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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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Nelson Region

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Self-contained motorhomes only

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Free Camping

16 items with the highest ranking score first

Go Mot!!

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Port Motueka Beach Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

90%

91 Reviews

9 Face-to-Face

Details

What a score! This site is right next to the Salt Baths in Motueka, these baths are refilled every high tide and are a great place for a dip...

Camp rules

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Paturau River Camping Ground

90%

3 Reviews

 Details

No longer open for camping 190315 KW

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Wakapuaka Reserve Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

89%

11 Reviews

 Details

Certified self-contained vehicles only Maximum 3 vehicles Council enforces the vehicle limit under their Bylaw and a $200 infringement fine...

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Maitai Cricket Ground Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

87%

7 Reviews

 Details

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

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Isel Park, Main Road Stoke Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

85%

21 Reviews

 Details

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 ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Montgomery Square Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

82%

30 Reviews

 Details

Certified self-contained vehicles only. Maximum 25 vehicles. The area designated for camping is indicated by blue line making in the car...

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

W F Moss Scenic Reserve Picnic Area

Overnight Campervan Parking

80%

43 Reviews

4 Face-to-Face

Details

Closest Freedom Camping to the Abel Tasman

View down the Riwaka Valley from Hawkes lookout

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Hawkes Lookout Carpark

Kahurangi National Park - Overnight Campervan Parking

80%

40 Reviews

5 Face-to-Face

Details

Stunning views from your Campervan

Camping NZ App Icon

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.

Download from the App Store Download Android app on Google Play

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Decks Reserve Carpark, Motueka

Overnight Campervan Parking

80%

24 Reviews

 Details

Self-contained Vehicles only

Overnight Parking in the purple marked areas only.

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Trafalgar Park, Haven Foreshore

Overnight Campervan Parking

76%

7 Reviews

 Details

Certified self-contained vehicles only Maximum 4 vehicles The area designated for camping is indicated by blue line making in the car park...

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Maruia Falls Carpark

Maruia Falls Scenic Reserve - Overnight Campervan Parking

75%

25 Reviews

 Details

Restricted to self contained vehicles, for 4 nights maximum in a single calendar month, between 5 pm and 9 am the following day

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Buxton Square Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

75%

13 Reviews

 Details

Certified self-contained vehicles only. Maximum 23 vehicles. The area designated for camping is indicated by blue line making in the car...

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Motupipi Carpark

Takaka - Overnight Campervan Parking

75%

9 Reviews

 Details

Freedom camping within Motupipi Car Park is restricted to certified self contained vehicles only. Self contained vehicles must park in the designated...

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Queen Elizabeth II Drive Gardens

Overnight Campervan Parking

75%

6 Reviews

 Details

Certified self-contained vehicles only. Only certified self-contained vehicles can stay here in any of the available defined car parking areas...

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Alexander Bluff Road Reserve, Ngatimoti

Overnight Campervan Parking

73%

15 Reviews

 Details

Maximum 40 vehicles allowed Self contained vehicles only

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Wakatu Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

73%

7 Reviews

 Details

Certified self-contained vehicles only. Maximum 20 vehicles. The area designated for camping is indicated by blue line making in the car...