Freedom Camping

View Map

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.

Filter by Region

All Regions

Filter by Overnight Stay Rules

Only in a vehicle

Filter by Overnight Camping Site Cost

Free Camping

28 items with the highest ranking score first

South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Lumsden Information Centre

Overnight Campervan Parking

119 Reviews

Space for non-self-contained camping

Learn More

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Kowharewa Bay

Overnight Campervan Parking

30 Reviews

Absolutely no tents are allowed

Learn More

South Island ▷ West Coast ▷

Whataroa Gorge

Overnight Campervan Parking

12 Reviews

+++ CLOSED FOR OFF SEASON - SELF CONTAINED VEHICLES STILL AVAILABLE TO STAY +++ Being so close to the river there may be a risk of flooding...

Learn More

North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷

Lake Rotomanu, New Plymouth

Overnight Campervan Parking

43 Reviews

Tents and other temporary structures are banned from freedom camping in New Plymouth District. People freedom camping in non-self-contained...

Learn More

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Ocean Beach Carpark, Whangarei

Overnight Campervan Parking

28 Reviews

ABSOLUTELY NO TENTS ALLOWED One night maximum. You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage. If the site is full, you...

Learn More

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Wellingtons Bay, Main Reserve (Whangaumu Reserve)

Overnight Campervan Parking

19 Reviews

Closed to campers between 18 December and 8 February inclusive each year. Open to day trippers only during that period. ABSOLUTELY NO TENTS...

Learn More

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

Ocean View Reserve Carpark, Dunedin

Overnight Campervan Parking

40 Reviews

If you are in a vehicle then you are welcome here. Please make sure you adhere to the area permitted which is shown on the maps onsite and with...

Learn More

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Manaia Walkway, Whangarei

Overnight Campervan Parking

1 Review

ABSOLUTELY NO TENTS ALLOWED One night maximum. You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage. If the site is full, you...

Learn More

North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷

Battiscombe Terrace, Waitara

Overnight Campervan Parking

19 Reviews

Tents and other temporary structures are banned from freedom camping in New Plymouth District. People freedom camping in non-self-contained...

Learn More

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Marsden Bay Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

23 Reviews

Carpark at the beachfront reserve. Park under the trees on the gravel and between the signs. ABSOLUTELY NO TENTS ALLOWED. One night maximum...

Learn More

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

AH Reed Memorial Park, Whareora Road Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

17 Reviews

ABSOLUTELY NO TENTS ALLOWED One night maximum. You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage. If the site is full...

Learn More

Views along the coast with the port on the other side of the harbour.

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Reotahi

Overnight Campervan Parking

17 Reviews

Campervan and caravan parking within the gravel parking area. Views along the coast and over to the port. Short walk down to a nice beach for...

Learn More

South Island ▷ West Coast ▷

Paringa

Overnight Campervan Parking

22 Reviews

Please do not park in the bus turning circle under any circumstances, vehicles parking there will be towed.

Learn More

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Matapouri, Wehiwehi Road Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

10 Reviews

Closed to campers between 18 December and 8 February inclusive each year. Open to day trippers only during that period. One night maximum...

Learn More

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.

North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷

Clyde Court Carpark, Wairoa

Freedom Camping Site

2 Reviews

Learn More

North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷

Foreshore Reserve Carpark

Napier, Overnight Campervan Parking

15 Reviews

Parked in the 8 designated and marked parks. · Maximum stay is two consecutive nights · No tents · No fires · No alcohol · Non self-contained...

Learn More

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Bascule Carpark, Whangarei

Overnight Campervan Parking

8 Reviews

Self-contained and non self- contained vehicles in designated site or marked parking spaces only 8 marked sites (4 for large, wide vans, 4...

Learn More

North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷

Hukuwai Reserve, Hukuwai Beach

13 Reviews

Spectacular Hukuwai Beach is 3km east of Opotiki, off SH35. The designated camping area is small, tucked between regenerating coastal bush and...

Learn More

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

One Tree Point

Boatramp Carpark, Overnight Campervan Parking

4 Reviews

ABSOLUTELY NO TENTS ALLOWED One night maximum. You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage. If the site is full, you...

Learn More

South Island ▷ West Coast ▷

Kumara Junction Cafe & Honey Centre

23 Reviews

Camping with a Coffee!

North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷

Albion Street Carpark, Hawera

Overnight Campervan Parking

7 Reviews

Learn More

North Island ▷ Waikato ▷

Onewhero Domain

Overnight Campervan Parking

18 Reviews

Stay for a maximum of two nights. Suitable for non self-contained vehicles.

Learn More

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Ngunguru Library

Overnight Campervan Parking

5 Reviews

Freedom Camping

Learn More

South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Thornbury Bridge Picnic Area

Overnight Campervan Parking

4 Reviews

Learn More

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Tarewa isite

Overnight Campervan Parking

11 Reviews

ABSOLUTELY NO TENTS ALLOWED One night maximum You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage If the site is full, you...

Learn More

North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷

Saint Hill Street

Overnight Campervan Parking

2 Reviews

If you are not in a self-contained campervan you may still camp here

Learn More

North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷

Victoria Avenue

Overnight Campervan Parking

no Reviews

If you are not in a self-contained campervan you may still camp here

Learn More

North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷

Opunake Recreation Ground Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

no Reviews

Western carpark area only

Learn More