Bay of Islands, Northland

PhotoAlistair Guthrie

With great freedom comes equal responsibility.

Here's my insights from Freedom Camping for more than 20 years.

View great campsites in NZ on our Camping NZ map.

CC
Cymen Crick's avatar
Drag

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.

482 items with the highest ranking score first, showing page 3 of 17.

South IslandCanterbury

O'Neills Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

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

North IslandWaikato

Arapuni Landing

Lake Arapuni - Freedom Camping

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...

South IslandSouthland

Nokomai Road

Overnight Campervan Parking

Situated on Nokomai Station, parking next to the river. 3rd Bridge on Nokomai Road, 25 minute drive down a gravel path. Self-Contained...

South IslandWest Coast

Cobden Beachfront, Greymouth

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 IslandHawkes Bay

Clifton Road Reserve

Freedom Camping

There is a donation box near the toilet block and a suggested donation of $3.00 per person is welcomed. Beachfront free-camping! We love it...

Waterfront Camping. Nice!

Beachfront Freedom Camping away from the city

Doc Visitor centre and Carpark

North IslandTaranaki

North Egmont Carparks

Egmont National Park - Overnight Campervan Parking

The visitor centre has displays on the local volcanic history and ecology along with displays of the European and Maori history of the mountain...

North IslandNorthland

Ocean Beach Carpark, Whangarei

Overnight Campervan Parking

ABSOLUTELY NO TENTS ALLOWED One night maximum. You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage. If the site is full, you...

North IslandAuckland Region

Hauraki Rail Trail Terminus

East Coast Road, Kaiaua - Overnight Campervan Parking

The Hauraki Rail Trail terminus is just north of the Kaiaua township. Freedom camping is restricted to designated carparks. Camping in non...

Waimea Road Carpark

North IslandWellington Region

Waimea Road Beach Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

Overnight parking for up to 2 self contained campervans that can stay a maximum 1 night at Waimea Road Beach Carpark.

Self-contained, 48 hours limit, 5 designated car park sites. Maximum possible motor vehicle length: 10 metres. Dog leash area.

North IslandTairāwhiti Gisborne

Freedom camping

South IslandCoastal Otago

Harwood Domain

Freedom Camping

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 IslandCoromandel

Beach Road Reserve, Whangamata

Overnight Campervan Parking

Beautiful spot right by the water for Self Contained Vehicles only. Parking on the grass area on the right-hand side of the entrance opposite...

North IslandHawkes Bay

Balls Clearing Roadend Carpark

Balls Clearing Scenic Reserve - Overnight Campervan Parking

This reserve is the best place in Hawke’s Bay to experience a lowland podocarp forest.

South IslandCoastal Otago

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

Freedom camping permitted in SC vehicles only. You can stay up to 3 nights in a calendar month.

Go Mot!!

South IslandNelson Region

Port Motueka Beach Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

What a score! This site is right next to the Salt Baths in Motueka, these baths are refilled every high tide and are a great place for a dip...

South IslandKaikoura Region

Jimmy Armers Beach, Kaikoura

Overnight Campervan Parking

- Camping for free in a certified self-contained vehicle is allowed for a maximum of 1 night in any four week period. - Vehicles must park within...

No Frills Freedom Camping

North IslandCoromandel

Ocean Beach, South End, 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...

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 IslandWellington Region

Kimberley Reserve, Levin

Overnight Campervan Parking

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

South IslandNelson Region

Wakapuaka Reserve Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

Certified self-contained vehicles only Maximum 3 vehicles Council enforces the vehicle limit under their Bylaw and a $200 infringement fine...

Freedom camping at Boyd Park in Te Aroha

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 IslandManawatu - Wanganui

Pahiatua Golf Club

Overnight Campervan Parking

North IslandManawatu - Wanganui

Matthews Park, Norsewood

Overnight Campervan Parking

$5 per person, self contained vehicles only, max 2 nights

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.