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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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487 items with the highest ranking score first, showing page 10 of 17.

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

North Beach Car Park

Freedom Camping

79%

14 Reviews

 Analysis

Freedom camping prohibited at weekends (7pm Fridays – 7pm Sundays) between 1 October and 1 May. At other times, freedom camping is allowed...

North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷

Hauraki District Council Area Office Carpark, Orchard West Road, Ngatea

Overnight Campervan Parking

79%

11 Reviews

 Analysis

*** Closed from 26th May 2026 for 12 - 18 months*** The carpark area is behind the Council building. Freedom camping is restricted to designated...

Closed from 26th May 2025 for...

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Te Corner, Ohaeawai

Overnight Campervan Parking

79%

8 Reviews

 Analysis

On the corner of State Highway 1 and Hobson Street, Ohaeawai. - Self-contained only - Four vehicle limit - Maximum stay of two consecutive...

North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷

Moutoa Quay

Overnight Campervan Parking

79%

8 Reviews

 Analysis

Available to self-contained campervans only- 10 spaces available Maximum 4 night stay This site is not available on Fridays. Camping available...

North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷

Maraetotara Falls Reserve

Freedom Camping

79%

7 Reviews

4 Face-to-Face

Analysis

At the Maraetotara Falls Reserve, certified self-contained campervans and motorhomes can freedom camp for a maximum of two nights. Short bush...

South Island ▷ Southland ▷

York Road, Riversdale

Overnight Campervan Parking

79%

4 Reviews

 Analysis

You may freedom camp in the designated area for a maximum of 7 nights in any 30 day period. You must be self-contained.

North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷

Shine Falls

Overnight Campervan Parking

79%

3 Reviews

 Analysis

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Matua Saltmarsh

Overnight Campervan Parking

79%

3 Reviews

 Analysis

Certified self-contained campervans can stay for up to 2 nights per calendar month. Nab your spot early - only 3 vehicles per night, so it's first...

North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷

Government Gardens Thermal Area

Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

80 Reviews

 Analysis

Limited free parking spaces for large campervans available in the Government Gardens opposite the Polynesian Spa, Hinemoa Street. The aim is to...

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Montgomery Square Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

34 Reviews

 Analysis

Certified self-contained vehicles only. Maximum 25 vehicles. The area designated for camping is indicated by blue line making in the car...

North Island ▷ Hawkes Bay ▷

Perfume Point Carpark, Napier

Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

28 Reviews

 Analysis

A maximum of 2 nights stay. Vehicles must have a current self-containment certificate. A maximum of four vehicles are allowed here at any...

North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷

Lake Ōkaro Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

22 Reviews

 Analysis

This reserve can be accessed from Waimangu Road. This lake is an important wildlife habitat for water birds such as the grey teal, paradise shelduck...

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Two Ponga Park, Okaihau

Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

18 Reviews

 Analysis

- Self-contained only - Two vehicle limit - Maximum stay of two consecutive nights

North Island ▷ Waikato ▷

Keeleys Landing

Freedom Camping

78%

15 Reviews

 Analysis
Camping NZ App Icon

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

North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷

Brown Street, Thames

Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

12 Reviews

 Analysis

All freedom campers must be certified self-contained. Maximum stay of two consecutive nights, departure by 9am. Location - the two formed...

South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷

Motupipi Carpark

Takaka - Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

11 Reviews

 Analysis

Freedom camping within Motupipi Car Park is restricted to certified self contained vehicles only. Self contained vehicles must park in the designated...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Galletly's Road, St Andrews

Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

11 Reviews

 Analysis

This is a Waimate District Council designated freedom camping spot for self-contained vehicles. This site is just north of St Andrews across the...

North Island ▷ Waikato ▷

Bulmers Landing

Lake Arapuni - Freedom Camping

78%

9 Reviews

 Analysis

Maximum 10 self contained Maximum 2 nights Security camera onsite Flushing toilets No rubbish bins River swims available

North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷

(Jubilee Stadium Carpark)

Springvale Park

Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

9 Reviews

 Analysis

Available to self-contained campervans only

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Taylor Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

8 Reviews

 Analysis

Certified self-contained campervans can stay for up to 2 nights per calendar month. Nab your spot early - only 2 vehicles per night, so it's first...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Gunn's Bush

Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

8 Reviews

 Analysis

This is a Waimate District Council designated freedom camping area for self-contained vehicles only. For more information pop into the Waimate...

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Park Road, Maketu

Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

7 Reviews

 Analysis

Freedom Camping is excluded from the conclusion of Labour Weekend through to the conclusion of the following Easter Weekend. There is a 3 night...

North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷

Albion Street Carpark, Hawera

Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

7 Reviews

 Analysis

North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷

Bartlett's Ford Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

7 Reviews

 Analysis

Bartletts Ford is a 0.6250ha reserve with the river running alongside. It is popular for casual summer recreation with river access, swimming...

North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷

Waitoko Stream Esplanade (Grahams Creek), Tairua

Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

6 Reviews

 Analysis

All freedom campers must be certified self-contained. Maximum stay of two consecutive nights, departure by 9am. Park only between the...

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

One Tree Point

Boatramp Carpark, Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

5 Reviews

 Analysis

ABSOLUTELY NO TENTS ALLOWED One night maximum. You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage. If the site is full, you...

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

Uretara Domain

Overnight Campervan Parking

78%

4 Reviews

 Analysis

Free camping at Uretara Domain in Katikati, NZ's mural town

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

Waikouaiti

Overnight Self Contained Campervan Parking

78%

3 Reviews

 Analysis

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 ▷ Nelson Region ▷

W F Moss Scenic Reserve Picnic Area

Overnight Campervan Parking

77%

46 Reviews

4 Face-to-Face

Analysis

Closest Freedom Camping to the Abel Tasman

Not Operating

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Bowyers Stream Scenic Reserve

77%

28 Reviews

 Analysis

Overnight accommodation, maximum 2 nights