Freya
South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷ Cromwell ▷
4.0/5
Huge campsite with loads of space to spread out along the edge of the lake.
Not much nearby but lots of toilets. A good place to stop between Wanaka and Queenstown.
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ St Arnaud ▷
3.5/5
Not quite where the map has it marked but easy enough to find thanks to signs; cross a gravel area through a hedge opening.
Pleasant DOC reps and okay toilets. Great spot before visiting Lake Rotoiti in the morning. Quite a few bees around in the morning though.
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
4.0/5
If you are lucky enough to have clear skies then this place is stunning with incredible views of snow-capped mountains.
Loads of space but very busy so get there early if you want to spot close to the lake. Despite being busy it was a calm atmosphere and quiet all night.
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Akaroa ▷
4.5/5
Great location but very busy.
We would recommend doing as we did and arriving in the morning to secure and spot and then explore Akaroa from here so you know you definitely have a spot for the night. Freedom camping officer checked in at 8pm and did not mind several vans parked in one space.
North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Te Kuiti ▷
4.5/5
Large area and so even with 8 other vans we had loads of space.
A few picnic tables and bbqs around. Toilets and a sink for washing dishes. Amazing place for star gazing and very quiet.
North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Patea ▷
5.0/5
Beautiful spot right on the cliff overlooking a beautiful black sand beach.
One spot for 4 cars but if that is full carry on along the cliff about 100m and there is space for 4 more. There was only one other van when we were there and it was one our favourite freedom camping spots we stayed at suring our month in NZ. Toilets and a cold shower close by. 10 star rating for the beautiful view, perfect for sunsets.
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Fairlie ▷
5.0/5
Beautiful place with lovely mountain views.
Flushing toilets and space for about 10 vans. Very quiet and peaceful. One of our favourite camping spots.
North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Mt Taranaki ▷
3.5/5
Large carpark with spaces even late at night.
Only a few spots suitable for long vehicles though. Our van was 7m and once a few cars had parked around is in the morning it was very tight getting out. Great view of Mt Taranaki though.
South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
4.0/5
Great place to stop before a day at Milford Sound.
Tucked between the mountains and the forest by the lake it was well sheltered. Very busy but lots of space. Many people leaving early in the morning to go for cruises but not noisy at all. Drop toilets.
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Greymouth ▷
4.0/5
Carpark on the seafront, when the tide is in the waves are wonderfully close.
Toilets a little walk away but very nice and a cold shower available too.
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Motueka ▷
3.5/5
Only space for 8 or so vans and was nearly full at 6pm.
Awful toilet but beautiful view from the lookout a few minutes walk away.