Profile
Valg
-
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Oxford ▷
Cust Domain
Great spot on the edge of a small domain under the trees clean and quiet surrounded by farmland .
Toilets old but clean and well maintained along with a picnic area and sink Just over 1km to the village . A nice cafe and second hand shop .
-
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking
This was one of our favourite spots especially when the weather is right for a million dollar view up the lake to Mt Cook .This time spoiled by the over use of illegal campers and inconsiderate parking
.The very new toilet block couldn’t cope with the overuse.
-
North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Huka/Aratiatia Rapids Scenic Reserve
A great spot overlooking the dam.
A sealed parking. Mostly flat. Clean and tidy.very clean long drop with a noisy closing door!! Much better than Reid’s farm which sadly is dirty and with undesirable clientelle.
-
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Fairlie ▷
Lake Opuha
Fab spot large grassy area plenty of room, lovely views.
However due to a very dry summer the lake was dry! Still amazing to see and walk on the lake bed . Toilets very clean .
-
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
Lake Ruataniwha Reserve
Our new favourite!
Stunning views, peaceful and not far from Twizel. Great bike rides and walks! No toilets so not so many illegal campers. Area very tidy . Downside the freedom camping area sign by the council is very vague and poorly marked . I challenge anyone to decipher it !!
-
North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Wellington ▷
Evans Bay Marina Carpark
This free area is just perfect for exploring the city and most of all just a 10 minute drive to the ferry terminal.
It’s very popular and fills up fast but parking on the road side if it’s full is allowed.
The toilet block is modern but sadly has been abused by people who obviously have no respect. It is reasonable and I think cleaned daily.
-
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Haast ▷
Paringa
Not a bad spot to stop considering there is not much choice on this part of the West Coast.
Very popular with non certified freedom campers . Clean and tidy but no space between each vehicle.
-
South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷ Cromwell ▷
Lake Dunstan / Bendigo
We like this better than Lowburn on the other side of the lake .
Much quieter and picturesque. Clean flush toilets and two long drop. A good map by the main toilet block clearly shows where you can camp. A bit of road noise . But clean and tidy. We walked 1 km to the Rocky Point pottery shop . A small amount of Colin Pledgers( now deceased )pottery still for sale. His lovely wife took time to tell of the interesting history. A little further Bendigo loop road is worth exploring with historical remnants of gold mining days and now great thriving vineyards .
-
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Reefton ▷
The Strand Freedom Camping Area, Reefton
A smallish area by the river, quite popular.
Clean flush toilets and dump station close at the entrance. A great area for walking and bikers. A very friendly welcoming town. The car park at the Reefton hotel across the road will take an overflow of campervans in return for a meal and a drink. I will add that the meals are large and generous. Highly recommended.
-
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Taylor Dam Reserve
Our best spot prior to or post ferry .
Peaceful area but 10 spots fill fast. Sad to see the large caravans taking up two spaces just to park their car. I felt sorry when there was no room for a late comer . Lovely walks around and 5 km from Blenheim . 10/10 toilets !!
-
South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷ Cromwell ▷
Lake Dunstan / Bendigo
Really great spot , only downside is it is not far from the main road.
But peaceful otherwise. Came on a hot sunny day , relatively empty , plenty of space to park . Long drops and flush toilets great. Free wifi ! Insects not bad. Clean and nice walks along side the lake , a very nice stay ! A map outside toilets where to camp or park areas . Nice one Bendigo!
-
South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷ Clyde ▷
Champagne Gully
This is a great little spot for an overnight stop.
A bit close to the road but not too noisy. We parked by the trees close to the water at the end . Not many others, clean , good flush toilets , wash basins and rubbish bins. Boat ramp and picnic tables.
-
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
Lake Ruataniwha Reserve
Just past the paid camp ground on the same side a beautiful grassy area over looking the length of Lake Ruataniwha and mountains behind.
Paths down to the lake and cycle tracks into Twizel and along the canal behind the dam. Just have to be 10 for views. No facilities but that’s ok for us as self contained. Highly recommend.
-
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Fairlie ▷
Lake Opuha
A lovely peaceful overnight spot .
Clean toilets, plenty of room to park in a large field by the lakes edge.
Not busy. Boat ramp if needed. Nice lake with mountains backdrop.
-
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking
Absolutely one of the best freedom camp sites if the weather is fine.
Good toilet facilities. The pines have a been chopped down some replanting being done . Plenty of spots to choose from . We were lucky enough to have 34 deg blue sky and 24 hours clear views of Mt Cook. We biked along the Pukaki cycle track to Hayman Rd about 5 km. If you want a little more secluded camping go a bit further to Hayman Rd, there a notices where you can camp along there, no facilities but nice spots .
-
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Reefton ▷
The Strand Freedom Camping Area, Reefton
Just the best place to be when there is a red heavy rain warning .
A great friendly little town. A great spot by the river. Although the Reefton pub welcomed us to their carpark in case of flooding in return we had an evening meal there, but no pressure. Exceptionally clean toilets . Dump station. An awesome little heated public pool 5 mins walk away with hot showers to finish.We stayed 4 nights , longer than planned due to the weather and enjoyed what the town had to offer. Information centre a great spot to spend time with documentary’s of the area playing.
We felt safe and welcomed
Thank you Reefton !
-
North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Wellington ▷
Evans Bay Marina Carpark
A great car park area just 15 mins to the ferry.
Excellent toilets. Dump station and water just across the carpark. Well used and fills up quickly . Not far from the central city, we biked around . Always a few that are not really approved freedom campers that spoil it for others unfortunately.
-
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Wairau Diversion Reserve
Not a bad place to stop off, a large grassy area with pine trees for shelter or more open at the end.
A little scruffy in parts and toilets poorly maintained. Close to the river and beach, views of the mountains.
-
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Taylor Dam Reserve
There are 10 parking spaces at the entrance to Taylor’s Dam( was a dam but now a lovely small lake with ducks and swan) The spaces provided are rather miserly and if there was no one else staying we would
have felt very vulnerable. However, others joined us and the park like area around the lake was lovely. It is well frequented by friendly locals and dog walkers . Also the local vineyards fire off guns regularly during the day to frighten off the birds. Sounds a bit like a war zone ! The toilets are down in the reserve. A water tap at the end of the parking. Boy racers congregate in the evening at the area above where we are parked and no cell phone coverage if an emergency call was needed.Glad they did not stay long the night we were there.
Having said we had a peaceful night and rode our bikes into Blenheim and around the park area , enjoying
the bird life . It would be nice of the council to consider cordoning off a small safer area within the very large park area. Still we realised it was free -just pointing out what we experienced others can choose to stay or not.
-
South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Lumsden ▷
Lumsden Information Centre
We were very pleased to spend the night here after feeling quite unwanted at unfriendly Te Anau.
Lumsdon is a small town that does not have a lot to offer but has done a lot to make travellers welcome. The large carpark for freedom campers is organised clean and offers clean public toilets ,water, a place to wash dishes,children’s playground and dump station. A notice board with information on local facilities ie a little laundry down the road, the local swimming pool to swim and shower etc .Four Square shop across the road and great takeaways just past the laundry. This area was the train station and the theme is preserved.
Well done Lumsdon and thank you for a great stay .
-
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Akaroa ▷
Akaroa Freedom Camping Area
The spot is a nice marked carpark by the marina.
Smallish.Fills fast so could be full when you get there.clean toilets in the domain.
We would not go back here. Campervans are not welcome .
Security arrived at 8 pm took photos of all window stickers then just before 6 am security arrived back in the dark crept around each van taking photos of windows stickers again. Determined to try and fine someone,perhaps it pays for the security ?! It was very uncomfortable even for the non lawbreakers.
-
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Marfells Beach Campsite
A popular place by the beach.
Large area ,plenty of places to park. We parked on the higher ground at the end by the new toilet block. Great views . A great stop off .
-
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Oxford ▷
Cust Domain
A lovely quiet grassy and sheltered camp site.
Well maintained toilets a dish washing facility and picnic tables. Water available. We loved this site . A bike ride to Cust village. A great stop for the night
-
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Picnic Bay Campsite
Not sure if Cowshed bay and Picnic bay are one?
But it is a great spot in a lovely bay, camping on both sides of the road bush or beach. This is the first place we found to camp up the Kenepuru Sound .Other areas are closed now.Toilets clean , water and basic sink for dishes. Very quiet and beautiful views.
-
South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Invercargill ▷
Moray Terrace
A large strip of grass on the edge of the river, plenty of parking.
Toilets ok, water available. Information boards on the areas history .Cafe not far down the road. If the weather is good a great spot but little shelter from the wind. We did a bike ride up to the cliffs and then to Waipahu Point then next day. Nice walk along the beach by the camp.
-
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Punakaiki ▷
Fox River Freedom Camping Area
A fairly sheltered gravel car park beside the river across the road from the beach.
Excellent toilets and free wifi. Nice walks up the river or along the beach. A great nights stay.
-
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Picton / Marlborough Sounds ▷
Aussie Bay Campsite
This is a lovely spot on the beach, not very big but it filled quickly for the night.
Nice walking track to Momorangi Bay. The long drop was disgusting the worst we encountered on our STH Is travels sadly.
-
South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Blenheim ▷
Lake Argyle
A good overnight stop.Freedom campervans only .
Argyle Dam has plenty of places to park all round the dam . Toilets are at the end by the trees and boat ramp- we didn’t use so can’t comment. A popular fishing spot. We parked at the far end by the exit as the weather was great, but not sheltered there. We had an easy walk down to the river to bathe. We had the place to ourselves.
-
South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷ Cromwell ▷
Lowburn Harbour
A large popular spot for campers .
Toilets clean , water and wifi. Sheltered or open areas with lake views or not to choose from.
Raining on our visit but no ground flooding . A great stop for the night.
-
South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Bluff ▷
Slope Point Freedom Camping
Freedom Campervans only.
A large area of flat land with plenty of places to park. A basic long drop toilet was ok . Water to wash hands .
Very sheltered and quiet . A pretty spot beside the lagoon and river .
-
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Omarama ▷
Ahuriri Bridge Campsite
This is a great stop for the weary traveller.
A little close to the main road, large grassy areas , toilets not great. A quiet night.We found a good spot and enjoyed the lupin edged river close by and beautiful change of light on the backdrop of mountains across the road . Apparently the name means place of light it lived up to its name.
-
North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Turangi ▷
Hinemaiaia Reserve Carparks
This is very hard to find, the entrance did not match the map, it is more south, there is a sign but go slow and don’t blink!
It was our first night of freedom camping and it was a bit creepy, no one around, little inlets into the bush past the cemetery. No ph service.All rather vague about where to go. We ended up at the first area by the stream. A peaceful night but probably would look elsewhere next time.
-
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ St Arnaud ▷
West Bay Campsite
We preferred Kerr Bay out of the two.
However, a nice bush setting with clean toilets and small simple kitchen area for washing dishes. Not so close to the lake and quieter than Kerr Bay.
Still a lovely area.
-
South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Kingston ▷
Kingston Lake Camp
On the shores of Lake Wakatipu, views up the lake, magnificent.
Large area with plenty of spots to choose from. Sheltered with trees. Good clean toilets.
-
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Hanmer Springs ▷
Hanmer Springs River Reserve, Hanmer Springs
A new spot apparently.
Campervan parking spots allocated on the edge of a grassed area against the fence. New toilets. Pretty location by the river visited locals by day but gone by the evening. Nice easy 5 km bike into Hamner Springs. Or a nice walk by the river. We did both and then picked blackberries in the sunshine. Highly recommended .
-
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
Lake Mahinapua Campsite
A lovely lake with the back drop of the mountains.The camp site is back a little from the lake a large grassy area with plenty of choice where to park.
Clean and tidy toilets, solar shower and shelter for kitchen area.
-
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel ▷
Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking
This is a large picturesque area with many places to choose from Excellent toilets.
Pukaki is so beautiful with views of Mt Cook at the end on a clear day . We were very disappointed not to stay the night as the wind was horrendous and we had to move on.We will return !
-
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ St Arnaud ▷
Kerr Bay Campsite
This is a beautiful campsite with all the trimmings, powered sites, new toilets,laundry,kitchen area with hot water , hot showers ($1)and dump station.we stayed the long weekend so had to book on line
and got the last space. A beautiful lake with walks or bike tracks to choose from.
Only problem was the sandflies and masses of bumblebees! Take plenty of insect repellent!
-
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Fairlie ▷
Lake Opuha
A lovely large grassy spot by the lake edge by trees if shelter is needed.
Good toilets. Boat ramp used by locals.nice walks around the lake.
At the time we visited the water at lake Opuha had
potentially toxic algal blooms ( cyanobacteria) and warnings to stay out. Maybe shortlived
A peaceful spot .