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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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481 items with the highest ranking score first, showing page 5 of 17.

North Island ▷ Waikato ▷

Little Waipa Reserve

Lake Karapiro

87%

53 Reviews

 Analysis

Little Waipa reserve is on the banks of Lake Karapiro and accessed via Horahora road, it’s a popular spot for day-trippers. It is slightly elevated...

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Ruakaka Beach Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

37 Reviews

 Analysis

Self Contained Campsite

Waikanae River Mouth. Top freedom camping!

North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷

Waikanae River Mouth

Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

30 Reviews

 Analysis

Stay near a river estuary, with beach and river walk options. Overnight parking for up to 4 self contained campervans that can stay a maximum...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Hanmer Springs River Reserve, Hanmer Springs

Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

30 Reviews

 Analysis

Freedom camping is only permitted in the signposted area. Freedom camping is prohibited elsewhere in the reserve. No more than 10 vehicles at...

South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷

Renwick Domain Carpark

Freedom Camping

87%

24 Reviews

 Analysis

Freedom Camping in Wine Country

Renwick Domain, Renwick, Marlborough...

North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷

(Clive Ski Reserve)

Evers-Swindell Reserve

Freedom Camping

87%

18 Reviews

 Analysis

Evers-Swindell Reserve (previously Clive Ski Reserve) on the Clive River is a designated free-camping area for certified self-contained motorhomes...

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Woolleys Bay, Western Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

18 Reviews

 Analysis

Closed to campers between 18 December and 8 February inclusive each year. Open to day trippers only during that period. One night maximum...

North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷

Makorori Carpark, Gisborne

Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

17 Reviews

 Analysis

Certified self-contained vehicles only. Parks within painted blue lines. 3 nights maximum stay only.

Waimea Road Carpark

North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷

Waimea Road Beach Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

10 Reviews

 Analysis

Overnight parking for up to 2 self contained campervans that can stay a maximum 1 night at Waimea Road Beach Carpark.

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Motukaraka Point Reserve

87%

9 Reviews

 Analysis

There is a beautiful spot to park overnight at Motukaraka Point Reserve (Grays Road) on the northern side of the Pāuatahanui Inlet. The Motukaraka...

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Motiti Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

8 Reviews

 Analysis

Certified self-contained campervans can stay for up to 2 nights per calendar month. Nab your spot early - only 2 vehicles per night, so it's first...

Beachfront

North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷

(Te tōpuni ki Tokomaru Ākau)

Tokomaru Bay

Freedom Camping

87%

8 Reviews

 Analysis

Open every summer between Labour Weekend and Easter

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Maitai Cricket Ground Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

7 Reviews

 Analysis

Certified self-contained vehicles only Maximum 2 vehicles The area designated for camping is indicated by blue line making in the car park...

North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷

Springvale Park

Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

7 Reviews

 Analysis

Available to self-contained campervans only

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Camping NZ App

All the great camping sites on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.

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North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Tamaterau

Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

7 Reviews

 Analysis

One night maximum. You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage. If the site is full, you must move on.

South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷

Pohowera (South Bay), Kaikoura

Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

6 Reviews

 Analysis

Camping for free in a certified self-contained vehicle

North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷

Marine Parade Carpark (opposite # 69)

Paraparaumu Beach - Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

2 Reviews

 Analysis

Beachfront carpark opposite number 69 Marine Parade, Paraparaumu Beach. Up to 2 self contained campervans that can stay a maximum of 1 night.

South Island ▷ West Coast ▷

Moonlight Track Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

1 Review

 Analysis

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

McCulloughs Bridge, Waikakahi Valley Road, Arno

87%

1 Review

 Analysis

Freedom campers must have self-contained units (toilet, shower and grey water storage) The Council asks that all independent overnight campers...

South Island ▷ West Coast ▷

Blackball Dumpstation

87%

1 Review

 Analysis

Recreation Reserve Town Belt South Blackball SC carpark for a gold coin donation on gravel area next to park

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Manaia Walkway, Whangarei

Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

1 Review

 Analysis

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...

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Onerahi Sportspark

87%

1 Review

 Analysis

Open 18 Dec until Auckland/Northland Anniversary Weekend

North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷

Firmin Lodge

Kawerau, Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

1 Review

 Analysis

North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷

Evans Bay Marina Carpark

Wellington, Overnight Campervan Parking

86%

135 Reviews

 Analysis

THIS CAMPSITE WILL BE CLOSED ON THE NIGHT OF THE 17TH OF FEB 2024 DUE TO ROUND THE BAYS. IF YOU PARK HERE ON THE 17TH YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO...

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

Brighton Domain

Overnight Self-contained Campervan Parking

86%

65 Reviews

5 Face-to-Face

Analysis

Brighton Domain is open only to self-contained campers, and they can stay a maximum of 2 days there, out by 8.30am.

North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷

Huka/Aratiatia Rapids Scenic Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

86%

59 Reviews

 Analysis

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Isel Park, Main Road Stoke Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

86%

22 Reviews

 Analysis

Certified self-contained vehicles only Maximum 3 vehicles The area designated for camping is indicated by blue line making in the car park...

South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷

South End Railway Station Carpark, Kaikoura

Overnight Campervan Parking

86%

20 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 ▷ Taranaki ▷

Battiscombe Terrace, Waitara

Overnight Campervan Parking

86%

19 Reviews

 Analysis

Tents and other temporary structures are banned from freedom camping in New Plymouth District. People freedom camping in non-self-contained...

South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Owaka

Overnight Camping Parking

86%

18 Reviews

 Analysis

Self-Contained: Self-contained vehicles only Toilets: No Booking not required: First come, first served, 8 sites. Maximum Stay Duration...