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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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485 items with the highest ranking score first, showing page 2 of 17.

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Waitohi Scenic Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

95%

13 Reviews

 Analysis

Unavailable from mid April to early Spring for Forestry Operations.

South Island ▷ West Coast ▷

Whataroa Gorge

Overnight Campervan Parking

95%

12 Reviews

 Analysis

+++ CLOSED FOR OFF SEASON - SELF CONTAINED VEHICLES STILL AVAILABLE TO STAY +++ Being so close to the river there may be a risk of flooding...

North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷

Morison Bush Picnic and Camping Area

95%

9 Reviews

 Analysis

Good swimming and nice bush!

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Huharua Park

Overnight Campervan Parking

95%

5 Reviews

 Analysis

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Omokoroa

Cooney Reserve - Overnight Campervan Parking

95%

4 Reviews

 Analysis

Freedom camping is allowed for campervans and motorhomes with self-containment certification at Cooney Reserve in Omokoroa, 15 minutes north of...

South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷

Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking

Southern end of lake

94%

189 Reviews

15 Face-to-Face

Analysis

Lake Pukaki Freedom Camping

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

TECT Park – Freedom Camping Site

94%

49 Reviews

 Analysis

CLOSED - 20 May 2024 for two weeks to undertake urgent maintenance. Tect Park is made up of 1650 hectares forest land administered by the Western...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Cust Domain

Overnight Campervan Parking

94%

44 Reviews

 Analysis

Freedom campers are asked to assist by: - removing all rubbish, solid or liquid waste from the camping site when leaving - disposing of rubbish...

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

Warrington Reserve

Overnight Self Contained Campervans, Tents allowed

94%

33 Reviews

 Analysis

Overnight camping in self-contained vehicles and tents.

View of harbour from campsite

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Port Ohope Boat Ramp

Overnight Campervan Parking

94%

27 Reviews

 Analysis

This one is a goody

South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷

Gabriels Gully Historic Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

94%

21 Reviews

 Analysis

Stand on the spot where gold rush history was made in New Zealand!

South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷

West End Carpark, Kaikoura

Overnight Campervan Parking

94%

19 Reviews

 Analysis

- Camping for free in a certified self-contained vehicle is allowed for a maximum of 1 night in any four week period. - Vehicles must park within...

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Island View Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

94%

18 Reviews

 Analysis

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 ▷ West Coast ▷

The Strand Freedom Camping Area, Reefton

94%

17 Reviews

 Analysis

Welcome to The Strand

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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Forks Hotel

Waihao - Overnight Campervan Parking

94%

5 Reviews

 Analysis

The Waimate District Council allows freedom campers in self-contained vehicles to park here for a maximum of two nights, in the carpark of the...

South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Nokomai Road

Overnight Campervan Parking

94%

4 Reviews

 Analysis

Situated on Nokomai Station, parking next to the river. 3rd Bridge on Nokomai Road, 25 minute drive down a gravel path. Self-Contained...

North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷

Clifton Road Reserve

Freedom Camping

93%

88 Reviews

6 Face-to-Face

Analysis

There is a donation box near the toilet block and a suggested donation of $3.00 per person is welcomed. Beachfront free-camping! We love it...

North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷

Rays Rest Camping Reserve

Kaiaua

93%

48 Reviews

 Analysis

Rays Rest Reserve in Miranda is located beachside, next to the Taramaire Wildlife Refuge Reserve. The Hauraki District Council allows free-camping...

North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷

Waiomu Domain Beachfront Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

93%

40 Reviews

 Analysis

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

South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷

Kingston Lake Camp

93%

33 Reviews

 Analysis

With Queenstown banning all freedom camping, this is the closest free campsite to the city. Thirty minutes south of Queenstown, along the shores...

Haumoana Domain Freedom Camping

North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷

Haumoana Domain

Freedom Camping

93%

32 Reviews

 Analysis

This location has lots of space, with shaded nooks and crannies around shrubs and trees, so you can choose your fav camping spot for the night...

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

West End Carpark, Whakatane

Overnight Campervan Parking

93%

13 Reviews

 Analysis

Camping at West End car park is prohibited between the beginning of the third week of December and 31 March.

North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷

Puketapu Domain

Overnight Campervan Parking

93%

10 Reviews

 Analysis

Puketapu Park is one of the Hawkes Bay's freedom camping zones.This reserve sits alongside the Tutaekuri River, west of Napier, and is a short...

North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷

Snells Beach

Overnight Campervan Parking - Sunburst Avenue

93%

7 Reviews

 Analysis

- No more than 5 vehicles allowed - Open 5pm to 10am - Maximum stay of 2 nights allowed - Must be self-contained - No tents allowed

Doc Visitor centre and Carpark

North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷

North Egmont Carparks

Egmont National Park - Overnight Campervan Parking

92%

42 Reviews

7 Face-to-Face

Analysis

The visitor centre has displays on the local volcanic history and ecology along with displays of the European and Maori history of the mountain...

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Dotterel Point Overnight Campervan Parking

Pukehina

92%

32 Reviews

 Analysis

Freedom camping for self-contained campers at Dotterel Point in Puekehina

Just past the bridge

South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷

Lake Wardell Rest Area Overnight Campervan Parking

Twizel

92%

27 Reviews

 Analysis

Large camping area underneath pine trees

Obey the signs

South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Colac Bay / Oraka Township Overnight Campervan Parking

92%

26 Reviews

 Analysis

Freedom camping is permitted for self-contained and certified campervans, motorhomes and RVs at Colac Bay in Southland. Vehicles can park for...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

O'Neills Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

92%

15 Reviews

 Analysis

This is a Timaru District Council designated freedom camping spot. Please respect the freedom camping etiquette and leave things how you find...

South Island ▷ West Coast ▷

Beach Road, Kakapotahi

Overnight Campervan Parking

92%

14 Reviews

 Analysis

Self-contained vehicles only No more than 2 consecutive nights No fires If there are more than 15 vehicles at the site then you must go to...