Freedom Camping

Bay of Islands, Northland

PhotoAlistair Guthrie

AccommodationCamping 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.

12 items with the highest ranking score first

South IslandNelson Region

Wakapuaka Reserve Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.5 12 reviews

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

Go Mot!!

South IslandNelson Region

Port Motueka Beach Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.4 104 reviews

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...

View down the Riwaka Valley from Hawkes lookout

South IslandNelson Region

Hawkes Lookout Carpark

Kahurangi National Park - Overnight Campervan Parking

4.2 48 reviews

Stunning views from your Campervan

South IslandNelson Region

Montgomery Square Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 35 reviews

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

South IslandNelson Region

Motupipi Carpark

Takaka - Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 11 reviews

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

South IslandNelson Region

Decks Reserve Carpark, Motueka

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.9 29 reviews

Self-contained Vehicles only

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 IslandNelson Region

W F Moss Scenic Reserve Picnic Area

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.8 47 reviews

Closest Freedom Camping to the Abel Tasman

Not Operating

Tiny

South IslandNelson Region

Maruia Falls Carpark

Maruia Falls Scenic Reserve - Overnight Campervan Parking

3.7 27 reviews

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

South IslandNelson Region

Buxton Square Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.7 14 reviews

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

South IslandNelson Region

Queen Elizabeth II Drive Gardens

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.7 8 reviews

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

South IslandNelson Region

Wakatu Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.7 7 reviews

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

South IslandNelson Region

Alexander Bluff Road Reserve, Ngatimoti

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.4 19 reviews

Maximum 40 vehicles allowed Self contained vehicles only

Closed due to flooding