Camping with a Baby in New Zealand
Tips & Tricks for a Smooth Adventure
Camping in New Zealand is an incredible experience, something we have always loved. The ability to pack up on a Friday hit the road and wake up surrounded by the mountains under the clear skies never gets old. We couldn’t wait introduce our little one to the outdoors. While the idea of camping with a baby might seem daunting, with the right preparation and mindset, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding adventure for the whole family. Here are some tips and tricks to help make your camping trip with a baby stress-free and fun.
1. Choose the Right Campsite
There is such a variety in New Zealand, from set campgrounds, to DOC campsites and in some areas you can wild camp, but things to consider really depend on your family and what you want. For the first time, we booked into a set campground not too far from home so we could bail if it all went wrong. To be honest, we can’t wait to stay in the more rugged DOC sites, but great things to consider are:
Facilities: Look for sites with toilets, running water, and shelter options.
Accessibility: A spot close to your car can be helpful for easy access to gear.
Weather Conditions: Check the forecast and avoid extreme cold or high winds.
2. Pack Smart: Essentials for Baby Camping
Bringing the right gear will make all the difference. Essentials include:
Portable Cot or Sleeping Solution: A travel cot, bassinet, or inflatable toddler bed with extra blankets. We loved having extra blankets for the floor and around the bed to make it all cosy.
Warm Layers: NZ nights can be chilly, even in summer, so pack merino layers, a baby sleeping bag, and a beanie.
Nappies & Wipes: Enough for the trip, plus extras for emergencies.
Baby Carrier & Pram: A front or back carrier is great for walks, and a pram is handy for naps. It’s great to be able to push your little one along the camp ground if they are struggling to get to sleep. I always have a cover as my little one loves to be nosey!
First Aid Kit: Include baby-safe insect repellent, sunscreen, and any medications.
Baby-Friendly Lighting: A soft lantern or headlamp with a red light setting for nighttime feeds.
3. Sleep Tips for Camping with a Baby
One of the biggest concerns for parents is how to get a baby to sleep while camping. Here’s what can help:
Stick to Your Routine: Try to follow your baby’s usual bedtime routine, even outdoors. It’s great to bring a washing basket, fill it with water and let the sun heat it so they were able to have a nice bath in the outdoors!
Use White Noise: The sound of waves, a river, or a portable white noise machine can be comforting. We use this at home and found it great to drown out the noise of other campers, especially in the tent.
Block Out Light: If your baby is sensitive to light, use a blackout cover on the pram or a breathable shade over the tent.
Dress for the Temperature: Overdressing or underdressing can disrupt sleep. Layer accordingly. We loved having the winter sleeping bag along with layers as the weather was great but around 4-5am it is chilly.
4. Feeding & Food Storage
Breastfeeding? Easy and convenient, just bring a warm layer for night feeds.
Formula Feeding? Bring pre-measured formula, sterilised bottles, and a thermos of warm water.
Solids? Easy-to-pack options include pouches, fruit, and pre-cooked meals in a small chilly bin.
Safe Storage: Keep food in a sealed container to prevent unwanted visitors (yes, even in NZ, curious animals love a snack!).
5. Keeping Baby Entertained
Babies love exploring new environments! Keep them happy with:
A play mat or picnic blanket for tummy time.
Simple toys, books, or a teething ring.
A bucket and spade if camping near the beach.
Nature walks—watching trees and birds is an adventure in itself.
Camp chair- we loved having the little camp chair for feeding and keeping safe in the one spot for a short period
There is so much to explore and they love all the activity, we really didn’t need any toys but be careful of the loose sticks and stones, they are straight in the mouth.
6. Be Prepared for Weather Changes
New Zealand’s weather can change rapidly, so always have:
A rain cover for the pram and tent.
Extra warm layers for unexpected cold spells.
A sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen for protection.
7. Embrace the Adventure!
Camping with a baby requires flexibility and patience, but it’s also a beautiful way to create early memories in nature. Don’t stress about sticking to a perfect plan—sometimes the best moments happen when you just go with the flow.
With a little preparation, you’ll find that camping with a baby in New Zealand is totally doable—and totally worth it! 🏕️💙