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.

36 items with the highest ranking score first, showing page 1 of 2.

North IslandTaranaki

We are a pest free sanctuary. We have spent millions of dollars and hours eradicating mice, rats, stoats, weasels and possums from inside the...

North IslandWairarapa

Camp in this remote beach location within signposted areas for a maximum of 21 days. WARNING - this campsite is open to overnight camping...

CLOSED - 20 May 2024 for two weeks to undertake urgent maintenance. Tect Park is made up of 1650 hectares forest land administered by the Western...

South IslandSouthland

Monkey Island, Orepuki

Overnight Campervan Parking and Walk

Freedom campers are allowed to stay for up to 28 days per calendar year. Monkey Island can be reached by foot at a low tide, and offers good...

North IslandTaranaki

Middleton Bay Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

Via Heaphy Road at the corner of Halse Place. Three designated parks at the northern end of the carpark.

South IslandSouthland

Please leave the site as you found it, especially take rubbish away and no toilet paper in the bushes.

No Frills Freedom Camping

North IslandWellington Region

Kimberley Reserve, Levin

Overnight Campervan Parking

- Camping is permitted 1 December - Easter Weekend, subject to availability - There is a toilet/changing block open during this period - A permit...

Find your spot

South IslandSouthland

Alex McKenzie Arboretum, Otautau

Overnight Campervan Parking

The intrepid Southland explorer can camp for up to four nights at the Alex McKenzie Arboretum & picnic area just outside Otautau. This place...

North IslandTaranaki

Opunake Lake Carpark, Opunake

Overnight Campervan Parking

North IslandNorthland

Parua Bay

Overnight Campervan Parking

Beachside reserve with large flat grassy area and boat ramp access. You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage. If...

South IslandCanterbury

O'Neills Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

This is a Timaru District Council designated freedom camping spot. Please respect the freedom camping etiquette and leave things how you find...

North IslandWaikato

Te Kauwhata Domain

Overnight Campervan Parking

Stay for a maximum of three nights. Suitable for non self-contained vehicles to stay here.

South IslandCentral Otago

Lake Dunstan / Bendigo

Overnight Campervan Parking

These camping areas are free for everyone to enjoy, if they follow some simple guidelines. These include: not lighting fires using the rubbish...

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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.

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Wildlife reserve full of birds on the side of the Pukaki canal

South IslandMount Cook - MacKenzie

Lake Poaka Campsite

Lake Poaka Conservation Area - Overnight Campervan Parking

Wildlife reserve full of birds on the side of the Pukaki canal. Camp right alongside the lake. Use this campsite as a base for recreational...

Fortrose on a great day!

South IslandSouthland

Moray Terrace

Fortrose township - Overnight Campervan Parking

Freedom camping in Fortrose township, Catlins, Southland

North IslandWaikato

Little Waipa Reserve

Lake Karapiro

Little Waipa reserve is on the banks of Lake Karapiro and accessed via Horahora road, it’s a popular spot for day-trippers. It is slightly elevated...

South IslandCoastal Otago

Warrington Reserve

Overnight Self Contained Campervans, Tents allowed

Overnight camping in self-contained vehicles and tents.

South IslandCanterbury

Freedom camping is only permitted in the signposted area. Freedom camping is prohibited elsewhere in the reserve. No more than 10 vehicles at...

North IslandNorthland

Woolleys Bay, Western Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

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

North IslandNorthland

Tamaterau

Overnight Campervan Parking

One night maximum. You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage. If the site is full, you must move on.

South IslandKaikoura Region

Pohowera (South Bay), Kaikoura

Overnight Campervan Parking

Camping for free in a certified self-contained vehicle

North IslandWaikato

Jim Barnett Reserve

Overnight Camping

Thirteen different tracks meander through the Jim Barnett Reserve. The tracks are of varying lengths, but all are easy walking with a few short...

North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

Oraka Reserve, Mahia

Freedom Camping Site

South IslandCentral Otago

Champagne Gully

Overnight Campervan Parking

These camping areas are free for everyone to enjoy, if they follow some simple guidelines. These include: not lighting fires using the rubbish...

South IslandCanterbury

Freedom Camping

North IslandNorthland

Waipu Caves

Overnight Campervan Parking

One night maximum. You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage. If the site is full, you must move on.

North IslandTaranaki

Aotea Rotary Park, Waverley

Overnight Campervan Parking

North IslandTaranaki

Halse Place, Opunake

Overnight Campervan Parking

Between Heaphy and Longfellow Roads, opposite the Opunake Recreation Grounds. Maximum of 12 vehicles.

North IslandRotorua Region

Lake Ōkaro Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

This reserve can be accessed from Waimangu Road. This lake is an important wildlife habitat for water birds such as the grey teal, paradise shelduck...