Camping guides
Free camping New Zealand: complete freedom guide
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Want to know where you can camp for free in New Zealand? You’ve come to the right place!
In New Zealand, you can camp for free on public land unless camping is actively prohibited by local laws or signage. To avoid legal trouble, the safest bet is to camp for free at a designated freedom camping site.
There are many free campsites scattered around the country which are managed by either the Department of Conservation (DoC) or the local/regional council. Using these free sites is known as freedom camping.
New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world to freedom camp. Freedom camping is a long-established, safe and low-budget way to see this beautiful country in your hired caravan or motorhome.
In this article, we’ll explain where you can camp for free and how to freedom camp responsibly. We also reveal the fifteen best freedom camping spots in New Zealand and provide a heap of resources to help you plan your travels.
For further information, don’t forget to also check out our beginner’s guide to freedom camping!
Where can you camp for free?
In New Zealand, you can camp for free at designated freedom camping sites that are managed by the DoC or local and regional councils. This is known as freedom camping.
Free campgrounds are often located in scenic areas. However, many of them only offer basic facilities such as drop toilets and rainwater.
Be aware, freedom camping does not mean that you can camp wherever you like. Most councils around New Zealand restrict freedom camping to designated areas. Always check the local or regional council website and look for signage.
DoC Freedom Camping Sites
The Department of Conservation manages national parks and reserves across New Zealand. Of the 168 DoC campsites around the country, you can camp for free at about 50 of them.
At free DoC campsites, you should only expect basic amenities such as drop toilets and fresh water.
Alternatively, the DoC also offers paid campgrounds that are affordable and have better facilities:
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.
You can locate free DoC campsites by using their website. Most DoC campsites are first-come, first-served; however, you may need to book some in advance.
Council Freedom Camping Sites
Many local and regional councils around New Zealand also provide and maintain free campsites. Each area is different in terms of the number of freedom campsites on offer and the regulations that apply.
Many free council campsites are located within 1km from the closest town, making them a convenient option. They are not always in the most scenic locations but they generally offer decent facilities such as flush toilets, running water and a dump station.
What are the freedom camping rules and bylaws?
Where is freedom camping allowed?
One of the most common questions amongst Kiwi tourists is: “Where can I park my campervan?”
New Zealand’s Freedom 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. However, free camping is NOT allowed on public land where there are bylaws against camping.
What kind of vehicle do I need to camp for free?
Many freedom camping sites only allow self-contained vehicles to minimise waste and land degradation. To stay at these campsites, your caravan, campervan or motorhome must meet the Caravan Self Containment Certification standard and display the relevant blue and white sticker.
A vehicle is ‘self-contained’ if it has the following onboard:
A toilet;
Freshwater storage;
Wastewater storage; and
A rubbish bin with a lid.
What other rules should I follow when freedom camping?
When freedom camping, you are required by law to leave the site in the same condition that you found it in. All freedom camping sites require you to follow four responsible camping rules:
Take away all waste and rubbish
Always use the public toilets provided or a toilet in your vehicle
Use recycling facilities whenever they are available
Only empty your sewage and wastewater at designated dump stations.
It is an offence under the Freedom Camping Act 2011 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 in an uncontained vehicle at a campsite that only allows self-contained vehicles.
Where can I check the local and regional laws?
Freedom campers can check local bylaws on council websites, at the nearest council office, Department of Conservation (DoC) visitor centre or i-Site visitor centre.
How can you find free camping sites?
Some of the best apps and websites to find free camping in New Zealand include:
Campermate: App showing camping areas all over New Zealand (and Australia), as well as facilities like dump stations, freshwater and public toilets.
Wikicamps: Find campgrounds, local attractions, public toilets, showers, water taps, dump stations and more.
There is also a wealth of government and tourism resources that you can use, including:
Where are the best freedom camping sites in New Zealand?
There’s no shortage of breathtaking freedom campsites across this remarkable country. It’s a tricky job trying to pick just the top few! However, after much research, we give you our list of the 15 best freedom camping sites in New Zealand*:
Hamilton's Gap near Auckland
Sunrise Reserve and Sunburst Reserve near Auckland
Lake Ngaroto near Hamilton
Little Bay near Coromandel
Hipapatua Recreational Reserve near Lake Taupo and Rotorua
Whakaipo Bay Recreational Reserve on Lake Taupo
Glenfalls Campsite in Hawkes Bay
Evans Bay Marina Self Contained Camping in Wellington
Thomson Park in Christchurch
Robin Hood Bay in Blenheim
Greyney’s Shelter in Arthur’s Pass
Lindis Pass Historic Hotel Campsite in Lindis Pass
Brighton Domain Freedom Camping near Dunedin
Twenty Five Mile Stream near Queenstown
Monowai Campsite in Fiordland
Remember, this list only scratches the surface! If you want to discover more of the best freedom camping sites around NZ, such as the best Auckland campervan parking spots, be sure to check out our blog.
*Note that regulations on freedom camping in these locations may have changed since the time of writing. Please double check that you are still permitted to park overnight at these spots before setting up camp!
Organise your freedom camping trip with Camplify
Now that you know where you can camp for free in New Zealand, it’s time to organise your wheels (and accommodation)!
Camplify is a platform that allows travellers to quickly search through privately-owned van rentals and find the perfect vehicle for their camping trip.
Simply enter your pickup location and adjust the optional filters (e.g budget, sleeping berth, vehicle type, etc.). Within seconds, you’ll find the perfect motorhome, caravan or campervan for your next adventure!
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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.
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