Camping

< Back to Skills

Camping

Camping is an excellent way to have fun and enjoy New Zealand's outdoors. With a combination of solid planning and the right equipment you can bring the comfort of home to the outdoors.

Explore our resources below to make your New Zealand camping trip a success!

Watch How to Manage a Campsite

Choosing Your Campsite

The selection of a campsite is extremely important, you should allow plenty of time to find a suitable spot.

Good features

If possible, choose a campsite that is:

  • On flat ground, away from sharp rocks or bush that could tear your tent
  • On well-drained ground, above flood level
  • Sheltered from wind – in the bush or in the lee of ridges and rocks
  • Sheltered from dew, if possible
  • Close to a water supply
  • East-facing to catch the early morning sun, if you’re expecting cold overnight temperatures

Avoid campsites that are:

  • Under dead trees or large epiphytes (plants that grow on branches) which might fall in windy or wet conditions
  • Under cliffs or bluffs where rockfall is possible
  • In avalanche paths or below loaded snow slopes (between June to end of January)
  • On mosses that may fill with water during rain
  • Will damage native plants
  • In a riverbed, on an island in a riverbed, or in a gorge where rising waters could flood your camp. (Look for debris that may indicate where the water rises to. If you must camp in a gorge, work out possible escape routes in case of flood.)
  • When it is very cold, you may want to choose a campsite above the valley floor to avoid the cold air that sinks during the night.

Pitching Your Tent

Practice pitching your tent at home before you head into the outdoors to see how it works, to check if there is any damage or missing items, and to ensure you can pitch it effectively.

It is best to pitch your tent with the door facing away from the wind. If you have to camp on a slope, you’ll probably sleep best with your head uphill, so pitch your tent facing uphill or downhill, rather than across the slope.

Watch how to pitch a tent in our video below.

Enjoying Your Campsite

You can make your camping experience feel like home with a few simple tips and tricks. We have outlined some good resources below to get you fed and rested!

Manage your Campsite effectively by assigning key areas for eating, resting, toileting - make it your own. Watch this video to see how.

Cooking and Fires are an essential part of your camping atmosphere; however, they do come with risks. Find out how to choose the right cooker and cook safely outdoors on our Cooking Page.

Learn how to Sleep well in the in a tent with this video. It will show you the tips and tricks to stay warm and create comfort in your tent.

Pack Up Your Campsite

When you’re ready to head off, make sure to get the whole group involved where you can – many hands make easy work. Ensure you do a thorough check before you leave and follow Leave No Trace principles.

If your tent is wet, consider waiting for the sun to dry it out, or give it a good shake to try and get rid of some water before you pack it up. Make sure not to stand on it whilst it’s lying on the ground as this can damage the fabric.

TOP TIP: hanging your tent up to dry and wiping any dirt off the fly when you get home will help prolong the life of your tent.

What to Do Next

Continue your preparation for a night in nature with our online resources, there is still plenty to learn to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip!

Look for Places to Camp with Apps

  • Plan My Walk App | You can search for campsites, huts and tracks as part of your planning in our free app.
  • Campermate App | With over 100,000 points of interest, no matter where you are in New Zealand, you can use CamperMate’s detailed maps (online and offline) to find campgrounds and accommodation, awesome things to see and do, petrol, ATMs, WiFi, dump stations, public showers and a whole heap more.

Explore Our Resources