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.

14 items with the highest ranking score first

Omaio Freedom Camping

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

Opoutama Beach Reserve

North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

Opoutama Beach Reserve, Mahia

Freedom Camping Site

Freedom Camp right next to Opoutama Beach

North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

Freedom camping

North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

Makorori Carpark, Gisborne

Overnight Campervan Parking

Certified self-contained vehicles only. Parks within painted blue lines. 3 nights maximum stay only.

North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

Oraka Reserve, Mahia

Freedom Camping Site

Water Front Freedom Camping. When you are driving eastward on SH2, Te Ahiaua (The Pipi beds) is the first place you can see the ocean.

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North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

Clyde Court Carpark, Wairoa

Freedom Camping Site

North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

Motu Rest Area, Gisborne

Overnight Campervan Parking

Certified self-contained vehicles only. Look for the sign for designated area. 3 nights maximum stay only.

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

North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

Kaiti Beach

Freedom Camping

Freedom camping on a beach, super close to Gisborne City. For Self Contained vehicles only. Parks within painted blue lines 3 Nights Max...

North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

Ormond Drive

Self Contained Freedom Camping

Self Contained Campers can stay on a choice of 10 or 11 grassy roadside areas, next to the sand dunes, adjoining the beach. Max 3 nights. No...

Could be worse

North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

Te Kaha Recreation Reserve, Maraetai Bay

Overnight Campervan Parking

Beautiful waterfront location. Te Kaha is 74km east of Ōpōtiki with space for up to 10 campers. Self Contained vehicles can stay maximum of 3...

North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

War Memorial Park, Wairoa

Freedom Camping Site

North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

Pilot Hill Carpark

Wairoa, Freedom Camping Site