Choosing the Right Kiwi Camping Tent

Camping in New Zealand is all about freedom, fresh air, and enjoying the outdoors. With so many tent styles available, finding the right one can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t need to be. The key is to match your tent to your style of camping.

Before you start browsing, ask yourself a few simple questions:

How will I get to the campsite – hiking in, short carry, or driving right up?
How many people will sleep in the tent?
What seasons will I be camping in?

Once you know the answers, you’ll be ready to find the perfect tent for your adventures.

Step 1. Know your Camping Style

Hiking & Packing – If you’re walking long distances, choose a lightweight tent that packs down small. Look for something you can carry in a backpack or share the load between a couple of people.

Short Carry / Driving to Campsite – If you’re driving close to your campsite or carrying gear less than 500m, you’ve got more flexibility. A larger, heavier tent means more room and comfort without worrying about weight.

Step 2. Think About Size & Capacity

Number of People – Choose a tent that matches your group size — and consider going one size up for extra storage space and comfort.

Space per Person – At Kiwi Camping, we often list both the maximum and comfort number of sleepers. If you’d like more room to move or keep gear inside, plan for fewer people than the maximum.

Entrances – One entrance is absolutely fine, but two can make life easier — especially for families or when someone needs a midnight dash.

Step 3. Match Your Tent to the Season

Summer & Warm Weather – For hot days and warm nights, a lighter tent with plenty of ventilation is ideal. Easy-pitch styles save you time in the sun and make weekend escapes simple. Our Tui Auto-Inflating Air Tents and Takahē range are great for bigger families and groups, while the Kingfisher and Kea ranges are excellent, reliable choices for flexible camping in the warmer months.

All-Season Camping – If you’re heading out in changing conditions, choose a tent built to handle wind, rain, and cooler nights. The Takahē range is strong and durable, with reinforced poles and double-wall construction. Prefer canvas? The Kākāpō and Moa ranges are sturdy, year-round options. For smaller setups, consider the Morepork Swag, Weka 2 & 3 hiking tents, or Kererū Flies for added weather protection.

Step 4. Look for the Features that Matter to You

Think about what will make camping more comfortable for your group:

Extra storage space for gear
Awnings or vestibules for shade and shelter
Ventilation features for airflow
Blackout coating to keep the tent cooler and allow for longer sleep-ins
Inflatable or auto-inflating tents for hassle-free setup
Handy details like power-cord entry, tiered door storage, and two-in-one windows

Kiwi Camping tents are designed with these features in mind. Whether you’re heading away for a summer weekend or taking on a longer trip across the seasons, there’s a model to suit your adventure.