Houhora Heads Holiday Park — The Perfect Base for Exploring the Far North

On this trip, we were determined to make it right to the very top of Northland — something we hadn’t quite managed on our previous adventure. Spirits Bay was firmly on Craig’s fishing wish list, but there was one small issue… he’s not exactly a die-hard tent camper. Despite us owning all the gear, if there’s a way to avoid sleeping on the ground, he’ll find it.

Enter Houhora Heads Holiday Park — the perfect middle ground between camping and comfort.

Cabin Comfort Without Losing the Camping Feel

This wasn’t our first stay here. A couple of years ago, we discovered Houhora Heads while travelling in a small van with a rooftop tent and scored a stunning site right on the bank overlooking the harbour. That view alone was enough to bring us back.

Both last time and this time, though, we opted for one of their cabins — No. 6 on our previous visit and No. 5 this time. These particular cabins come with a toilet and sink, which might sound like a small thing, but it’s absolute luxury at 2am when you don’t want to wander across a campsite half asleep. Perfect also for brushing your teeth before bed or first thing in the morning without leaving your cabin.

The cabins sit slightly away from the main camping area, overlooking the harbour and rolling hills across the water, which makes them feel quieter and more tucked away while still being close to everything you need.

Facilities That Make Life Easy

One thing that really stands out at Houhora Heads is how well looked after the shared spaces are.

The indoor kitchen for cabin guests is fully equipped and includes everything you need to cook a proper meal — not just the basics. There’s also a BBQ and even a pizza oven, which makes evenings feel a bit special rather than just “campsite dinner”.

I’ve always been impressed with how clean and tidy the kitchen is kept. Same goes for the smaller shower and toilet block for cabin users — consistently clean every time I’ve used it.

Even the larger, main campsite facilities are well maintained. I’m still a firm believer in wearing jandals (flip flops) in shared showers, but that’s just me being me!

The showers are $1 coin operated for around six minutes, and they’re wonderfully hot and powerful — exactly what you need after a long day at the beach, out fishing, or exploring dusty Northland roads.

A Great Mix of People

The cabin area tends to attract a mix of fishing groups with boats and utes lined up, as well as couples like us who want something a bit more comfortable than a tent while still being surrounded by nature.

One of my favourite parts of staying here has been the people you meet. We’ve spent evenings chatting over a beer or morning coffees with fellow travellers, and we’ve actually stayed in touch with some of them since. There’s a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to strike up conversations.

Perfect for Fishing and Exploring

Location-wise, it’s hard to beat. Houhora Heads is an ideal base for exploring the very top of

the North Island, with easy access to incredible beaches, remote coastlines, and of course fishing spots like Spirits Bay.

The holiday park clearly caters well to fishing enthusiasts too, with a boat wash-down area and a fish filleting station — practical touches that make a big difference after a long day on the water.

Family Friendly Too

Although we weren’t travelling with kids this time, it’s definitely a family-friendly spot. There’s plenty of space to roam and facilities to keep younger campers entertained, including a splash pool, which would be a hit in the warmer months.

Final Thoughts

Houhora Heads Holiday Park strikes that perfect balance — close enough to nature to feel like a proper getaway, but with just enough comfort to keep even the reluctant camper (Craig!) happy.

If you’re looking for an idyllic waterfront base to explore Northland or planning a fishing-focused trip to the far north, this place is well worth booking.

We’ll definitely be back again — whether Craig admits he likes “camping” or not.