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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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Canterbury

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Self-contained motorhomes only

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Free Camping

22 items with the highest ranking score first

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Lake Camp

Overnight Campervan Parking

98%

34 Reviews

7 Face-to-Face

Details

Lake Camp is situated in a wide tussock covered mountain valley surrounded by high, generally snow covered, mountain peaks at the headwaters of...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Waitohi Scenic Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

96%

12 Reviews

 Details

Unavailable from mid April to early Spring for Forestry Operations.

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Forks Hotel

Waihao - Overnight Campervan Parking

94%

5 Reviews

 Details

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 ▷ Canterbury ▷

Cust Domain

Overnight Campervan Parking

93%

43 Reviews

 Details

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 ▷ Canterbury ▷

Hanmer Field Base and Picnic Area

Overnight Campervan Parking

88%

87 Reviews

5 Face-to-Face

Details

Freedom camping available by the workshop. No camping in the picnic area by the office. The local Community Board lock the gate to this picnic...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Caroline Bay

Overnight Campervan Parking

86%

51 Reviews

 Details

This is a great place for the self-contained gang to stay for the evening. You can park up very close to the beach, just on the edge of the CBD...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Winchester Bridge

Overnight Campervan Parking

86%

27 Reviews

 Details

This is a Timaru District Council designated self-contained freedom camping spot - you can stay here for up to 14 days. Please respect the freedom...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

West Oxford Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

86%

13 Reviews

 Details

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 ▷ Canterbury ▷

Waihao Box, Willowbridge

Overnight Campervan Parking

85%

10 Reviews

 Details

Park up close to the coast and watch the sun rise. The Waimate District Council has OK-ed this area for the use of self-contained campers for...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Duvauchelle

Overnight Campervan Parking

84%

9 Reviews

 Details

Only certified self-contained vehicles are permitted to camp in this area, for a maximum stay of 2 nights in any 30-day period. Please see...

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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Black Hole, Waihao Downs

Overnight Campervan Parking

83%

4 Reviews

 Details

This is a Waimate District Council designated freedom camping spot for self-contained vehicles. You can park for up to two nights close to the...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Akaroa Freedom Camping Area

82%

71 Reviews

 Details

The only area in Akaroa where freedom camping is allowed – popular and fills up fast.

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Bowyers Stream Scenic Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

82%

24 Reviews

 Details

The Ashburton District Council provides this service for self-contained free camping - found along the inland scenic route. Choice guys! Overnight...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Galletly's Road, St Andrews

Overnight Campervan Parking

82%

10 Reviews

 Details

This is a Waimate District Council designated freedom camping spot for self-contained vehicles. This site is just north of St Andrews across the...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Gunn's Bush

Overnight Campervan Parking

82%

7 Reviews

 Details

This is a Waimate District Council designated freedom camping area for self-contained vehicles only. For more information pop into the Waimate...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Te Moana Gorge

Four Peaks

81%

3 Reviews

 Details

This is a Timaru District Council designated freedom camping spot for stays up to 30 days. Fires are prohibited as there is a forest nearby. Gas...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

North Beach Car Park

Freedom Camping

79%

9 Reviews

 Details

Freedom camping prohibited at weekends (7pm Fridays – 7pm Sundays) between 1 October and 1 May. At other times, freedom camping is allowed...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Naval Point Freedom Camping Area

77%

8 Reviews

 Details

Certified self-contained campervans can stay for up to two nights in any 30 day period in the signposted freedom camping area. Camping is now...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Arundel Bridge

Overnight Campervan Parking

76%

11 Reviews

 Details

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 ▷ Canterbury ▷

Hinds River Scenic Reserve

Mayfield - Overnight Campervan Parking

76%

3 Reviews

 Details

The Ashburton District Council provides this service for self-contained free camping - to be found along the Inland Scenic Route. Choice guys...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Orari River Mouth

Overnight Campervan parking

76%

2 Reviews

 Details

We have some of the most beautiful camping sites in the country and invite all visitors and locals to camp responsibly and to enjoy the best of...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Marine Parade Laybys

City Coastal Freedom Camping Restricted Zone

71%

4 Reviews

 Details

Certified self-contained campervans