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.

9 items with the highest ranking score first

South IslandCoastal Otago

Warrington Reserve

Overnight Self Contained Campervans, Tents allowed

Overnight camping in self-contained vehicles and tents.

The small reserve at the north end of Katiki beach is available for overnight parking for self-contained vans. There is room for large vans, but...

South IslandCoastal Otago

Ocean View Reserve Carpark, Dunedin

Overnight Campervan Parking

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...

South IslandCoastal Otago

Harwood Domain

Freedom Camping

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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.

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Freedom campers must have self-contained units (toilet, shower and grey water storage) The Council asks that all independent overnight campers...

South IslandCoastal Otago

Brighton Domain

Overnight Self-contained Campervan Parking

Brighton Domain is open only to self-contained campers, and they can stay a maximum of 2 days there, out by 8.30am. TEMPORARY CLOSURE This...

South IslandCoastal Otago

An unofficial freedom camping spot with toilets by the sports fields. Right on the beach.

South IslandCoastal Otago

Thomas Burns Street Carpark, Dunedin

Overnight Campervan Parking

The Thomas Burns Car park will be closed to all users from 4pm Friday 31 January 2025 to 12 midnight Saturday 1 February 2025 for the Chinese...

South IslandCoastal Otago

Waikouaiti

Overnight Self Contained Campervan Parking

Self-contained campervans only. Freedom camping is allowed everywhere in Dundedin City Council area, as long as (a) the vehicle is self-contained...