Types of Camping in Waipa District

Camping in the Waipā District is regulated by Reserve Management Plan policies for each park and reserve. Freedom camping covers two different types of camping; contained camping and conventional camping.

  • Contained camping refers to self-contained motor homes and camper vans that require self-containment certification.
  • Conventional camping refers to any tent, caravan or other vehicle that does not need to be certified as a self-contained unit.

Contained Camping Guidelines

Enjoy your stay at one of our camping areas and respect our guidelines.

A maximum stay of two consecutive nights.
Park only in the designated parking area.
Please take all your litter with you.
Fires are not permitted on any public conservation land including parks, reserves, campgrounds or DOC Areas.
Dogs must be on a lead at all times when on Council parks and reserves, unless the areas are designated otherwise.
If you see there is more than the allocated number of campers at a site, please move on to another available campground.

Where you can dump waste:

Matos Segedin Dr, Cambridge 3495, New Zealand (open map)

Free Camping Sites

Karapiro and Arapuni Lakeside Camping

  • Contained camping: up to two consecutive nights stay permitted
  • Conventional camping: no conventional overnight camping on any lakeside reserve permitted

Access:

  • Arapuni Landing access via Arapuni Landing Road off Te Ana Road (142 Arapuni Road, Wharepapa south. A quiet spot with amazing views. Public toilets
  • Bulmer’s Landing access via Bulmer’s Road, Wharepapa South. Another beautiful campsite, right on the waters edge. A peaceful paradise.
  • Moana Roa Recreational Reserve access via State Highway 1, approx 17 km south of Cambridge. Toilets and a fresh water tap
  • Keeley Recreational Reserve access via State Highway 1, another beautiful Lake karapiro campsite and a great spot to launch your boat.
  • Horahora Domain 2307 Maungatautari Road.

Other Freedom Camping sites in Waipa District

Paid Sites: Powered and Non-Powered Available

Reservations for all paid sites can be made through Cambridge isite Visitor Information Centre.

Book Now

Phone. 07 823 3456
Email: info@cambridge.co.nz

Cambridge Raceway

Cambridge Raceway is available for New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Members

The Raceway has non-powered overnight stay parking for NZMCA members only.  $10.00 per van, per night, with payment to be made at the Clubhouse – which is on site at the Raceway. Secure parking, fresh drinking water, pets on lead are allowed. Download parking & Freshwater map HERE.  The park will generally be available all year, including on race days but there are some exceptions. To check availability, text STAY to 4989 or phone 0274 888 454  For more information visit www.cambridgeraceway.co.nz

Lake Karapiro Mighty River Domain

Address: 601 Maungatautari Road, Maungatautari, New Zealand
Phone: 07 827 4178
Email: info@lakekarapiro.co.nz
Web: lakekarapiro.co.nz

Cambridge Top 10 Holiday Park

  • Non powered camping sites (from $30 NZD p/n)
  • Sit back, relax and enjoy a free hot shower. Spacious sites with all year-round option within a 5-minute walk to the fabulous five stags restaurant and Leamington shopping centre.
  • Powered Camper van/tent sites (from $35 NZD p/n)
  • Free wifi and hot showers and a short stroll to cafes, restaurants, walking and bike trails.

Location: 32 Scott Street Cambridge
Phone: 07 8275 649
Email: info@cambridgeholidaypark.co.nz
Website: top10.co.nz/park/cambridge-top-10

Narrows Park

Powered sites (26)  and camp sites are offered when they are not holding events or hosting groups. Please call ahead.
Facilities for campers include a shared kitchen, covered deck, washrooms and hot showers, pool, coin laundry, WIFI vouchers, wood fired BBQ’s.
* Kids under 5 are free at Narrows.

Location: 442 Airport Road, Tamahere
Phone: 07 843 6862
Email: lovetostay@narrowspark.co.nz
Web: narowspark.co.nz

You can also visit the Campermate.co.nz website – it is packed full of helpful camping and RV-specific information, plus thousands of tips from other travellers, it’s the one app you don’t want to leave home without.


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New Zealand's central North Island

Cambridge is close to some of New Zealand's major international attractions like Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Hamilton Gardens and Tauranga. Yet with plenty of unique local attractions, events and dining options - and a friendly, relaxed town ambience - you may not want to leave!


Attractions Map

Sanctuary Mountain

30 min

Hamilton Gardens

15 min

Cambridge i-Site

Tauranga

1 hr

Waitomo Caves

50 min

Auckland

1 hr 45 min

Raglan

1 hr

Rotorua

1 hr

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