Whether you’re a regular bushie, or just looking for a way to get the family out of the house for the school holidays, there's no better time to swap the city streets for the great outdoors. A weekend spent pitching a tent under the stars easily beats pitching your next project to the boss… and Mother Nature is sure to be better company. Ditch the nine to five and take some time to reconnect—trust us, there’s something liberating about swimming in a river and calling it a bath.
We’ve rounded up a list of the best camp sites around Wellington for anyone looking for a taste of the rugged tent life—with a little something for our glamping-only buddies too.
Check out these epic Wellington camp grounds.
Catchpool Valley Campsite
Ōrongorongo Valley
If the idea of no phone reception for a weekend makes you want to cry, stop reading now. But if you’re willing to unplug for a few days, the remote and scenic Catchpool Valley campsite could be just the reset you’ve been craving. Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find yourself in the Rimutaka forest park surrounded by nature—the birdlife is abundant, the rivers are flowing nearby, and there are a number of great bushwalks close too. Reopening from Labour weekend onwards after its winter closure, Catchpool Valley has everything you need to make your stay comfortable. They may not have a cell tower, but with free gas BBQ’s, flush toilets, and hot showers, you’ll hardly be roughing it. The best part—as long as they’re on a leash, your doggo can join in on the fam camping trip too.
Insider Intel
- Cost: From $5
- Pets: On-leash only
- Fires: No
- Distance: 1hr from Wellingto
Lake Ferry
Lake Ōnoke
You can’t say you’ve truly experienced Wellington if you haven’t spent a night at Lake Ferry Holiday Park. This is one of the most picture-perfect camping holiday destinations we’ve ever seen. Picture generously sized sites, cute-as-a-button cabins, a driftwood scattered beach and a perfect spot for a couple of camp chairs in the sunset. Load up the car with some good company, some good food, a chilly bin full of coldies and get on the road to Lake Ferry. This holiday park is only an hour and a half from the city, but it’ll feel like a world away. If you’re looking for things to do during your stay, Cape Palliser lighthouse isn’t too far away and is definitely worth a visit too.
Insider Intel
- Cost: $50 – $85
- Pets: Yes
- Fires: No
- Distance: 2hrs from Wellington
Battle Hill
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park
This one’s for campers keen to get immersed in nature. For those chasing the off-grid feeling, Battle Hill Farm Forest Park delivers. With no power, it’s the perfect excuse to unplug—swap the buzz of city sirens for birdsong and the soft trickle of a stream. This is the kind of back-to-nature escape that makes you slow down and breathe deeper. Facilities are minimal, just drinking water and flush toilets, but that’s all part of the charm. Camping here is run on a simple first-come, first-served basis—so no need to bother with booking, just pay at the machine by the Homestead Information Centre when you arrive. Battle Hill has wide open-air space and plenty of room for you to pitch a tent or two for yourself and your friends. We recommend making a makeshift rock pool in the stream to keep you (and your drinks) cool as the weather heats up.
Insider Intel
- Cost: $8 per night per adult ($4 per night per child, and $20 per night per horse)
- Pets: Yes
- Fires: Yes unless a fire-ban is in place, must be set on approved fire pads.
- Distance: 40 mins from Wellington
Paekakariki Holiday Park
Paekakariki
The sheer hills of Paekakariki as you drive in and out of Wellington are only the start of the picturesque wonders Paekakariki Holiday Park has in store for you. Spend your weekend nestled below those mountains, just moments from the beach cosied up in your tent—or if you’re not so keen on the whole setup/pack up thing, there are also cabins for hire—nostelgic bunk beds included. Oh, and just to relive that childhood a little more, they’ve got one of those jumping pillows we all used to be obsessed with. A handy kitchenette means you can skip packing the barbie, or you can make it a true break-from-reality and sample some of the local eateries nearby. While your there, why not make the most of what the coast has to offer and take on the fantastic and popular Paekākāriki Escarpment Track, where you’ll find yourself high above sea level and at one point, suspended on a swing bridge.
Insider Intel
- Cost: $25 – $130 per night
- Pets: Yes, within designated pet friendly caravan/tent area
- Fires: No
- Distance: 40 mins from Wellington
Kaitoke Forest
Pakuratahi River
Round up the crew and drive only 40 minutes from the city where you’ll find yourself amongst the lush greens of Kaitoke Forest. You may feel as though you’re far off the beaten track, but with BBQ and toilet facilities, power sockets and covered seating, you’re all set to settle into your home-away-from-home. With a generous amount of space, pitch your tent in the shade on one of the first-come first-served sites, and then lay back and relax by the river after a full day's work while the kids have a paddle. Fires are permitted on the river bed and we can hear the sizzle of smores are calling our name. Top Tip: Don’t forget the mosquito spray, you may need it.
Insider Intel
- Cost: $25 – $130 per night
- Pets: Yes, but must be in control at all times and remain on-leash in all areas undergoing pest control
- Fires: Yes, on riverbed away from tents
- Distance: 40 mins from Wellington
Dirt Farm
Tararua Ranges on the Kapiti Coast
If deflating airbeds, tinned food, tent set-up and camp chairs are not your idea of a good time, glamping will be right up your alley—it’s the camping experience, without losing all your modern comforts. An hour drive away from the city will take you to one of Wellington's finest camping spots—Dirt Farm—where you’ll find the glamping set up of your dreams. Think a beautiful bell tent, an outdoor hot tub, and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and bush. Each tent is insulated and heated for colder nights, and includes its own beautifully decorated private bathroom. The communal glamp kitchen is fitted with a woodfire heater, reading nock, bbq and woodfired pizza oven, providing you with everything you could ever need for the perfect weekend getaway with a loved one.
… If glamping still feels too much like the dreaded c-word for you, Dirt Farm also has a stunning collection of cabins for your stay, check out the options here.
Insider Intel
- Cost: Enquire for pricing
- Pets: No
- Fires: No, but the woodfire pizza oven makes up for it
- Distance: 1 hour from Wellington
Corner Creek
REmutaka Forest Park
If you’re chasing that true off-the-grid escape, Corner Creek delivers. Just moments from the beach and miles from civilisation, it’s the kind of camping spot that feels like a secret. Getting there’s half the adventure—recruit a mate with a 4WD or wait for a stretch of dry weather, as the road dips through a few river mouths on the way in. The remoteness is exactly what makes Corner Creek magic, and with only a handful of scattered sites, you’ll score your own slice of coastal paradise. Throw together a DIY grazing platter and claim a picnic table—it’s the perfect perch for nibbling and chatting while the sun melts into the horizon.We won’t sugarcoat it… facilities are basic, and yes, we mean long-drop toilets. But if you can look past that, you’ll be rewarded with one of Wellington’s most peaceful beachside campgrounds—a weekend of nothing but bayside bliss.
Insider Intel
- Cost: DOC Campsite Pass is preferred. Otherwise $10 per adult per night (child $5 per night), pay your fees with cash at the self-registration stand at the campsite.
- Pets: Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
- Fires: in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban
- Distance: 1 hour from Wellington
Can't get enough of the outdoors? Check out our guide to Wellington's best walks and hikes.