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.

456 items with the highest ranking score first, showing page 1 of 16.

North IslandRotorua Region

Orakei Korako Geyserland Resort

Overnight Campervan Parking

Awesome view of the lake.

South IslandWest Coast

Cargills Road

Overnight Campervan Parking

Self-contained vehicles only All freedom campers are limited to three nights in any one location and ten nights overall in any calendar month

North IslandTaupo Region

Urchin Carpark

Kaimanawa Forest Park - Overnight Campervan Parking

This is along a rough, windy gravel road. Suitable for small vehicles only. It is at the start of the Urchin tramping track. Good outlook!

Omaio Freedom Camping

The camping field is elevated above the sea, behind mature Pohutukawa

South IslandCanterbury

Lake Camp

Overnight Campervan Parking

Lake Camp is situated in a wide tussock covered mountain valley surrounded by high, generally snow covered, mountain peaks at the headwaters of...

South IslandSouthland

Lumsden Information Centre

Overnight Campervan Parking

Space for non-self-contained camping

Stratford Plateau (1172m)

North IslandTaranaki

Stratford Plateau Carparks

Egmont National Park - Overnight Campervan Parking

Large carpark area with Alpine views

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...

North IslandBay of Plenty

McMillan Road Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

There is a 3 night maximum stay in any 4 week consecutive period at this site. The 4 consecutive weeks begin from the first overnight stay.

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...

Not a huge carpark, but what a location:)

North IslandWairarapa

Castlepoint Carpark

Castlepoint Scenic Reserve - Overnight Campervan Parking

One of the most spectacular sites along the Wairarapa coastline!

Opoutama Beach Reserve

North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

Opoutama Beach Reserve, Mahia

Freedom Camping Site

Freedom Camp right next to Opoutama Beach

North IslandBay of Plenty

Maraetotara Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

North IslandTaranaki

Wairoa Reserve

Long Beach/Cave Beach Access, Waverley - Overnight Campervan Parking

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

North IslandBay of Plenty

Waitui Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

Freedom camping at Waitui Reserve near Tauranga

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.

North IslandBay of Plenty

Omokoroa Domain

Overnight Campervan Parking

Freedom camping for campervans, motorhomes and RVs at Omokoroa Bay near Tauranga

Overnight parking in blue area

North IslandAuckland Region

Parry Kauri Park, Warkworth

Overnight Campervan Parking

A maximum of three freedom camping vehicles may stay overnight in the area A person wishing to stay overnight must – (1) use a certified self...

North IslandBay of Plenty

Puketoki Scenic Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

There is a 3 night maximum stay in any 4 week consecutive period at this site. The 4 consecutive weeks begin from the first overnight stay.

North IslandTaranaki

Arawhata Road Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

Self-contained vehicles only. Maximum of three (3) consecutive nights in any calendar month, at any one site. Maximum of three (3) vehicles...

South IslandQueenstown Region

Chinamans Bluff

Mount / Mt Aspiring National Park - Overnight Campervan Parking

North IslandNorthland

Kowharewa Bay

Overnight Campervan Parking

Absolutely no tents are allowed

Free camping for self-contained campers at Central Hawkes Bay's Kairakau Beach

North IslandBay of Plenty

Island View Esplanade Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

Free-camping at Island View Esplanade Reserve on Tuna Ave, Waihi Beach

North IslandBay of Plenty

Tuapiro Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

Tuapiro point

South IslandCanterbury

Waitohi Scenic Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

Unavailable from mid April to early Spring for Forestry Operations.

South IslandWest Coast

Whataroa Gorge

Overnight Campervan Parking

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

North IslandTaranaki

Northern Headland Carpark, Opunake

Overnight Campervan Parking

North IslandBay of Plenty

Huharua Park

Overnight Campervan Parking

North IslandBay of Plenty

Omokoroa

Cooney Reserve - Overnight Campervan Parking

Freedom camping is allowed for campervans and motorhomes with self-containment certification at Cooney Reserve in Omokoroa, 15 minutes north of...