Bay of Plenty Sun Camp

About the camp

The Bay of Plenty Sun Camp is a welcoming, family-friendly naturist camp set in tranquil countryside in the eastern Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand's North Island.

Affiliated with the New Zealand Naturist Federation, the camp welcomes enquiries from prospective members, visitors from other naturist clubs, and travellers from both New Zealand and overseas.

Located just 5 km from Matata and 20 minutes from Whakatane, the camp provides a peaceful rural setting while still being close to local amenities and beautiful beaches suitable for fishing, swimming, and surfing.

The camp operates as a clothing-optional environment, allowing guests to enjoy naturism in a relaxed and respectful atmosphere.

We look forward to welcoming you to our naturist hideaway.

Origins and Early Years (1960s)

The camp covers approximately 0.8 hectares of open lawn surrounded by native bush. A small stream runs alongside the grounds, creating a peaceful natural setting.

The club's roots go back to the mid-1960s, during a period when naturist clubs were expanding across New Zealand under the umbrella of what is now the New Zealand Naturist Federation.

✔ The organisation originally began in 1966 as the Tauranga Sun Club in the Tauranga area.
✔ It was formed by a small group of naturists seeking a social environment where people could practise naturism privately and legally.
✔ At that time many naturist groups in New Zealand started as informal gatherings on beaches or private properties before obtaining permanent grounds.

These early years were typical of the NZ naturist movement-small groups of enthusiasts meeting socially and gradually building formal clubs.

Incorporation and Move to Matata (1970s)

A significant step occurred in the early 1970s.

✔ In 1971 the club became an Incorporated Society, giving it a formal legal structure.
✔ Around the same time the club purchased or secured land near Matat?, inland from the coast between Tauranga and Whakatane.
✔ After relocating, the organisation changed its name to the Bay of Plenty Sun Club.

The grounds developed into a traditional members' naturist club, with camping areas, social facilities and events for members and visitors.

Growth and Community Activities (1970s-2010s)

For several decades the Bay of Plenty Sun Club operated as a family-oriented naturist club affiliated with the NZNF.

Typical activities included:

✔ weekend and holiday camping
✔ social gatherings and BBQs
✔ open days for the public
✔ participation in "Go Natural Week", the NZNF's national promotion of naturism.

Like many naturist clubs, it was run by a committee and owned collectively by members, following the usual incorporated-society structure used by clubs throughout New Zealand.

During this time the club built a reputation as a quiet bush-surrounded campground near Whakatane, attracting naturists from around the North Island and overseas visitors.

Later Years and Transition

Over time, many traditional naturist clubs in New Zealand faced the same issues:

✔ ageing membership
✔ declining volunteer committees
✔ the cost of maintaining facilities
✔ changes in how people prefer to participate in naturism (more casual visits rather than club membership)

Eventually the Bay of Plenty Sun Club ceased operating as a traditional members' club and transitioned into a privately owned naturist camp, now known as Bay of Plenty Sun Camp.

This change meant:

✔ ownership shifted from an incorporated society to private proprietors
✔ the site could operate more like a naturist campground or holiday park rather than a member-run club
✔ visitors could attend without needing full club membership

Grounds

The camp covers approximately 0.8 hectares of open lawn surrounded by native bush. A small stream runs alongside the grounds, creating a peaceful natural setting.

Walking tracks wind through the bush where guests can enjoy a quiet walk au naturel. During summer, wild blackberries can often be found growing along the tracks.

Native birdlife is abundant, adding to the relaxed outdoor atmosphere.

Of course, before heading our way you may want to check out the local weather.