Freedom Camping

The West Coast Does Freedom Camping Right

The West Coast is genuinely one of the best stretches in the country to be in a campervan. The spots here aren't just functional overnight stops - some of them are the actual highlight of the trip. Punakaiki is a good example. The beachfront freedom camping spot off McMillan Rd sits right next to the Tāiko (Westland Petrel) breeding colony, and between April and January you can sit by a driftwood fire on the beach watching hundreds of these big black birds circling in off the ocean at dusk. That's not a campsite with a view. That's a proper experience.

Spots Worth Going Out of Your Way For

Further south, Jacksons Bay is technically a detour, but the owner of the Craypot is fine with campervans parking overnight at the end of the road or the beachfront spots near the wharf. On a clear day you can see all the way up to Mount Cook from there. That's the kind of thing that makes you glad you didn't book a motel. Near Hokitika, Lake Mahinapua is another solid overnight option worth knowing about.

The one thing to be aware of across the whole coast is that most of these spots are self-contained only. The region rewards people who plan a little - check the notes on each spot and know your tides, because a few of the best ones are right on the beach.