The secret's out - discover members' favourite beach stops. 

We're lucky to have so many gorgeous beaches and there are loads of places where you can recharge and relax listening to the sound of the waves. Ready to explore? Here's some of our members' favourite beach go-tos. Where's your favourite? 

NZMCA Parks

Use our NZMCA app and online Travel Directory to discover our growing network of 54 NZMCA member-only Parks – 28 up north and 26 down south. 

You can stay for the very affordable rate of $5 per adult per night (children stay free). If you just need to use the facilities and you’re not staying the night, you can fill up with freshwater, empty out at the dump station, rubbish and recycling bins - all for free. And bonus – arrive and leave when you’re ready. There’s no check in or out time at our NZMCA Parks. 

Port Tarakohe NZMCA Park (Site ID 6021 ), Takaka 

Great place to stay. Walked along the pier and saw the bird life and penguin homes. Pohara Boat Club is great for a meal on Sundays. It's awesome we can use their showering and toilet facilities.

 

 

Southside NZMCA Park (Site ID 6718), Hokitika 

Easy walk to Hokitika town over the bridge and a good walk beside the river down to the back of the beach. Great swimming hole close to camp. Amazing cosy clubhouse with log fire, sofas, and sea views! More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Hokitika.

Gisborne NZMCA Park (Site ID 3569), Eastland 

A lovely place to stay with a grassy area and lots of Norfolk Pines for shade. Just over the road from a beautiful, dog-friendly beach and not too far away from the city - an easy walk and super easy bike ride. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Gisborne.

Rainbow Falls NZMCA Park (Site ID 228), Kerikeri  

Really beautiful, the whole park is pretty and the sound of the falls is very special. What a great place that's pet-friendly and lived up to its name - the rainbow was clearly seen and less than 100m from the camp. A lovely walk through the bush to the Stone Store.

 

Riversdale Beach NZMCA Park (Site ID 5118 ), Wairarapa

A wee gem and dog-friendly with a short walk to the huge sandy beach. The local store/ cafe sells the essentials and serves good coffee. Wake up to the sound of waves and birdsong. The playground across the road is fabulous when you have children/grandies on board.

Waihi Beach NZMCA Park (Site ID 2392), Central Bay of Plenty

Close to the beach and shops. Kids like watching the helicopters landing next door. Quiet place to stay with an easy walk to a great cafe and excellent fish and chips. There's a great cycle path opposite that takes you to Bowentown, which is also great for your furbaby. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Waihi.

Tokerua Beach NZMCA Park (Site ID 94), Far North

Easy to find and just a short walk to the beautiful beach with loads of tuatuas. Met some lovely people at happy hour. Swam at Tokerau. So handy to so many awesome bays and towns. Absolutely loved staying here.

 

 

Manganese Point NZMCA Park (Site ID 639), Whangarei 

A great place overlooking the harbour with lots of sheltered spots from the wind. Excellent views across the estuary, beautiful bird song and big mature trees. Picturesque and tranquil. Caught a snapper for dinner.  Love the book depot in the kiosk! More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Whangarei.

Otorohanga NZMCA Park (Site ID 1809), Waikato 

Lovely spot with a walking track behind and a dog exercise area beside. A 15 minute walk into town or bike on the riverside walkway. Lovely quiet spot, pet-friendly, lots of lovely walks (on and off lead areas) and it's central to Waitomo attractions. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Te Kuiti

Westport North Beach NZMCA Park (Site ID 6479), Buller 

Right on the beach with great walks and handy cycleways. Our dog loved the walks along the beach as much as we did. Friendly Weka's! Close to town but quiet, just fall asleep to the sound of the waves. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Westport.

Park Over Properties

Explore more of our big backyard and experience our unique NZMCA network of awesome overnight parking spots on private land throughout New Zealand. Choose from locations near sandy beaches; rivers and lakes; hilltop vistas; on a farm or vineyard; or stay, eat and play at an iconic Kiwi pub or near a local attraction. Find your favourite spots using our NZMCA app and online Travel Directory.

Herb & Pip Thomson-Chancet POP (Site ID 7073), Ward Beach 

Magnificent views over the beach and ocean. Quiet with lovely bird song in the morning, great beach walk to see the boulders and interesting rock formations. Thank you to the owners for a wonderful gift of their piece of paradise.

 

Dove Rest POP (Site ID 6279), Wakefield 

A gem of a place, level parking area in a beautiful valley. Great walk up the ridge behind the house through fantastic beech trees. 

Aramatai POP (Site ID 1888), Te Kuiti 

A very beautiful and peaceful place with a magnificent garden! We made a treasure hunt for the kids. Thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet. Smashing 1 hour return walk through the lanes and fields to the waterfall was an absolute bonus and the waterfall was breathtaking. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Te Kuiti

Kekerengu Store & Beach POP (Site ID 7082), Kekerengu

This campsite goes on and on in a strip along the coast. Even at Easter we found a little spot by ourselves right on the sea shore. Loved falling asleep to the sound of the surf crashing in close by. Excellent for the dogs, I think this is their favourite spot. The Store makes great coffee as well. Excellent views. Has it all. 

 

 

Star Tavern Cape POP (Site ID 6477), Foulwind  

Fabulous spot - super views of the lighthouse, rocks and crashing waves - real West Coast. Walk to the lighthouse for sunset views, and it's about an hour's easy undulating scenic walk to the Tauranga seal colony along that walkway too. The Star Tavern is an attraction in itself and well worth stopping in to chat with locals over a beer and great food.

Jim Mowat POP (Site ID 246), Russell

Walking distance to swimming beach and next to two beaches. Members enjoy Jim's great hospitality, looking for kiwis with the locals and walking up the hill - worth the walk with lovely views at the top.

Rata Hill POP (Site ID 6608), Barrytown  

What wonderful views and the sunsets are instaworthy! Members love recharging at this idyllic spot. Native bush at the back and ocean in the front. The view from the parking area was superb, with the Tasman Sea at its stormy best. A beautiful, tranquil wonderland. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Greymouth

 

 

Scotts Ferry Motor Camp POP (Site ID 4644), Scotts Ferry 

What a gem - a lovely, quiet little campground near a totally spectacular beach! Only five minutes easy walk from the end of the road, around a wetland conservation area, and over one smallish sand dune. Epic place and people.

Parklands Motel POP (Site ID 9091), Te Anau 

A fantastic location close to town and the i-site. Perfect if you're going on the Milford and Doubtful Sound trips. Great restaurants close by. Left our van parked here and walked the Kepler. Would also be a great start for the new lake to lake cycle way. 

Bayside POP (Site ID 320), Whangaruru 

A real treasure. Such a lovely tranquil place. The edge of the lawn is straight onto the beautiful beach that's great for swimming. Views to die for. Plenty of beach walking and other bays close by. We tried our hand at surf casting. Easy access to the water for your kayak or small boat.

Bev & Ted Vellenoweth POP (Site ID 3068), Opotiki 

This little POP is 'amazing'. Great setting right on the beach, safe and secure well off the main road. The fishing is great. Excellent location for those keen on ocean fishing with additional cleaning/washdown facilities provided.

Fernbrae Farms Ltd POP (Site ID 6006),  Collingwood 

If you like serenity in farmland, right beside the estuary, this is your place. Camped right by the beach. Kayaked out to the mussel farms and caught gurnard. Gathered mussels and cockles at low tide. Tama has a wealth of knowledge of the area.

The Back Paddock POP (Site ID 480),  Dargaville 

Wow what a beauty. Had the paddock to ourselves. Fantastic views and walk to beach. Was tempted to stay longer.

 

Kauri View Farm POP (Site ID 1187), Kaiaua 

Beautiful peaceful location with the beach across the road. Dog-friendly. Stunning views if you walk to the top of the fields. 

Waihopuhopu POP (Site ID 1202), Kaiaua 

What a stunning place with ocean views. Walk across the road and you're at the beach. Good fishing - we caught snapper and kahawai. Also loved the mandarins. 

Dolphin Lodge POP (Site ID 410), Opononi 

Great spot across the road from the beach overlooking the harbour and massive sand dunes. Awesome sunsets too! Easy 15 min walk to the pub and restaurants. Lovely walk along the beach to a cafe, ice cream and shop. Sue was full of local knowledge. 

 

 

Clifton Road Reserve POP (Site ID 3863),  Haumoana 

Wonderful seaside spot with a walking and biking track right on your doorstep. You can be right on the stony beach or sheltered amongst the trees. We got a spot right by the water. Great to hear the pounding of the waves lulling you to sleep. There’s a winery, 4square, coffee cart, and bar nearby. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Hastings

Keith Simon POP (Site ID 8424), Dunedin 

What a beautiful spot Taieri mouth is and, Keith’s place is a great place to stay. You actually camp on the beach foreshore. Great place to stay right by the beach and estuary for swimming and walks. The local little dog, Charlie, took me for a very nice early morning beach walk. Our dogs had a great time with Charlie. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Mosgiel

Koromiko POP (Site ID 6991), Koromiko 

Perfect spot to stay if you're catching the ferry. Central to explore great beaches like Whites Bay and Anakiwa. There are loads of day walks on the Queen Charlotte track. We went out each day on Beachcomber boats, walked and got picked up at the end.

CampSaver Camps

A great option if you’re travelling with kids, need power, a bigger shower, or access to their other convenient facilities – without breaking the bank. You’re spoilt for choice with more than 80 camps nationwide. There’s no minimum night’s stay and you’ll save heaps. Use our NZMCA app or online Travel Directory to find all our CampSaver camps and see what rate and peak exclusion dates apply. You’ll save either 25% OR only pay a fixed rate of $22 for two adults ($18 for one), which applies to a vehicle, per night, on a powered site. 

Pakawau Beach Park (Site ID 6003), Nelson/ Tasman  

Fantastic beachfront location yet sheltered from the wind. Awesome views overlooking Pakawau beach with long walks in either direction and good for paddle boarding. Lots to do nearby. Check out the Geoduck clams. Fabulous scenery that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

Ruakaka Beach Holiday Park (site ID 657), Northland  

Such a big camp on the sea and estuary. Good long walks, beautiful scenery and lots of birds - Tuis finches and endangered shore birds. Wow! Just wow! Our beach view from our caravan is as good as it gets. Very quiet and relaxing. Just a minute's stroll from the beach. Recharged us after a hectic few days. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Whangarei

Island View Holiday Park (Site ID 2998), Eastern Bay of Plenty 

Right on a fabulous beach with a dog area right next to it! The camp is so laid back, very dog-friendly, and has excellent facilities including a swimming pool and tennis. Awesome ice cream and coffee. The Bali showers are a highlight and very accessible. The boardwalk and cycleway to the pipi beds starts in the camp.

Clifton Beach Reserve Motor Camp (Site ID 3869), Hawke's Bay 

A beautiful and quiet camp. I loved to be parked right at the water's edge. Falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the waves was very calming. Was lovely sitting beachfront and watching the boats come and go. 

 

Tinopai Community Camping Ground (Site ID 747), Northland 

This is a great little camp; we parked right by the sea wall with superb views of the sunrise and the many birds foraging around the rocks. Our small dog was also welcomed. Drive down to the wharf if you like fishing. Lovely oysters on the rocks too.

Waiau Motor Camp (Site ID 7252), North Canterbury  

Lovely little campsite if you’re exploring the Inland Kaikoura Route. Enjoyed the short river track and heritage walks. There's a swimming pool over the road and lots of fun activities all within easy walking distance. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Coromandel

Marahau Beach Camp (Site ID 6084), Nelson/Tasman

Found plenty to do - walked through to Apple Tree Beach, biked to Split Apple Rock and Kaiteriteri beach walks. Everywhere dog friendly including the Hooked Cafe where the staff made him most welcome with a bowl of cold water.

Long Bay Motor Camp & Cabins (Site ID 1953), Hauraki Coromandel

Great beachfront camp set on one of the most beautiful beaches in The Coromandel. Easy access to walks, fishing, and The Coromandel. Dogs don't have to be on the leash all the time. The walk at the end of the camp is just pure magic! More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Coromandel. 

Greymouth Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels (Site ID 6642), West Coast

Lovely clean and quiet campsite just across from the beach. Can lie in bed in listen to the waves! More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Greymouth

Tangimoana Motor Camp (Site ID 4650), Manawhenua

The camp is immaculately clean with powered sites and all-day sun. There are nice walks and bike rides nearby. The dairy is only 5 minutes walk away - very friendly service and delicious fish n chips.

 

Moeraki Village Holiday Park (Site ID 8295), Otago  

Absolutely beautiful spot! Great views of the bay, close to pub, fish shop, and children's playground. It's a lovely walk along the beach and coastal path to the Moeraki Boulders. Fantastic value with CampSaver. 

Kai Iwi Beach Holiday Park (Site ID 4568), Whanganui  

Close to the beach and Whanganui. Family-friendly with a nice lil cafe selling ice creams, coffee, and fish n chips. So much to do - large playground, safe swimming streams and bridges, and great beach walks in a little seaside settlement. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Whanganui

Pakiri Beach Holiday Park (Site ID 838) 

Brilliant location that feels somewhat off the beaten track. Very peaceful and great views next to a gorgeous beach and estuary. The estuary was full of birds including spoonbills, herons, stilts, kingfisher and many more.  

 

 

Hahei Beach Resort (Site ID 2060), Hauraki Coromandel 

Amazing location right on the golden sand, safe swimming beach. Big camp with everything you need and more. Very dog and family-friendly. Easy walk to Cathedral Cove. Check out Shakespeare Lookout.

Freedom Camping

Use our NZMCA app or online Travel Directory to find out if there are any restrictions e.g max. nights stay or vehicle numbers before you go. Check the comments section for member intel about access, site conditions, facilities and popularity.

Dotterel Point Reserve (Site ID 2683), Central Bay of Plenty 

Fabulous quiet spot right next to the beach and surf club with toilets and outside shower. Stunning sea views from both sides. Easy beach access for walking, swimming, and fishing. No dogs on the main beach (nesting Dotterel). You can walk dogs further down the beach. 

 

South End Reserves (Site ID 2142), Hauraki Coromandel

What a cracking spot with beachfront views. This place is magical. Access to several walks and the beach is right there. The vistas are fantastic and the hike to the top of the hill is well worth the effort. Great cycling and hiking, local cafes and shops, and a very welcoming community.

All Day Bay (Site ID 8265), South Canterbury 

Lovely spot on the beach and surrounding views, great for the dog to have a good run. Lovely golden sand beach to walk on. Go right to the end and up the ramp to join a reserve, then use the footpath to the bridge and over to the small shop and bottlestore on the other side to grab something local. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Oamaru

Haumoana Domain (Site ID 3838), Hawke's Bay  

Very nice spot, close to a stony beach for walking and fishing, estuary and bike trails. Felt secure and secluded. Great limestone walkway and two very nice wineries within a stone's throw. Outdoor shower, pet-friendly and easy beach access. 

BMX Pump Track Carpark Marine Parade (Site ID 3792), Hawke's Bay

Loved the front row view of the pebbly beach and activity on the walkway. Super central location. Handy to everything: shops, cafes, Mcleans Park, the aquarium, and mini golf. Quick bike ride to town and pleasant 30 min walk to the Soundshell. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Napier

 

Ngawi Camping Area (Site ID 5172), Wairarapa

Unique and remote spot right in Ngawi just above the rocky beach. Well worth the scenic drive. The perfect midway location when you're visiting the lighthouse and Pinnacles walk. Remote but everything you need is right there.

Wairoa Reserve (Site ID 4546), Whanganui

Fantastic spot overlooking the black sand beach back towards the wind turbines. It's so beautiful and quiet - only the sound of crashing waves. Members love the great sunsets, playground and an easy walk to fun caves to explore when it's low tide. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Whanganui

Paparoa Point (Site ID 7133), Kaikoura

Such a beautiful spot with great sea views and sunrises. Lovely to see the seals frolic in the pools and Mummy seals watching their babies play. Just off the main road but it's quiet at night. Lovely spot to rest with a view of a beautiful waterfall on the hillside. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Kaikoura

Motukaraka Point Reserve (Site ID 5256), Wellington

Fabulous sunsets across the inlet. The Te Ari Piko Pathway connects to each end of the reserve and is a lovely meander around the north side of the inlet, we spotted royal spoonbills feeding at low tide.

Maraetotara Reserve (Site ID 2946), Eastern Bay of Plenty

Quiet ocean front location. A great spot right by a good swimming beach and close to the shops. Lovely views - a beautiful site with easy access, grass on one side, beach volleyball courts in front, and the beach on the other side.

Pohutukawa Park (Site ID 2361), Hauraki Coromandel

Gorgeous spot right by a world-class beach. Lovely takeaways across the street. Highly recommend the walk to Orokawa Bay! More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Coromandel

Marine Parade Carpark (2) (Site ID 5219), Paraparaumu Beach, Wellington

Right on the beachfront with a wonderful sea view and sunset right from our back window. Great spot to stay if you're going to Kapiti Island or catching the ferry. Lovely, long sandy beach with picnic tables and a grass berm. Shops and cafes close by. 

Island View Reserve (Site ID 2271), Whangamata

Lovely quiet spot with a short walk to a beautiful light sandy beach. Great playground for kids. Easy 15 min walk to the dairy and fish n chip shop. The surf is the best I've found to body surf and the beach is very flat for walking and jogging. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Whangamata

 

Kairakau Beach Campsite (Site ID 3890), Hawke's Bay 

Amazing, relaxing and quiet spot right on the beach. A great out-of-the way retreat with excellent fishing. Walk up the hill for a beach-wide view. Definitely worth the walk to the waterfall. Beautiful view of the beach and ocean. Bliss!

Pohowera South Bay (Site ID 7173), Marlborough

Super spot. Amazing sea views, sunsets and seeing dolphins playing in the ocean. Easy walk to town. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Kaikoura

Opoutama Beach Reserve (Site ID 3604), Eastland  

This is a gem. Flat grass area for parking right on the beach. Not far from the viewing spot to see the Rocket Lab launches. Loved walking the beach and watching the surfers. Recommend you explore Mahia Peninsula's beautiful farmlands.