Swap Autumn for Spring: New Zealand’s Riverside Naturist Hideaway

While Wales reaches for its winter coats, Lauren discovers a beautiful corner of New Zealand where spring is arriving and naturism is simply a way of life.

There’s something wonderfully tempting about escaping autumn without having to wait for next summer.

While we’re watching the leaves fall across Wales, the other side of the world is waking up to spring. The days are getting longer, the countryside is turning green and, in one particularly beautiful corner of New Zealand, there’s a little riverside retreat where you can leave your clothes behind.

It’s called Katikati Naturist Park, and I think I’ve just found another reason to put New Zealand on my travel wish list.

A little piece of naturist paradise

Tucked away in the Bay of Plenty on New Zealand’s North Island, Katikati Naturist Park occupies 5.7 hectares of peaceful countryside, surrounded by mature trees and bordering a rocky river.

Imagine waking up to birdsong, opening your campervan door and stepping outside into the fresh morning air. No rushing to get dressed. No worrying about who’s watching. Just breakfast, sunshine and the freedom to enjoy an ordinary day naturally.

That’s what appeals to me about places like this. Naturism isn’t something you squeeze into a holiday itinerary. It’s how you live.

And Katikati takes that philosophy seriously.

Unlike some clothing-optional resorts, the park encourages guests to be clothes-free whenever the weather allows. Nudity is required in the swimming pool, spa pools and sauna. Its rules also emphasise privacy, respectful behaviour and obtaining permission before photographing anyone.

For a woman travelling alone, those expectations matter. A naturist environment should feel comfortable, welcoming and respectful, not like somewhere you’re being observed.

Campervans, cabins and a rather inviting swimming pool

The park offers powered campervan and caravan pitches, riverside tent camping, hire caravans, kitchen cabins, self-contained chalets and a two-bedroom motel.

Its published prices are surprisingly approachable.

A riverside tent pitch starts at NZ$35 per night for one adult, while a powered pitch starts at NZ$40. If you’re travelling without a campervan, hire caravans start at NZ$100 per night, kitchen cabins at NZ$140, and self-contained chalets at NZ$160.

These are the prices currently advertised by the campsite, rather than confirmed quotations for particular dates.

The facilities are another attraction. There’s a swimming pool, spa pools, sauna, communal kitchens, laundry facilities and recreational spaces.

Personally, I rather like the idea of spending the morning exploring the countryside before returning for a swim and a leisurely evening beside the van.

Although I suspect the spa might become a dangerous distraction from my hiking plans.

Beyond the campsite

One thing I’ve learnt from travelling is that the best destinations offer more than somewhere comfortable to sleep.

Just three kilometres away is Katikati, a charming town famous for its colourful murals and outdoor artwork.

There’s also the beautiful Haiku Pathway, where short Japanese poems are carved into stones beside the Uretara Stream. I love that idea. A gentle walk, a little poetry and absolutely no pressure to be anywhere else.

For something more adventurous, the nearby Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park offers forest walking routes through magnificent native vegetation.

The Tuahu Kauri Track particularly catches my attention, with a shorter walk leading towards one of the region’s impressive kauri trees.

And if I fancied a day beside the sea, Waihī Beach is roughly 20–25 minutes from Katikati by car.

I’d treat those outings as ordinary clothed excursions unless a particular location explicitly permitted naturism. The freedom offered by the campsite doesn’t automatically extend to every public walking trail or beach.

Would I travel there alone?

Absolutely, although I’d plan it properly.

October marks the beginning of New Zealand’s warmer season, but spring weather can still be changeable. I’d pack layers, waterproofs and proper walking boots alongside my usual naturist essentials.

I’d also hire a campervan locally and build Katikati into a longer North Island journey. Flying halfway around the world for a weekend would be rather extravagant, even by my standards!

The campsite is open throughout the year, and its published summer reception hours begin on 1 October. Photo identification is required for entry, and arrivals outside reception hours need prior arrangements.

British passport holders travelling under New Zealand’s visa-waiver arrangements generally need an NZeTA before departure. New Zealand also has strict biosecurity requirements, so used hiking boots and outdoor equipment must be declared.

And, as always when travelling solo, I’d share my plans, arrive in daylight and check my walking routes before setting off.

A different kind of naturist holiday

What makes Katikati special to me isn’t just the swimming pool, the countryside or even the prospect of escaping a Welsh autumn.

It’s the opportunity to experience naturism somewhere completely different.

Different landscapes. Different wildlife.

Different people. Yet the same simple pleasure of living naturally.

New Zealand might be a long way from Wales, but sometimes the most memorable adventures begin by looking a little further beyond the familiar.

Would you travel halfway around the world for a naturist holiday, or does your perfect escape need to be closer to home?U