Camping guides
Motorhome camping NZ: complete freedom camping guide
)
Want to know everything there is to know about motorhome camping in New Zealand? You’ve come to the right place!
Our ultimate guide to motorhome camping is suitable for both beginners and pros. We explain where you can camp your motorhome, what facilities to expect and how much it costs to park a motorhome.
We also break down the rules and regulations that you must follow when motorhome freedom camping and divulge our top 5 tips for motorhome beginners. Finally, we reveal the easiest way to find the perfect motorhome rental for your next camping trip!
Types of motorhome camping areas in New Zealand
In New Zealand, you can camp your motorhome at any of the following designated areas:
Freedom camping sites
Department of Conservation (DoC) campgrounds
Council campsites
Holiday parks and private campgrounds
Motorhome freedom camping
In New Zealand, it is free to camp your motorhome overnight at certain freedom camping sites that are managed by the DoC or council. However, this does not mean that you can camp wherever you like! You must only camp in designated areas that are approved by regional authorities.
Note that most motorhome freedom camping spots only feature very basic amenities such as drop toilets and fresh water.
To camp at a freedom site, your motorhome must meet the Caravan Self Containment Certification standard and display the relevant blue and white sticker. A self-contained vehicle is one that “you can live in for three days without getting more water or dumping waste”. Onboard, your motorhome must have:
A toilet;
Freshwater storage;
Wastewater storage; and
A rubbish bin with a lid.
See below for more information about rules and regulations when motorhome freedom camping.
Department of Conservation (DoC) campgrounds
National parks and many other reserves around New Zealand are managed by the DoC. Whilst freedom camping is allowed in some reserves, the majority of DoC campgrounds offer paid motorhome camping.
DoC campsites are classified and priced by the amenities available:
Basic Campsites (Free) - Drop toilets and water. Motorhome must be fully self-contained.
Standard Campsites ($8 per adult) - Toilets, water, picnic tables, BBQs, fireplaces, cold showers, rubbish bins and a cooking shelter may be provided. Some standard campgrounds might offer powered motorhome sites for an additional $3 per adult.
Scenic Campsites ($15 per adult) - Same as standard campsites but located in popular scenic areas. Some scenic campsites might offer powered motorhome sites for an additional $3 per adult.
Serviced Campsites ($20 per adult) - Flush toilets, hot showers, tap water, cooking benches, rubbish collection, laundry facilities and more may be provided. Some serviced campsites might offer powered motorhome sites for an additional $3 per adult.
Bookings are sometimes required if you want to park your motorhome at DoC campgrounds.
Holiday parks and private campgrounds
Camping your motorhome at a holiday park or private campground gives you access to a full range of modern amenities.
Holiday parks in New Zealand usually provide hot showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, lounge areas and communal kitchens. Many even feature swimming pools, hot pools and kid’s activities such as mini-golf.
On average, it costs about $35-40 per night (for 2 adults) to camp your motorhome at a powered holiday park site. Comparatively, it costs about $25-35 per night (for 2 adults) to park at an unpowered holiday park site. Of course, these prices vary depending on the amenities and location of the holiday park.
Rules and responsibilities when motorhome camping
To avoid fines and penalties, it is important to follow local bylaws and regulations when motorhome camping on public land. Rangers usually patrol public campsites daily.
Before camping in your motorhome at a freedom or DoC campsite, read the signposts and double-check that overnight stays are permitted.
Each regional council differs in how long they allow motorhomes to be parked in one area. Usually, you are only allowed to camp your motorhome in one spot for between 1 to 3 consecutive nights.
When motorhome camping at a freedom or DoC campsite, you are required by law to leave the site in the same condition that you found it in. Responsible camping rules include:
Taking away all waste and rubbish
Only using the public toilets provided or a toilet in your motorhome
Using recycling facilities whenever they are available
Only emptying your sewage and wastewater at designated dump stations.
Under New Zealand’s Freedom Camping Act 2011, it is an offence to litter, cause damage or cause problems to plants and wildlife whilst freedom camping. You can also receive a $200 on the spot fine if you camp in a ‘no camping’ area or camp an uncontained motorhome at a campsite that only allows self-contained vehicles.
Motorhome camping tips for beginners
If you’re new to camping and road trips, here’s a few motorhome tips for beginners to help you get started:
Stay in an easy camping spot on your first night. This gives you the chance to learn how your motorhome works.
Make a habit of checking that all doors, awnings and footsteps are secure before driving from your campsite.
Plan your road trip before you leave so that you can focus whilst driving. For inspiration, check out our guide to the ultimate road trip around New Zealand.
Always ensure your motorhome’s gas tank is turned off whilst travelling.
If camping without mains power, conserve your motorhome’s battery by turning off electrical appliances that aren’t being used.
Check out these tips on how to make camping more comfortable!
Hiring a motorhome for camping
Cost of hiring a motorhome
It can cost anywhere from $50 - $350 per day to hire a motorhome in New Zealand. How much it costs to hire a motorhome usually depends on size, features and seasonal demand.
Rental motorhomes in the lower price range ($50 - $150 per day) are generally smaller and suit solo travellers, couples and small families. They usually have all the essentials you need for a touring holiday.
Motorhomes for hire in the middle price range ($150 - $250 per day) are often larger and provide enough living space for the average family of four or five people. Alternatively, they might be offering more luxury for life on the road!
Hire motorhomes in the highest price range ($250 - $350) tend to be extra-large. They generally have quality fittings and are best suited for large families or couples wanting all the comforts they enjoy at home.
The easy way to organise motorhome hire
Camplify allows travellers to quickly search through privately-owned rentals and find the perfect motorhome, caravan or campervan for their camping trip.
Simply enter your pickup location and adjust the optional filters (e.g. budget, sleeping berth, vehicle type). Make sure to select motorhome under “Van type”. Within seconds, you’ll find the perfect motorhome for your next adventure!
The best motorhomes for hire in New Zealand
Need a little extra help choosing from the best motorhomes to hire in New Zealand? Here are a few of our favourites:
Jong’s Cosy Mercedes Sprinter (Sleeps 3 - Auckland)
Dan’s Brand New Fiat Carado (Sleeps 4 - Christchurch)
Alba Adventures (Sleeps 6 - Bulls)
Kiwi Burrow (Sleeps 6 - Tauranga)
Zeffer (Sleeps 6 - Waimate)
Rolling Palace (Sleeps 5 - Auckland)
The Funmobile (Sleeps 4 - Auckland)
Tipi Haere (Sleeps 4 - Auckland)
Te Ora (Sleeps 2 - Picton)
Why Camplify?
We are proud to be New Zealand’s fastest-growing private caravan, campervan and motorhome sharing community. When you hire a van through our platform, it comes with lots of advantages:
Comprehensive hire insurance
Nationwide AA roadside assistance
24/7 customer support
All members are verified
By hiring with Camplify, you are also helping local families who share their van on our platform and supporting many local companies across New Zealand in addition to ours. So we are very grateful to you.
Sign up if you want to join our beloved community of van life lovers and receive our most recent news and offers.