Best Camping Grounds In Wellington

With summer in full swing, there is no better way to enjoy the weather than with a few days away from the city and surrounded by nature.

Here, you can score a refreshing hit of nature by pitching up a tent for some peace and quiet.

Camping allows you to spend some one-on-one time with your old friend Mother Nature, reveling in all her graces.

Plus, there is something truly liberating about swimming in a lake and calling it a bath!

If you’re looking to add some serenity to your life, then you’re in the right place.

With this in mind, this article will explore all the best camping spots for you to explore in and around Wellington.

Whether you are a pitch-a-tent-up or a glamping-only type of person, then don’t worry, you’re sure to find something for you.

Let’s get started with some amazing Wellington campgrounds.

Great Wellington Campgrounds

Camp Elsdon

Located only 20 minutes away from Wellington, Camp Elsdon is the perfect place if you’re looking to explore everything this quirky capital has to offer.

Here, you enjoy everything city life has to offer while being able to retreat back to nature to enjoy the view and maintain your budget.

The campsite itself overlooks the turquoise waters of the Porirua harbor of Colonial Knob Reserve.

Therefore, you’re able to wake up to some spectacular scenery, as well as some beautiful native bird calls.

For anyone camping on a Saturday, make sure to stop by the Porirua Market to pick up some fresh Māori, Asian, and Pacific wonders before making your way downtown.

If city life isn’t something you’re after, then simply try your hand at fishing or boating down by the bay.

Here, you’ll find everything you need for an enjoyable experience, such as powered and unpowered sites, laundry and bathroom facilities, a kitchen, and even a playground.

Plus, simply let the campsite know beforehand and you can bring your pooch along for the trip.

Catchpool Valley

If the thought of having no phone reception for the entire weekend makes you want to cry, then you might want to stop reading now.

However, if you’re able to pry yourself from civilization for a few days, then this remote and scenic Catchpool Valley campsite is the perfect place for you to relax and wind down.

With just a short drive away from the bustling city, you’ll find yourself immersed in the Rimutaka forest park with nature all around you.

Here, birdlife is abundant, there are a number of bush walks, and the rivers are flowing freely.

Plus, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay, including flush toilets, free gas BBQs, and even hot showers!

The best part? Even your doggo can enjoy the camping holiday! Just make sure that they are kept on a leash.

Waimeha Camping Village

This two-hour drive to Cape Palliser is nothing short of beautiful. In fact, you’re sure to find it hard to put your camera down – this doesn’t get easier when you arrive at camp, either.

The camp itself is situated directly on the beach with beautiful views of the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific Ocean.

As soon as you arrive, you’ll get lost in the coastal splendor that Waimeha Camping Village has to offer.

This shiny new campground allows you to explore both the land and sea.

Here, you can choose to go surfing at Dee Dee’s break, cast a line at Ngawi fishing village, or hire a bike and cycle to the North Island’s largest fur seal colony or Cape Palliser lighthouse.

Then you can head back to the Waimeha Camping Village with a BBQ before the setting sun to look forward.

This campground has everything you need for an enjoyable camping experience, including laundry, kitchen, and kitchen facilities, powered and unpowered sites, a fish fileting station, a playground, and BBQs.

Lake Ferry

Another camping spot that is worth your visit while staying in Wellington is Lake Ferry – it is one of the most picture-perfect spots we have ever seen!

Here, you’ll find cute-as-a-button cabins with driftwood-scattered beaches nearby. It makes for the perfect destination to set up a couple of camp chairs before the setting sun.

All you have to do is load up the car with some good food, good company, and a cold bin stocked with beverages to spend an evening Kiwi-style.

Despite Lake Ferry Holiday Park being situated an hour and a half away from the city – it is certainly worth the extra effort.

Make sure to visit the Cape Palliser lighthouse during your stay. It isn’t too far away from the camp and makes for an impressive sight.

Kaitoke Regional Park Campground

Located only 45 minutes north of Wellington, you’ll find Kaitoke Regional Park which is spread along 2,800 hectares on the Tararua Range base.

Here, you’ll find everything from rolling bushland, a Hutt River gorge, rata and beech forests, and ancient rimu.

You can park your car along the Pakuratahi River before beginning your journey over the swing bridge to hike down woodland tracks or enjoy a dip in the glistening river pools.

For some amazing views of the Upper Hutt Valley, stop by the Ridge Track. Similarly, you can explore the locations that contributed as Rivendell in the Lord of the Rings films.

The spot is just as magical as it is in the film in real life!

At this campsite, you’re offered all the amenities you could need, including powered and unpowered sites, bathroom facilities, and BBQ stations.

Battle Hill

This is one of the best campsites for anyone looking to get completely immersed in all things nature.

Since there is no power on the campsite, campers are forced to spend some quality time with good ol’ Mother Nature.

No traffic, no hustle and bustle of the city, and no sirens, just you and nature. The only noises you’ll hear are beautiful bird songs and the trickle of a nearby stream.

It doesn’t get much more serene than this. Despite its disconnect from society, you don’t have to worry about having no running facilities.

In fact, there are flush toilets and drinking water available on-site since it is a DOC campsite. Plus, with only $8 per person, per night, this price tag is a steal!

At Battle Hill, you’re offered wide-open camping plots with tons of space for you to pitch your tent and explore with one or more of your friends.

For anyone looking to get completely in touch with their nature side, you can make a makeshift rock pool in the stream to keep you and your drinks cold.

Make sure to bring your BBQ that has been collecting dust in the back of your garage, spark it up, and get some sausages sizzling.

Holdsworth Campsite

Holdsworth is known to be the eastern gateway to Tararua Forest Park. Here, it covers over 116,000 hectares of land.

In fact, it is the largest conservation park situated on the North Island – it is as beautiful as it is large.

Thanks to the panoramic views, you can enjoy the tallest peaks in the Tararua Range. Here, you’ll discover short but sweet walks and challenging hikes all throughout the alpine forest.

This can all be accessed from the Holdsworth campsite. Here, you’ll find a jaw-dropping location with the stunning Atiwhakatu Stream bubbling throughout.

The well-maintained campsite provides you with quaint picnic tables and areas to enjoy a scenic swim – with tons of trout fishing opportunities nearby.

The best part? The campsite provides you with everything you need for an enjoyable stay, including bathroom and cooking facilities, unpowered sites, and a picnic area with incredible sights.

Paekakariki Holiday Park

The expansive hills of Paekakariki are something to look forward to on your drive to the campsite and back!

Here, you can enjoy your weekend tucked away in the mountains which are only moments away from the beach.

If you don’t fancy setting up a tent, then there are also cabins you can hire equipped with bunk beds.

Thanks to the easily accessible kitchenette, you don’t have to worry about searching for your barbeque. Instead, your weekend will be packed with relaxation with small eateries nearby, too.

As one of the best camping locations in Wellington, you can make the most of everything the coast has to offer by taking a wonderful walk around Paekakariki.

Here, you’ll find yourself high above the sea walking over a suspension swing bridge.

Final Thoughts

Wellington is a city known for its bustling and hipster city. However, located nearby are a ton of opportunities to enjoy everything the outdoors has to offer.

From towering mountains, glistening seas, and stunning forests, there is something for everyone – and it is all within a short distance of each other.

Hopefully, this guide has informed you on everything you need to know about the best camping grounds in Wellington.