Camping guides
Freedom camping New Zealand: complete guide & rules
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OK, we’re biased, but we reckon New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world to freedom camp. Freedom camping, meaning staying overnight on public land that isn’t a recognised camping ground or holiday park, is a long-established, safe and low-budget or even free way to see this beautiful country in your hired caravan.
This is the perfect way to do a New Zealand caravanning trip: read on for our ultimate guide, including where to find camping spots, how to freedom camp responsibly, and NZ apps for freedom camping.
Freedom camping rules and bylaws
New Zealand’sFreedom Camping Act says anyone is allowed to enjoy public land, including parking overnight, as long as they respect the environment and the rights of others. This includes local authority areas and conservation land. Free camping is NOT allowed on public land where there are bylaws against camping. And it’s alsoan offence to free camp then to litter, cause damage or cause problems to local plants and wildlife.
Potential freedom campers can check local bylaws at the nearest council office, Department of Conservation (DoC) visitor centre, or i-Site visitor centre. On the North Island, for example, the [Auckland Council freedom camping bylaws](https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/plans-projects-policies-reports-bylaws/bylaws/Pages/freedom-camping-bylaw.aspx# :~:text=About%20the%20rules%20for%20freedom,conditions%20applicable%20for%20that%20area.) list camping locations for freedom camping.
Where to find freedom camping sites
Find free camping in New Zealand via these apps:
Campermate: app showing camping areas all over New Zealand (and Australia), as well as essentials like dump stations, freshwater and public toilets.
Rankers NZ: free camping locations; approved by all local councils in New Zealand
Wikicamps: find campgrounds, local attractions, public toilets, showers, water taps, dump stations and more
See also the extensive freedom camping guide from New Zealand's Tourism Industry Association, which covers campgrounds and campsites, apps and useful resources, and how to freedom camp with care.
Where to find free campsites in New Zealand – Department of Conservation
A popular way to freedom camp in New Zealand is with the help of theDepartment of Conservation, which owns and manages over 200 campgrounds in beautiful and peaceful locations around the country. Choose from:
Basic campsites – usually with no or very few facilities (free)
Standard campsites – with basic toilet/s and water supply; sometimes with cold showers ($6)
Scenic campsites – with toilets, water, hot or cold showers and other facilities like picnic tables or a barbecue ($10)
Serviced campsites – include toilets, water, hot showers and rubbish collections; may also have a barbecue, laundry and other facilities ($15)
Great Walk Campsites – a total of 60 campsites along the Great Walks of New Zealand. Prices and facilities vary.
Most DoC campsites are first-come, first-served; however, you may need to book some in advance on the DoC website or through a DoC information centre.
The “self-contained vehicles” rule
Because they don’t have showers or toilets, some freedom camping sites allow self-contained vehicles only. This won’t apply to caravans, but is worth remembering for future trips if you’re in a campervan or other smaller vehicle – don’t park up at a campground with this sign:
Resources on freedom camping in New Zealand
Where to freedom camp in New Zealand if your vehicle isn’t self-contained
Freedom camping in New Zealand - an overview
Your friendly guide to freedom camping in New Zealand from Young Adventuress
Freedom Camping 101from Kiwi Campers