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Freedom Camping

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Bay of Islands, Northland

PhotoAlistair Guthrie

Accommodation ▷ Camping Grounds ▷

Freedom Camping Locations

Expect no facilities. Generally for self contained vehicles only.

A few unprepared freedom campers have affected Aotearoa, socially and environmentally. New Zealanders are very aware of this, and some now see freedom campers as a threat to the environment and our collective ability to enjoy it.

We don’t want you to be seen in this light. Please be respectful of the environment and the local people. These freedom camping tips will show the way.

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483 items with the highest ranking score first, showing page 11 of 17.

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Montgomery Square Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 35 reviews

Certified self-contained vehicles only. Maximum 25 vehicles. The area designated for camping is indicated by blue line making in the car...

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Pahoia Domain

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 17 reviews

Free-camping for self-contained campervans and motorhomes, 30 minutes north of Tauranga

South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷

Red Bridge Reserve

3.9 17 reviews

Red Bridge Reserve is for certified self-contained vehicles only. Maximum of 50 vehicles parking in the reserve only. Two-night stay only...

North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷

Brown Street, Thames

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 12 reviews

All freedom campers must be certified self-contained. Maximum stay of two consecutive nights, departure by 9am. Location - the two formed...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Arundel Bridge

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 12 reviews

This is a Timaru District Council designated overnight camping spot for self-contained people only. Right on the edge of the river just off the...

South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷

Kawarau Historic Bridge Carparks

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 11 reviews

Camping in Blue area

North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷

Barry Curtis Park

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 11 reviews

A maximum of ten freedom camping vehicles may stay overnight in the area A person wishing to stay overnight must – (1) use a certified self...

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Bowentown Domain Formed Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 10 reviews

There is a 3 night maximum stay in any 4 week consecutive period at this site. The 4 consecutive weeks begin from the first overnight stay.

South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷

Jacksons Picnic Area

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 9 reviews

Self-contained vehicles only 1 night maximum stay These camping areas are free for everyone to enjoy, if you follow some simple guidelines...

Could be worse

North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷

Te Kaha Recreation Reserve, Maraetai Bay

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 8 reviews

Beautiful waterfront location. Te Kaha is 74km east of Ōpōtiki with space for up to 10 campers. Self Contained vehicles can stay maximum of 3...

North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷

Bartlett's Ford Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 7 reviews

Bartletts Ford is a 0.6250ha reserve with the river running alongside. It is popular for casual summer recreation with river access, swimming...

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Ngunguru Library

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 6 reviews

Freedom Camping

North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷

Gladstone Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 6 reviews

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

One Tree Point

Boatramp Carpark, Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 5 reviews

ABSOLUTELY NO TENTS ALLOWED One night maximum. You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage. If the site is full, you...

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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Hauraki District Council Carpark, Marshall Street, Paeroa

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 4 reviews

Freedom camping is restricted to designated carparks and the directly adjacent grass area. 2 nights maximum Self-contained vehicles only...

South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Salford Street

Edendale, Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 4 reviews

You may freedom camp in the designated area for a maximum of 7 nights in any 30 day period. You must be self-contained.

North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷

Turata Reserve, Kihikihi

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 3 reviews

Self Contained camping: up to two consecutive nights stay permitted Access via Havelock Street

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Lindemann Lookout Reserve Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 2 reviews

Self-contained campervans/motorhomes/RVs can free camp at the Lindemann Road Lookout for up to 3 nights, thanks to the Western Bay of Plenty District...

South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Ayr Street, Limehills

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 2 reviews

You may freedom camp in the designated area for a maximum of 7 nights in any 30 day period. You must be self-contained.

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

W F Moss Scenic Reserve Picnic Area

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.8 47 reviews

Closest Freedom Camping to the Abel Tasman

Not Operating

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

Thomas Burns Street Carpark, Dunedin

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.8 36 reviews

The maximum stay for freedom campers at any one location is two consecutive nights (departure by 8.30am). Please respect the sites. They are...

Tiny

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Decks Reserve Carpark, Motueka

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.8 30 reviews

Self-contained Vehicles only

North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷

Danby Field

Overnight Freedom Parking

3.8 28 reviews

Maxiumum 2 nights. Self Contained Campers Only.

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Totara North, old dump site

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.8 23 reviews

- Self-contained only - Five vehicle limit - Maximum stay of two consecutive nights

Dunsdale Recreation Reserve

South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Dunsdale Recreation Reserve and camping area

Hedgehope

3.8 14 reviews

Closed between May - September every year. Freedom campers are permitted to stay for up to three days at Dunsdale Recreation Reserve, inland...

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Kaiate Falls Scenic Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.8 13 reviews

Self-contained freedom campers can stay at Kaiate Falls Scenic Reserve for up to three nights

North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷

Hauraki District Council Area Office Carpark, Orchard West Road, Ngatea

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.8 12 reviews

*** Closed from 26th May 2026 for 12 - 18 months*** The carpark area is behind the Council building. Freedom camping is restricted to designated...

Closed from 26th May 2025 for...

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Gordon Spratt Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.8 9 reviews

Certified self-contained campervans can stay between Sunday and Thursday for up to 2 nights per calendar month. Nab your spot early - only 6 vehicles...

North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷

Everett Park Carparks

Everett Park Scenic Reserve - Overnight Campervan Parking

3.8 9 reviews

Self Contained Vehicles

North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷

Tukino 2wd Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.8 9 reviews

Just like camping on Mars!