If you’re travelling south down the east coast of the North Island and looking for a cheap and cheerful place to stay, Matatā DOC Campsite is slap bang on the beach, 20 minutes from Whakatāne and 45 minutes from Mount Maunganui.

The campsite is family-friendly, and the beach is very popular for fishing and swimming. I was surprised to see it rated 3-4 stars on Google (as of March 2025). I stayed back in 2021, so things could be slightly different now, but I really enjoyed it, especially being so close to the beach!

Facilities: There are 80 non-powered tent sites. The facilities are basic, but you get the added luxury of hot showers!

Cost: It ranges from $12 to $18 per night, depending on whether you’re in a self-contained vehicle or a tent. Plus, there's an extra $3 charge per booking to cover rubbish disposal.

Note: You cannot bring dogs here.