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Freedom Camping

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Bay of Islands, Northland

PhotoAlistair Guthrie

Accommodation ▷ Camping Grounds ▷

Freedom Camping Locations

Expect no facilities. Generally for self contained vehicles only.

A few unprepared freedom campers have affected Aotearoa, socially and environmentally. New Zealanders are very aware of this, and some now see freedom campers as a threat to the environment and our collective ability to enjoy it.

We don’t want you to be seen in this light. Please be respectful of the environment and the local people. These freedom camping tips will show the way.

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Coastal Otago

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Self-contained motorhomes only

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Any cost

9 items with the highest ranking score first

Tiny

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

McCulloughs Bridge, Waikakahi Valley Road, Arno

4.9 4 reviews

Freedom campers must have self-contained units (toilet, shower and grey water storage) The Council asks that all independent overnight campers...

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

Harwood Domain

Freedom Camping

4.6 13 reviews

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

Katiki Beach North Reserve Rest Stop

4.5 24 reviews

The small reserve at the north end of Katiki beach is available for overnight parking for self-contained vans. There is room for large vans, but...

Tiny

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

Brighton Domain

Overnight Self-contained Campervan Parking

4.5 70 reviews

Brighton Domain is open only to self-contained campers, and they can stay a maximum of 2 days there, out by 8.30am.

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Camping NZ App

All the great camping sites on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.

Download from the App Store Download Android app on Google Play

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

Waikouaiti

Overnight Self Contained Campervan Parking

3.9 3 reviews

Self-contained campervans only. Freedom camping is allowed everywhere in Dundedin City Council area, as long as (a) the vehicle is self-contained...

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

Thomas Burns Street Carpark, Dunedin

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.8 35 reviews

**closed to all vehicles from 5pm Friday, 20 February 2026 – 10:30pm Saturday, 21 February 2026 for Chinese New Year celebrations.** The maximum...

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

Eden St

Overnight Campervan Parking

3.7 2 reviews

Situated next to the bus terminal and public restrooms. Self Contained Vehicles Only, Max 3 nights.

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

(Waianakarua Rd rest area)

Bridge Point

Overnight Campervan parking

Self-contained campervans

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

All Day Bay

Overnight Campervan Parking

This is a Waitaki District Council designated freedom camping spot. A primo spot looking out over the beach, you can walk along the beach to Campbells...