Waikato - Middle-earth Meets the Surf Coast

Waikato offers a landscape that feels both familiar and fantastical. Lush, rolling green hills (the Shire!) dominate the inland, while the west coast is home to rugged black sand beaches and some of the longest surf rides on the planet.

For campers, this region is incredibly accessible. You can park your campervan right at the Waitomo Top 10 (walking distance to the caves), stay at a laid-back surf camp in Raglan, or enjoy freedom camping spots along the banks of the Waikato River.

Why Go Camping Here?

• Hobbiton Movie Set: The actual movie set used in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Camping nearby in Matamata means you can take the first tour of the day before the crowds arrive.

• Waitomo Caves: A labyrinth of underground caves lit by thousands of glowworms. It’s a magical experience you can’t find anywhere else.

• Raglan: A cool, bohemian surf town famous for its coffee, arts, and the legendary left-hand break at Manu Bay.

• Hamilton Gardens: Not your average botanical garden. It features themed enclosed gardens ranging from Italian Renaissance to Surrealist and Traditional Māori.

Must-Do Camping Activities

• Black Water Rafting: Put on a wetsuit, grab a rubber tube, and float through the underground rivers of Waitomo beneath a "sky" of glowworms.

• Surf at Ngarunui Beach: The main beach at Raglan is perfect for learning to surf (or watching the pros at the nearby point breaks).

• Walk the Blue Spring (Te Waihou): A stunningly clear freshwater spring where the water is so pure it looks vivid blue.

• Cycle the Waikato River Trails: A 100km trail system following New Zealand’s longest river, passing hydro dams and suspension bridges.

• Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari: Visit this mainland ecological island to see native birds like Takahe and Kākā thriving in a predator-free forest.