Incredible freedom camping spots in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the finest countries in the world to travel by van. With a dramatic contrast of terrain across the North and South islands, your trip can see you passing by snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, golden beaches and lush forests, all in a day. With all that stunning scenery to see, you don’t want to spend hours wondering where your camp will be that night. Luckily, freedom camping in designated areas takes the hassle out of finding a tranquil place to sleep, and we’ve compiled some of the best the country has to offer.

Aratiatia Rapids Scenic Reserve

Just north of Taupō in the Tahorakurī Forest you’ll find Aratiatia Rapids, an unmissable attraction with a designated freedom camping spot right beside it. Most mornings, the dam is opened to release tonnes of rushing water into the river below, with curious spectators lining up to see it. Plenty of hikes start from here and take you along the winding Waikato River toward Taupō. Fans of The Hobbit will recognise the area as the spot where the famous barrel scene was filmed. NB: do not attempt the barrel run.

Evans Bay Marina

This one might not be a scenic stunner, but for sheer convenience it sits at the top of the list. Located right around the headland from Wellington CBD, Evans Bay Marina provides free camping spots for self-contained vehicles within walking distance of the windy city. The marina is essentially a car-park, so if you don’t mind getting cosy with your van neighbour you won’t find a better free site for you to park and wander around the gorgeous capital city.

Waverley Beach Boat Ramp

On the North Island’s South-West coast, you’ll find the beautiful black sand Waverley Beach. There’s an official campground here, but if you drive a little further past you’ll find a small yet incredible freedom camping site right along the bluff that leads to the water. The site sits atop a well-maintained patch of grass, so you can pull out your camping chairs, pour yourself a warm drink and watch the sun sink behind the waves. In the morning, stroll along the beach and treat yourself to the mighty rock walls that border the sand, themselves a natural work of art.

Anatoki Salmon Fishing

Venturing down to the wild South Island is a must for any NZ road trip, and if you’re planning on popping over to the north end of the island, you won’t want to miss the Abel Tasman region. One of the most tranquil spots to spend the night is at Anatoki Salmon Fishing, a world-class attraction during the day that opens its fields and paddocks to campers at night. Surrounded by verdant forest and the soft murmurs of local sheep, you’re sure to find a sense of bliss and fulfilment under the stars.

Cobden Aromahana Lagoon

The West Coast town of Greymouth makes for a great stop as you travel down to the remote and mysterious south, loaded with excellent breweries, restaurants excelling in fresh produce and a remarkable coastline to explore. Cobden Aromahana is one of the only freedom camping spots in the town, offering exquisite sunset views over the ocean from its lofty perch above the coastline. Wander around the lagoon at dusk to see the area at its best, with wide varieties of ducks and birds coming and going through the waning light.

Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking

If you’re road tripping down south, chances are you’ll find yourself coming across the mighty Aoraki (Mt Cook) at some point. The tallest peak in the country is hard to miss, capped in vivid white snow and spearing the long blue sky. Lake Pukaki meanders out from near the mountain's base, and at the far end near the highway lies a freedom camping spot with possibly the best view in New Zealand. The site spreads over an undulating hill that rises from the lake, treating pretty much every parking spot to a gorgeous mountain vista to wake up to. Spend the night star-gazing in one of the world's most renowned astrological regions.

Brighton Domain

Just south of Dunedin you’ll find Brighton Beach, a sleepy coastal town which regularly wakes up to misty mornings along the low-lying plain. Brighton Domain sits just above the beach with the freedom camping spot able to house a number of vans. Use this spot as a base to explore the rugged coastline, a favoured spot for seals and sometimes penguins to visit.

Freedom camping is a wonderful luxury provided to campers when they visit New Zealand. Some spots ask for a small donation to help with the maintenance of the area, while others are happy to offer it for no compensation. When using these sites, be sure to respect the locals and your fellow campers by keeping noise to a minimum, cleaning up after yourself and not staying for too many nights in a row. After all, we want you, and future generations of adventure seekers to enjoy the many sights of New Zealand.