From glassy lake mornings to the soft hush of the forest at night, Rotorua’s camping scene is all about simple pleasures. Swim, wander, soak, cycle, snooze, repeat.
Whether you're glamping in style, camping with the kids or escaping for a romantic weekend, these stays let you enjoy summer the way it should be - slow, warm and wonderfully outdoors.
Ready to pitch a tent or zip up a glamping pod? Rotorua’s lakes are calling.
Ponga Lodge Safari Tent
Tucked into the treetops, this safari-style tent blends wilderness with a touch of boutique comfort. Think plush bedding, lantern-lit evenings and quiet, leafy seclusion - an idyllic escape for anyone craving a peaceful retreat with a little romance woven in.
Kanuka Glamping
Kanuka feels like your own secret hideaway. Set among native bush, its spacious canvas tents open to birdsong, soft light and the kind of calm that lets you truly switch off. It’s a beautiful spot for slow mornings, long conversations and reconnecting with nature in its gentlest form.
Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park
Steps from the shimmering waters of Lake Tikitapu (the iconic Blue Lake), this holiday park is pure summer bliss - all sunshine, swims and easy, carefree days. Early-morning dips roll into family barbecues, warm evenings drift on outdoors and there’s a spot for everyone with campsites, cabins and powered sites to choose from. It’s the kind of place where kids laugh from dawn till dusk and friends gather as the last light lingers over the lake.
Waikite Valley Hot Pools Campground
Not lakeside, but too good to leave off the list - this campground sits beside natural hot pools fed by a steaming geothermal spring. Here, nights end with a soak in naturally heated pools and mornings begin with mist rising from the valley. It’s a restorative, slow-paced campground surrounded by farmland and geothermal wonder - perfect for those chasing relaxation, warmth and a little rural magic.
Waipa Forest Camp
Set right beside the world-class Whakarewarewa Forest trails, Waipa Camp is made for early-morning rides and dusty, happy returns. Simple, spacious and adventure-ready, it’s a favourite for anyone who wants to roll straight from their tent into the heart of the forest.
Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
A classic Rotorua base with thermal soaking pools and wide-open camping spaces, all just minutes from town. It’s an easy, laid-back place to settle in for a few nights — ideal for summer travellers who like comfort, convenience and a little geothermal magic on the side.
Tarawera Tipi
With its dreamy tipi styling and Lake Tarawera just steps away, this stay feels like slipping into a summer postcard. Mornings begin with dips in the lake, evenings fade into soft light, and everything in between is quiet, calm and beautifully scenic - the perfect spot for those who love a little whimsy with their wilderness.
