Freedom Camping

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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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Free Camping

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

North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷

North Tora Camping Area

3 Reviews

Analysis

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

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South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Monkey Island, Orepuki

Overnight Campervan Parking and Walk

78 Reviews

14 Face-to-Face

Analysis

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...

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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

TECT Park – Freedom Camping Site

49 Reviews

Analysis

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...

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South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

Warrington Reserve

Overnight Self Contained Campervans, Tents allowed

33 Reviews

Analysis

Overnight camping in self-contained vehicles and tents.

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South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Willow Creek

7 Reviews

Analysis

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

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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷

Middleton Bay Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

7 Reviews

Analysis

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

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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

O'Neills Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

15 Reviews

Analysis

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

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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷

Kimberley Reserve, Levin

Overnight Campervan Parking

12 Reviews

Analysis

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

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South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Alex McKenzie Arboretum, Otautau

Overnight Campervan Parking

9 Reviews

Analysis

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

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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷

Opunake Lake Carpark, Opunake

Overnight Campervan Parking

2 Reviews

Analysis

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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷

Te Kauwhata Domain

Overnight Campervan Parking

62 Reviews

Analysis

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

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North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Parua Bay

Overnight Campervan Parking

32 Reviews

Analysis

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

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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷

Mana Bay, Patea Beach

Overnight Campervan Parking

3 Reviews

Analysis

2 designated carparks at beachfront, 6 designated carparks and tenting options allowed at riverside carpark.

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South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷

Lake Dunstan / Bendigo

Overnight Campervan Parking

37 Reviews

4 Face-to-Face

Analysis

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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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.

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

South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷

Lake Poaka Campsite

Lake Poaka Conservation Area - Overnight Campervan Parking

67 Reviews

Analysis

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...

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South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Moray Terrace

Fortrose township - Overnight Campervan Parking

55 Reviews

Analysis

Freedom camping in Fortrose township, Catlins, Southland

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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷

Little Waipa Reserve

Lake Karapiro

53 Reviews

Analysis

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...