The Herald Travel’s annual search for New Zealand’s best beaches is under way again and the competition is hot: will fan-favourite Ōhope retain the crown? Or will an underdog rise to the challenge? Our readers have been busy nominating their favourite slices of paradise in five key categories, with our top 50 finalists unveiled last week . We’ve been profiling the top 10 in each of the five categories and today, we’re pitching a tent and cracking open a cold one, as we’re taking a look at your Best Camping Beach nominations. But what criteria does New Zealand’s best camping beach need to meet? Your ultimate winner should tick all the boxes: swell views, stunning nature and somewhere to, you know, camp.
Whether it be a holiday park, campsite or recreational reserve, this destination will have plenty of facilities or even on-site dining options to make any bivouacking the bee’s knees. Read more: Best Beach 2025: New Zealand’s top 10 family beaches.