Joe Trigg
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
Lakefront Carpark, Rotorua
4.0/5
One of the only options round here for freedom camping.
Conveniently located near the lakefront, and easy access to the town. It’s not completely clear where you should camp, there are three spots that have campervans marked on them, but the sign doesn’t specify that those are the only spots that should be used. The ones closest to the toilets and water do say no overnight camping, so we didn’t risk it although some did. 200m walk to the toilets across the grass, but they were clean and open overnight.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Orewa ▷
Laurie Southwick Parade, Gulf Harbour
4.5/5
Car park next to the boat ramp with a very nice view across to Auckland.
Toilets are close, and were clean, plus there is a dump station. There are spaces marked out at the far side of the car park specifically for campervans (around 15-20 spots), but people also camped in other parts of the car park, and there was no sign saying that you couldn’t do that. Ended up coming back here as it was quite a handy free stop on the way to/from Auckland.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Coromandel Town ▷
Woollams Avenue
3.0/5
Planned to stay here for one night but turned up and it’s in a car park next to a school with no real view and a bit of a walk to the toilets, so we moved on.
Convenient location for Coromandel town but not much else there. Only four spaces available for camping in a large car park
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Whitianga ▷
Beachfront Reserves, Cooks Beach
3.5/5
Be aware that the location of this freedom camping site has been moved since earlier reviews, it’s not right next to the toilets and river but instead follow a signs to the nearby field.
Means approx a 3 minute walk to the toilets (clean), not much of a view in the new location but a handy stopover. Not very clear about how many vehicles can park here, it says between two signs with three metre gaps between vans. Would only leave room for four but there were about six when we stayed there. Useful to get to Cathedral Cove and hot water beach.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Paihia ▷
Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park
4.5/5
This is a lovely campsite about 5/10 minute drive from central Paihia.
Unlimited free good quality WiFi, spacious, very clean showers and toilets, and a good outdoor, sheltered eating area. The lady on reception was really friendly and helpful, you can book your tours there. Only slight drawback is that there’s nothing at all provided in the kitchen, not even sponges or tea towels. Means people aren’t as good at keeping it clean. Nice coastal walking track but make sure you do it on low tide if you want to go all the way to Paihia. Would very much recommend staying here.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Collins Memorial Reserve
4.0/5
Very useful freedom camping spot if you have an early ferry crossing!
It fills up quickly (by 6pm-ish) and there’s only 12 spaces. The rangers do come and check numbers. Spaces are close together so it’s a bit cramped. Toilets were fine and close by, rangers re-filled toilet paper when they did their check. Very close to the main road so potentially not good if you’re a light sleeper, but we found it okay.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Cable Bay ▷
Cable Bay Holiday Park
5.0/5
Amazing place to stay if you are after some peace and quiet, completely understand why the reviews are so good.
The owners were lovely, fairly priced, decent kitchen and showers. It was pretty quiet when we visited, but worth going slightly out of your way to stay there. There is a beautiful walk you can do (quite steep) from right next to the campsite, and you can see a great sunset across the bay. We’d highly recommend both the campsite and the walk!
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Murchison ▷
Riverside Holiday Park
2.5/5
Bit disappointed with how the non-powered sites looked - bit of a building site as we think they are building new powered sites there.
Quite expensive considering, and you still had to pay for showers (would prefer this was just included). On the other hand, the kitchen was big and very well equipped, communal area was nice but very cold even in October. Bathrooms were clean. Word of warning, don’t turn up before 3pm, we got a frosty welcome despite it being empty! Free WiFi although a bit dodgy.
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village ▷
Whakapapa Holiday Park
3.5/5
This is a big campsite, one of the few options and very convenient if you’re planning on doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (although there is other cool walks nearby too).
Staff were really friendly and facilities were clean, however there isn’t enough seating for everyone in the kitchen for such a big site, some people without places to eat their dinners whilst others were sat socialising and making their travel plans, was a bit inconsiderate. WiFi free but slow especially in the evenings. Big drying room for wet clothes, which was really useful, but not many washers/dryers.
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North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Masterton ▷
Eketahuna Motor Camp
4.5/5
Very reasonably priced considering the facilities.
We paid $16 for 2 adults, powered site (have paid the same for unpowered DOC sites) with unlimited hot showers and kitchen with utensils. The owners were really friendly and came round evening to collect fees. Only downside is there’s a lot of bugs (dead and alive!) on the ceilings in the kitchen and bathrooms, plus there are only 3 bathrooms (toilet and shower in each) so if the campsite is busy then there could be queues. Overall, considering what you are paying we thought it deserved a 9.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Motueka ▷
Hawkes Lookout Carpark
4.5/5
Quite a windy drive to get there but well worth it.
The views from the lookout were stunning, as were the stars. There is only space for about six campervans and no tent areas. It’s fairly close to the road but noise wasn’t a problem. Toilet was absolutely foul which is the only reason it doesn’t get a 10, don’t even bother trying to use it, we did and regretted it. Worst we’ve ever experienced! Aside from that, brilliant free place to stop.
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North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷ Te Awanga ▷
Clifton Road Reserve
5.0/5
Beautiful self-contained campervan spaces right on the beach about 10m from the water.
Quite busy but plenty of room. Please be considerate of others when you park and think about who’s views you are blocking (eg some people parked parallel to the water)! Toilets were best we’ve seen at a freedom camping spot so far and there was a well stocked supermarket within walking distance. The rangers did come round to check vehicles, so make sure you are self-contained if you’re planning on staying here. Lovely spot and a great sunrise.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Renwick Domain Carpark
4.0/5
Useful freedom camping spot for the wine tours in Renwick.
There is normal daytime parking there as well, but just ten spots for overnight campers. Toilets were 50m away and clean as it’s part of a rugby ground/sports centre, so got quite busy in the morning. Main downside was local kids coming by and playing loud music at night, quite clearly intended to annoy the campers (luckily when one of them accidentally played Avril Lavigne they got embarrassed and left). Also be aware that this place is right next to a volunteer fire station. We didn’t know this, so it was a bit spooky when the sirens went off over the whole town at 3am to call in the volunteers! Good for its convenience.
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Makarora ▷
Cameron Flat Campsite
3.5/5
Good remote option for self contained campers who need a place to stay between Wanaka and the glaciers ($8pp).
Toilets weren’t that clean (we’ve had better facilities at free campsites which is why we’ve marked it down), and tons of sandflies. Awesome view and lots of space. If you’re brave enough to venture outside at night the stars are incredible.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Fox Glacier ▷
Fox Glacier Lodge
4.5/5
We loved staying here.
The campervan sites were all close to the facilities, and toilets and showers were clean (can imagine they get quite busy in peak season as there was 3/4 of each). Staff were really friendly and took us on a free guided glow worm walk that evening (40 mins or so). Only thing that stops it getting 10 was the very small kitchen, it was tight for us and the campsite was pretty quiet! Overall, great place to stay.
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South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township ▷
Wanaka Hampshire Holiday Park
4.0/5
This is a good option if you’re looking to stay close to Wanaka town and don’t want to stay at one of the more expensive camp sites.
The kitchens are big and modern (with ovens and microwaves), there are plenty of showers (free unlimited hot) & toilets however a lot of bugs got into the bathrooms overnight and the mens weren’t the cleanest. It’s got a beautiful view of the lake if you’re on that side of the campsite.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Greymouth ▷
Iveagh Bay
5.0/5
This is a spacious, level, gravel campsite right on the edge of the lake.
Beautiful views but was rainy when we visited unfortunately. The toilets were clean and close to the camping area. Not a big town but useful for a night stopover, there is some information on various walks but we didn’t have time to do any. Can’t fault it, for a freedom camping option for self contained campers.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Queenstown Holiday Park Creeksyde
4.5/5
We spent two nights here - the staff were so friendly and helpful, and gave us local recommendations.
We booked a lot of activities through them which means you get free WiFi. Nice camp area, quick walk into town, and there were a lot of cute ducklings wandering around! Only downside is that the cooking area in the main kitchen is quite small (but lots of tables and sofas), and you’ll need to pay to hire cooking equipment if you need it ($20 deposit, $17 back). Overall, would thoroughly recommend.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Milford Sound - Fiordland National Park ▷
Milford Sound Lodge – Rainforest Campervan Park
4.0/5
We had a good time at this campsite, stayed for one night and paid $60 for a powered site for two people.
Had good modern facilities, with a big kitchen and communal space. Probably not enough showers for the amount of people staying here, and campervan spots don’t have the amazing views that the lodges have. It’s convenient for the Milford Sound tours, and the staff were really helpful and we actually booked our tour through them (WiFi is very expensive, we didn’t bother).
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking
4.5/5
There were incredible views from this campsite, awesome colours from the sunrise in the morning.
No toilet, but we knew this (there were ones that were locked further down the road next to the power station, maybe they are open in the day). Bit tricky to know where to park, seems pretty laid back though, just find a spot with some tree shelter and enjoy! If you’re looking for a basic freedom camping spot with views, go here.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Invercargill ▷
Riverton Longwood Holiday Park and Camping Ground
5.0/5
This is a great campsite, in a cool town.
We stayed for one night in a powered site for two people and paid $30. Owner was really nice and gave us tips on the 3-4 hour hike (Mores Coastal Loop Track) and a place to go for a drink at the end! The showers were AMAZING (unlimited, free, hot, and very powerful), and the kitchens were big and clean. Nice big communal area, it might be old but it’s homely and has a fire, sofas and lots of games. If you do the hike, make sure you stick as close to the coast as you possibly can because we went very wrong at one point! Overall, really lovely and welcoming campsite and town.
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Oamaru ▷
Harbour Tourist Park Oamaru
5.0/5
This is a great campsite, right by the harbour, Paid approx $30 for two adults in a powered site for one night in a spot with fantastic views right over the water.
Kitchen and toilets were clean (hot free unlimited showers!), town is small but very pretty. A penguin waddled right past our campervan around 10pm, think he/she was a bit confused! The owner was very friendly, we would highly recommend staying here.
Wonderful you enjoyed your stay and you got to see one of our smallest residents. Thank you
Tracy Kirk
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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Dunedin ▷
Brighton Domain
4.5/5
From this campsite there are stunning views over the water, and just a minute walk down to the beach.
When we went down there we had the beach completely to ourselves (and it’s quite big!!). Only downside was that it’s quite exposed so can get quite cold and windy at night, but we were there in October. One toilet (clean and with paper!) near the entrance, 3 or 4 mins walk from where the best camping spots are for the views (but you can park closer to the toilets if you want and forego the views). Thanks Brighton, we really enjoyed our stay, and would recommend as a freedom camping option!
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Lumsden ▷
Lumsden Information Centre
4.5/5
there are good facilities at this large freedom camping spot (car park by old trains) - clean toilets nearby and an area to wash dishes up as well.
It’s not got the fantastic views offered by other freedom camping sites, but it’s a useful place to stop on the long drive between Milford Sound and Queenstown. There’s a supermarket over the road and free WiFi available from the library opposite (stronger signal if you park on the side closer to the main road). It’s not anything glamorous, but it doesn’t pretend to be. A good freedom camping option, thank you Lumsden!