who are seeking fun and adrenaline jump off a cliff into the lake below. So it can be a bit noisy during the day. But the views and the natural landscape around here make it worth camping here.

Pros

Cheap. $15 a night. But free if you have the DoC camp pass
Beautiful natural landscape. On a nice day, sunrises and sunsets are insanely beautiful here
Right next to the lake, so you can swim whenever

Cons

Can be noisy and busy on a summers day
Is a small campsite and you can not book, so first in first served. Better to arrive early here to secure your spot.

Where - 104/302 Millar Road, Lake Ōkareka, Rotorua 3076

Rerewhakaaitu, Ash Pit Road Campsite

This campsite is huge. It is a little further out of Rotorua, but the drive is worth it. Just because of how beautiful this spot is. Right on the shores of Lake Rerewhakaaitu where you can see all the wonderful bird life, hear the calls of the frogs at night and go for a swim in the clear lake water.

Nightly rate is $8 per night for an adult and free with the camp pass. You need to book this camp in advanced.

When I stayed, it was a little rowdy and noisy on Saturday night with some late night drinkers, but nothing too extreme. This is not regulated as there are no on-site camp managers to remind people to keep in down after 10pm. Also people really like jet skiing around these parts. Loudly.

There is a camping shelter here where you can cook, some pretty decent vault toilets, but no fresh water so make sure to bring your own or you can boil the lake water. My favorite thing about this camp is being able to listen to the ruru and the frogs as you drift to sleep.

Pros

Cheap
Great location
Beautiful wildlife around these parts
Can swim in the lake
Pretty decent toilets

Cons

Can be a bit rowdy at night during the weekend and holidays

Blue Lake Top 10

Situated across the road from the Blue Lake, this is a fun and chill camp to stay at. It is also a great place to camp if you have been camping at the cheaper places for a while as this camp has glorious hot showers to refresh in.

This Top 10 has a number of accommodation options ranging in price. From cabins to powered sites. There is something really for everyone. And yes, it is a bit expensive when you compare it to DoC sites, but sometimes you need a little night of luxury when you are camping. Top Ten Blue Lakes have kitchen, laundry and bathroom facilities. They also have a hot pool, a giant bouncing pillow and kayak and bike hire.

Pros

Right next to Blue Lake
Good facilities
Kayak hire
Friendly staff

Cons

A bit expensive
The bathrooms could be better
You have to hire out the kitchen things from reception

Where - 723 Tarawera Road, Lake Ōkareka, Rotorua 3040

The swimming pool at Rotorua Top 10 is great on a summers day.

Rotorua Top 10 Camp

Best Top 10 in New Zealand. Well, in regards to the ones I have seen. It is very very nice.

Situated in Rotorua central, right next to Kairua Park, it is a great location for you to base yourself while you explore Rotorua.

The camp has only been open for two years and you can see that in how shiny and lovely everything looks, it is not worn with time like some of the camps that have been open since the 90s. There is even a coffee machine and air fryer in the kitchen. Not to mention there is a swimming pool and two mineral hot pools to soak in. This place is great.

Pros

Central Location
Friendly staff
Excellent facilities
Hot pools and a swimming pool
Coffee machine
Lots of birds around

Cons

Can be a bit noisy at night due to being close to a road.