East Cape
Run by the same hapu (subtribe) as Maraehako Bay Retreat next door, this casual campground offers clean toilets, showers, pohutukawa trees and beachfront…
Must-see hotels in North Island
Coromandel Peninsula
At Stony Bay, where the east coast road terminates, there’s a DOC campsite with toilets and cold-water showers, and a small DOC-run bach (holiday home)…
Bay of Plenty
Bright, clean Eastland is a well-kept motel with units that are simple but pleasantly kitted out. Some have spa baths and, at $175, the two-bedroom units…
Hauraki Gulf Islands
Hidden among the trees, this three-bedroom house offers sea views, birdsong and solar power. Arm yourself with a glass of wine and stake a place on the…
Taranaki & Whanganui
A basic self-contained cottage next to the owner's house, just south of Atene. You can also park your campervan or pitch a tent in the adjacent paddock…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
All the spacious units in this chalet-style motel are immaculately maintained and have double spa baths and decent kitchens. It’s a 10-minute walk to town.
Coromandel Peninsula
Strangely planted in a suburban neighbourhood, this small holiday park is comfortable and clean, with playgrounds, trampoline, swimming pool and pool…
Bay of Islands
Under tall trees by a set of shallow rapids on the Waitangi River, 7km down Puketona Rd, this holiday park has excellent cabins, units and shady campsites.
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
A slick purpose-built hostel 1km from the village with a warm welcome, a warmer wood fire in the woody lounge area, and an outdoor pool and tennis court.
The Far North
This old-style brick motel on the outskirts of town has clean and tidy units with full kitchens. There's also a barbecue area and swing set for the kids.
Auckland
This minimotel has two units in the tidy back garden. They’re modern, clean, self-contained and in a quiet location close to Devonport's attractions.
Coromandel Peninsula
This upmarket backpacker-motel combo has its own gold mine, glowworm cave, small heated swimming pool and spa. The 2nd-floor units have harbour views.
Coromandel Peninsula
The small DOC-run Fantail Bay campsite, 23km north of Colville, has running water and a couple of long-drop toilets under the shade of puriri trees.
North Auckland
This complex offers spacious, self-contained apartments, and the downstairs units have gardens and spa baths. It's only a few metres from the beach.
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
A quiet, well-maintained camping ground with lots of green, green grass. The emphasis is on tents and vans here, but the cabins and units are fine.
Waiheke Island
In Whakanewha Regional Park, this pretty but basic waterfront camping ground has toilets, outdoor cold showers, gas barbecues and drinking water.
Coromandel Peninsula
There’s a large DOC campsite at Waikawau Bay, which has a summer-only store. Campsite facilities include flush toilets and cold-water showers.
Coromandel Peninsula
The Fletcher Bay Backpackers is a simple affair that has four rooms with four bunks in each. Bring sheets and food. It’s 37km from Colville.
Waihi Beach Top 10 Holiday Resort
Coromandel Peninsula
This massive, resort-style holiday park is pretty darn flash, with a pool, gym, spa, beautiful kitchen and a smorgasbord of sleeping options.
Bay of Islands & Northland
Just west of town, this older but renovated motel has 14 well-kept units with fridges, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and ample parking.
Hamilton
Simple cabins and leafy sites are the rule at this shady park. It’s reasonably close to town (2km east of the centre) and very affordable.
Coromandel Peninsula
Around 30km north of Colville is the Port Jackson campsite, a large DOC site right on the beach with running water and barbecue facilities.
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
Wake up to a bird orchestra among the oaks at this site equipped with a grass tennis court, gym and hot pool, 2km southeast of town.
Coromandel Peninsula
A friendly and grassy park with the bonus of an on-site craft brewery. What’s not to like?
Bay of Plenty
This simple motel offers neat rooms with CD players, kitchenettes and a heated pool. The namesake views extend over the back fence.
Bay of Islands
Surrounded by tropical plants, this convivial backpackers’ stalwart has cute cabins, free bikes, free breakfast and a good vibe.
North Auckland
Taking up a large chunk of the beach’s south end, this well-kept park has excellent facilities but road noise can be a problem.
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
Rustic but comfortable accommodation around the halfway point of the Timber Trail. It gets rave reviews for its home cooking.
The Far North
Opting for a breezy Spanish style, this tidy motel has well-kept units set among palm trees and lawns, with a swimming pool.
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
Located in the Whareorino Forest, the 16-bunk DOC-run Leitch’s Hut is hiker-friendly, with a toilet, water and wood stove.
DOC Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite
The Far North
Down the eastern end of long, lovely Spirits Bay, this conservation-department campsite has flush toilets and cold showers.
Parnell & Newmarket
More than 100 motel rooms and units are available in this renovated complex. The newer north wing has great harbour views.
City Centre & Britomart
Clean and brightly painted, this 170-bed YHA has a friendly vibe, good security, a games room and lots of lockers.
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
It’s not the most attractive locale, but this friendly park’s tidy facilities include a fitness centre and sauna.
The Far North
Situated by the estuary at the east end of pretty Tapotupotu Bay. Expect flush toilets, cold showers and little else.
Coromandel Peninsula
Dickey’s Flat has a free DOC campsite and a decent swimming hole. River water will need to be boiled for drinking.
Rotorua & the Bay of Plenty
Simple camping on the eastern shore of Lake Tarawera, at the point where the Tarawera River pours from the lake.
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
Above the village, the Mokau Motel offers fishing advice, self-contained units and three luxury suites.
Auckland
Head up the garden path to your own cute and cosy self-contained cottage. Weekly rates are available.
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
Old-fashioned but reasonably priced and tidy units with kitchenettes, right in the centre of town.
