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.

487 items with the highest ranking score first, showing page 2 of 17.

North IslandAuckland Region

Snells Beach

Overnight Campervan Parking - Sunburst Avenue

- No more than 5 vehicles allowed - Open 5pm to 10am - Maximum stay of 2 nights allowed - Must be self-contained - No tents allowed

North IslandBay of Plenty

Huharua Park

Overnight Campervan Parking

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.

North IslandTaranaki

Opunake Lake Carpark, Opunake

Overnight Campervan Parking

Monkey Island

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 IslandAuckland Region

Rays Rest Reserve in Miranda is located beachside, next to the Taramaire Wildlife Refuge Reserve. The Hauraki District Council allows free-camping...

South IslandCanterbury

Cust Domain

Overnight Campervan Parking

Freedom campers are asked to assist by: - removing all rubbish, solid or liquid waste from the camping site when leaving - disposing of rubbish...

South IslandCoastal Otago

Warrington Reserve

Overnight Self Contained Campervans, Tents allowed

Overnight camping in self-contained vehicles and tents.

North IslandWairarapa

Castlepoint Carpark

Castlepoint Scenic Reserve - Overnight Campervan Parking

One of the most spectacular sites along the Wairarapa coastline!

North IslandNorthland

Hundertwasser Carpark, Kawakawa

Overnight Campervan Parking

Stay the night next to the most famous toilets in Aotearoa! Sounds weird, but trust us. - Self-contained vehicles only - Four vehicle limit...

Self-contained parking

North IslandManawatu - Wanganui

Mt Lees Reserve

Overnight campervan parking

Located in a beautiful rural setting, in the heart of the Manawatu, lies Mt Lees Reserve. This site accommodates self-contained and non-self...

North IslandWaikato

Arapuni Landing

Lake Arapuni - Freedom Camping

North IslandNorthland

Sandy Bay Carpark, Whangarei

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 IslandCoromandel

Royal Billy Point Reserve

Pauanui, Overnight Campervan Parking

All freedom campers must be certified self-contained. Maximum stay of two consecutive nights, departure by 9am. Park only between the...

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

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...

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...

Anaura Bay Recreation Reserve

North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

Anaura Bay Campsite

Anaura Bay Scenic Reserve

Open from Labour Weekend to Easter ONLY

Not Operating

South IslandSouthland

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

Haumoana Domain Freedom Camping

North IslandHawkes Bay

Haumoana Domain

Freedom Camping

This location has lots of space, with shaded nooks and crannies around shrubs and trees, so you can choose your fav camping spot for the night...

Opoutama Beach Reserve

North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

Opoutama Beach Reserve, Mahia

Freedom Camping Site

Freedom Camp right next to Opoutama Beach

North IslandCoromandel

Ocean Beach, South End, Pauanui

Overnight Campervan Parking

All freedom campers must be certified self-contained. 4 spaces only. Maximum stay of two consecutive nights, departure by 9am. Park...

South IslandCentral Otago

Gabriels Gully Historic Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

Stand on the spot where gold rush history was made in New Zealand!

North IslandBay of Plenty

Island View 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.

Welcome to The Strand

North IslandBay of Plenty

Tuapiro Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

Tuapiro point

South IslandCoastal Otago

Harwood Domain

Freedom Camping

North IslandBay of Plenty

Otamarakau Beach Access

Overnight Campervan Parking

A private, beachside parking spot for self contained vehicles. There is a 3 night maximum stay in any 4 week consecutive period at this site...

South IslandKaikoura Region

Pohowera (South Bay), Kaikoura

Overnight Campervan Parking

Camping for free in a certified self-contained vehicle

Tiny

South IslandCanterbury

Black Hole, Waihao Downs

Overnight Campervan Parking

This is a Waimate District Council designated freedom camping spot for self-contained vehicles. You can park for up to two nights close to the...

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...