Top 3 Golden Bay Camping Grounds with water views

Golden Bay, one of the most gorgeous regions in New Zealand’s South Island, is a natural haven that offers a perfect camping getaway. These past four years, we have visited the area eight times! We love Golden Bay, and we love exploring the campgrounds. This article shares our top 3 Golden Bay camping grounds with you. They all have water views!

Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park isn’t just a campground; it’s your coastal sanctuary. Imagine waking up to the sound of the waves and ocean views from your tent or van site.

With modern amenities and a communal kitchen, it strikes the perfect balance between convenience and coastal tranquillity. 

Just a 10-minute drive from Takaka, it’s a perfect base for exploring the natural wonders of Golden Bay. 

Additionally, Abel Tasman National Park is only 30 minutes away.

Why Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park is one of the best Golden Bay holiday parks   

This campground steals the limelight when it comes to the best campgrounds in Golden Bay. 

We absolutely love camping on the beachfront. 

However, when we want more comfort and amenities, we stay in the park’s beachfront cabins, offering breathtaking water views.

Offering a prime location steps across the golden sands of Pohara Beach, this beach retreat is the perfect base for exploring Golden Bay highlights such as Wainui Falls and some of the best Golden Bay walks.

However, we wouldn’t blame you if you want to spend the day sunning on the beach, taking beach walks and having a BBQ at the camp. We make sure we always allocate at least one day just for this.

Pohara Beach Top 10 Holiday Park Facilities

Park facilities include several shower and toilet blocks, kitchens and dining areas, BBQ areas and a laundry room.

Additionally, the considerable kids’ facilities include a large playground with slides, a space net, swings and jumping pillow, table tennis, TV, and a games room.

To top it off, this Golden Bay holiday camp offers direct beach access and a boat ramp. 

Unlimited free WiFi is available for all guests.

Address: 809 Abel Tasman Drive, Pohara.

Collingwood Holiday Park Golden Bay

Our second favourite Golden Bay campground is the Collingwood Holiday Park. 

It is conveniently located halfway between the attractions at Takaka and Pohara and the adventures to Farewell Spit and Wharariki Beach.

The holiday park offers a mix of accommodations, such as beachfront campervan sites, tent camping in the park-like grounds and snug cabins, all with access to a private beach.

Why Collingwood Holiday Park has some of the best camping in Golden Bay

Beyond inexpensive snug cabins with water views and shared facilities, this campground offers the ultimate in waterfront camping. We’re talking about being right on the riverbank at the mouth of the river, meeting the sea. It isn’t just a stay; it’s an experience.

Think epic bush-clad mountain views and lazy afternoons on the waterfront waiting for the phenomenal sunsets and beach walks.

Moreover, you can wake up early and enjoy the sunrise from the sea.

Additionally, New Zealand fur seals frequent the banks of the river. While we can’t promise they will be there when you visit, we would return just to have that cute seal sitting all day just metres from our campervan site. What an occasion!

To top it all off, Collingwood Holiday Park is just a minute’s walk from the village centre. Collingwood offers quirky cafes, museums and a pub with water views.

The campground is approximately 21 kilometres from Takaka and a similar distance to Farewell Spit.

Collingwood Holiday Park Facilities

Park Facilities include free hot showers, two kitchens, laundry facilities and a TV room.

There is WiFi for guests and a book swap library.

Best of all is the river frontage and the beach access.

Address: 6 William Street, Collingwood.

Golden Bay Holiday Park

This Golden Bay camp ground is where the bush meets the sea. Nestled around 18 kilometres from Takaka, it offers a rustic escape surrounded by the captivating natural beauty of the Nelson Tasman region. 

The campground is huge! We were there mid-December 2023, and the staff told us the campground was completely booked from December 2023 to late January 2024. So make sure to book ahead during the summer school holidays. (The same applies to other Golden Bay camping grounds.)

Basic facilities align with the spirit of genuine camping, perfect for those seeking an authentic connection with nature. 

However, cabins or beachfront apartments with water views are available for those seeking luxury accommodation.

New Zealand South Island Travel Insider Tip: Some campsites are beachfront, so if you book in advance, you can try to reserve one of these premium sites. 

Why Golden Bay Holiday Park is the best campground in Golden Bay

These Golden Bay camp sites offer rustic charm and captivate with their proximity to the beach. It’s not just a camping spot; it’s a perfect holiday retreat where you could spend all day immersing yourself in nature and the camp experience.

Nevertheless, the campground is in a central location between the adventures of Farewell Spit and the Takaka/ Pohara area, with some of Golden Bay’s best beaches.

The jaw-dropping beauty of this campground and the isolation are what make this one of the top Golden Bay camping grounds.

Golden Bay Holiday Park Facilities

The park has two kitchen blocks and two shower/toilet blocks. Additionally, there is a lounge offering a dining area and TV.

A picturesque bush walk is available alongside a stream along the boundary. 

There is also beach access for safe swimming and a boat ramp.

Additionally, if you’re after dog friendly camping Golden Bay Holiday Park offers it during the months of February to November.  

Address: 99 Tukurua Road, Parapara

The Best Campsites Golden Bay Offers

What did you think? Are you inspired to visit? 

While these three campgrounds are our favourites, all Golden Bay campgrounds are particularly special in that they allow visitors to immerse themselves fully in the area’s natural beauty.

Golden Bay has numerous campgrounds, each offering a unique experience. From the stunning ocean views to the tranquil sounds of the forest, there is something for everyone. 

Whether hiking on one of the stunning walks or lounging by the sea, Golden Bay camping grounds provide a perfect base as well as a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the peacefulness of nature.

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