National Parks camping NZ: complete guide & rules

In New Zealand, you can camp in some National Parks that are managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). These campgrounds are also known as Department of Conservation Campsites.

There are 5 main types of DOC campsites in National Parks across New Zealand. Each type of campsite offers different facilities and has different rules, regulations and fees that apply.

In this article, we will explain the difference between the 5 main types of DOC campsites in National Parks in New Zealand. We’ll also break down the rules and regulations that you must abide by when freedom camping in National Parks in New Zealand.

Plus, we list the top 5 must-see NZ National Parks with camping areas!

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Disclaimer: Not all National Parks or DOC reserves across New Zealand allow overnight camping. Only camp in areas that have clear signage permitting overnight camping. If you are unsure, check the DOC website , local and regional council websites or ask the local tourist centre. We take no responsibility if you camp in an area where camping is not permitted.

Types of DOC campsites in National Parks in NZ

Basic Campsites

Basic campsites can be found in over 50 National Parks and DOC reserves across New Zealand. These are often located in some of the country’s most scenic areas.

It is free to stay overnight at a basic campsite. However, you may need to book online through the DOC website.

As the name suggests, basic campsites only offer simple facilities such as drop toilets and a water supply (could be from a tank, stream or lake). Most sites can be accessed by road or boat. Basic campsites are unpowered.

Your campervan must be fully self-sufficient and meet the Caravan Self Containment Certification standard if you want to camp overnight at a basic campsite. You must also leave the campsite in the same condition that you found it and abide by the responsible camping rules.

See below for more information about free camping in National Parks in NZ.

Backcountry Campsites

Backcountry campsites are found in some DOC reserves and National Parks around New Zealand. The fees for backcountry campsites vary depending on the facilities and popularity of the site.

All backcountry campsites offer toilets and a water supply (could be from a tank or stream). Some backcountry campsites may also offer picnic tables, cooking shelters and fireplaces. They can often only be accessed by foot or road. They are also unpowered.

You may need to book some backcountry campsites online through the DOC website.

Standard Campsites

Standard campsites can be found in many National Parks and DOC reserves around New Zealand. Unlike most backcountry campsites, these sites are often located in highly popular areas.

To stay at a standard campsite overnight, it costs:

• Adult (18+): $8 per night

• Child (5–17 years): $4 per night

• Infant (0–4 years): free

All standard campsites offer toilets, vehicle/boat access and a water supply (could be treated or untreated tap water or water from a stream or lake). Some standard campsites may also offer wood barbecues, fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, rubbish bins and/or a cooking shelter. However, all standard campsites are unpowered.

You may need to book some standard campsites online through the DOC website.

Scenic Campsites

Scenic campsites can be found in a few National Parks and DOC reserves around New Zealand. They are often located in scenically spectacular areas and offer both unpowered and powered sites.

To stay at an unpowered scenic campsite overnight, it costs:

• Adult (18+ years): $15 per night

• Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night

• Infant (0–4 years): free

To stay at a powered scenic campsite overnight, it costs:

• Adult (18+ years): $18 per night

• Child (5–17 years): $9 per night

• Infant (0–4 years): free

All scenic campsites offer toilets, vehicle/boat access and a water supply (could be treated or untreated tap water or water from a stream or lake). Some scenic campsites may also offer wood barbecues, fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, rubbish bins and/or a cooking shelter.

You may need to book some scenic campsites online through the DOC website.

Serviced Campsites

Serviced campsites can be found in some National Parks and DOC reserves around New Zealand. They are often located near major tourist attractions, towns and cities.

To stay at an unpowered serviced campsite overnight, it costs:

• Adult (18+ years): $20 per night

• Child (5–17 years): $10 per night

• Infant (0–4 years): free

To stay at a powered serviced campsite overnight, it costs:

• Adult (18+ years): $23 per night

• Child (5–17 years): $11.50 per night

• Infant (0–4 years): free

All serviced campsites offer flush toilets, tap water (could be treated or untreated), kitchen/cooking facilities, hot showers, rubbish collection and road access for all types of vehicles. Some serviced campsites may also offer laundry facilities, barbecues, fireplaces, cookers and picnic tables.

You may need to book some serviced campsites online through the DOC website.

5 incredible NZ National Parks to camp in

1. Fiordland National Park

Address: Fiordland National Park, Te Anau 9600.

With world-class scenery, it’s little wonder that Fiordland National Park is consistently rated the best National Park in New Zealand. Take a drive through the park or cruise around Milford Sound and you’ll discover a landscape of fjords, glaciers, cascades, rainforests, lakes and mountains.

Stay at the scenic Henry Creek Campsite on the edge of the pristine Lake Te Anau.

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2. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Address: 1 Larch Grove, Canterbury 7999.

Get up close and personal with New Zealand’s tallest mountain in all its glory at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Take on one of the 10 beautiful walks from Mount Cook Village as you wind your way around the mountain and Lake Pukaki.

Afterwards, take a break and visit the Edmund Hillary exhibition in the Hermitage Hotel to learn more about the history of the area. Stay at the White Horse Hill Campground, one of the highest-rated DOC campsites in the country with fantastic facilities.

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3. Nelson Lakes National Park

Address: View Road, St Arnaud, New Zealand.

Nelson Lakes National Park is one of those landscapes that defines New Zealand. Beloved for its giant glaciers, towering beech forests, rugged mountains and famous Blue Lake (the world’s clearest lake), it is a must-visit! Spend an entire day tackling the Lake Rotoiti Walkway or split the trip in half by catching a water taxi back from the halfway point. And don’t forget your camera for some sunset shots of the Lake Rotoiti Jetty.

There are some great DOC campsites within Nelson Lakes National Park, including Kerr Bay Campsite and West Bay Campground.

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4. Tongariro National Park

Address: Whakapapa Village State Highway 48, 3951.

New Zealand’s first National Park, Tongariro National Park, encompasses three famous volcanoes and has received dual UNESCO World Heritage status for both cultural significance and outstanding natural value. Take on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (one of the best hikes in the world) or the Taranaki Falls Walk and visit the famous emerald-coloured Tama Lakes.

Stay at the streamside Mangahuia Campsite on the edge of the National Park.

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5. Te Urewera National Park

Address: 6249 Lake Road, Hawke's Bay 4195.

Visit Te Urewera National Park and revel in a wonderland of pristine lakes, forests and mountains. There are a heap of short walks around the edge of Lake Waikaremoana, as well as the 3-day Lake Waikaremoana Track. Whilst there, also check out the breathtaking Aniwaniwa Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

And stay at the Waikaremoana Holiday Park, a fantastic DOC campsite on the edge of the Lake with powered/unpowered sites and fantastic facilities.

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Can you go freedom camping in National Parks in NZ?

You can go freedom camping at about 50 of the 168 National Parks and DOC reserves around New Zealand. However, there are strict rules and restrictions that you must abide by. Only camp in areas where signage clearly permits overnight stays.

To camp at a freedom camping site in a National Park or DOC reserve, your vehicle must meet the Caravan Self Containment Certification standard and display the relevant blue and white sticker. To be considered a self-contained vehicle, your campervan must be fitted with:

• A toilet;

• Freshwater storage;

• Wastewater storage; and

• A rubbish bin with a lid.

When staying overnight at a freedom camping site, you are required by law and local regulations to leave the site in the same condition that you found it in. All freedom camping sites require to follow four responsible camping rules:

• Take away all waste and rubbish.

• Always use the public toilets provided or a toilet in your caravan.

• Use recycling facilities whenever they are available.

• Only empty your sewage and wastewater at designated dump stations.

Under New Zealand’s Freedom Camping Act 2011, you can receive a $200 on the spot fine if you:

• Park your caravan overnight where there is a ‘no camping’ sign.

• Park your caravan (if it is not approved as a self-contained vehicle) overnight where there is a “self-contained” sign.

• Deposit waste while freedom camping.

Hire a van for your NZ camping trip with Camplify

Now that you know everything there is to know about camping in National Parks in NZ, it’s time to arrange your accommodation (and wheels)!

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