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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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40 items with the highest ranking score first, showing page 1 of 2.

North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

TECT Park

Freedom Camping Site

4.9 62 reviews

Tect Park is made up of 1650 hectares forest land administered by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. This huge forest area situated between...

North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷

Rotokare Scenic Reserve

4.9 27 reviews

We are a pest free sanctuary. We have spent millions of dollars and hours eradicating mice, rats, stoats, weasels and possums from inside the...

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Sandy Bay Carpark, Whangarei

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.9 14 reviews

One night maximum You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage If the site is full, you must move on

North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷

North Tora Camping Area

4.9 3 reviews

Camp in this remote beach location within signposted areas for a maximum of 21 days. WARNING - this campsite is open to overnight camping...

North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷

Opunake Lake Carpark, Opunake

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.8 3 reviews

Monkey Island

South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Monkey Island, Orepuki

Overnight Campervan Parking and Walk

4.7 84 reviews

Freedom campers are allowed to stay for up to 28 days per calendar year. Monkey Island can be reached by foot at a low tide, and offers good...

South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Willow Creek

4.7 7 reviews

Please leave the site as you found it, especially take rubbish away and no toilet paper in the bushes.

Anaura Bay Recreation Reserve

North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷

Anaura Bay Campsite

Anaura Bay Scenic Reserve

4.7 9 reviews

Open from Labour Weekend to Easter ONLY

Not Operating

North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷

Hauraki Rail Trail Terminus

East Coast Road, Kaiaua - Overnight Campervan Parking

4.6 27 reviews

The Hauraki Rail Trail terminus is just north of the Kaiaua township. Freedom camping is restricted to designated carparks. Camping in non...

South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷

Champagne Gully

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.6 22 reviews

These camping areas are free for everyone to enjoy, if they follow some simple guidelines. These include: not lighting fires using the rubbish...

North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷

Kimberley Reserve, Levin

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.6 15 reviews

- Camping is permitted 1 December - Easter Weekend, subject to availability - There is a toilet/changing block open during this period - A permit...

North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷

Mana Bay, Patea Beach

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.6 7 reviews

2 designated carparks at beachfront, 6 designated carparks and tenting options allowed at riverside carpark.

South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷

Lake Dunstan / Bendigo

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.5 50 reviews

These camping areas are free for everyone to enjoy, if they follow some simple guidelines. These include: not lighting fires using the rubbish...

Tiny

North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷

Raumai Reserve

Overnight campervan parking

4.5 15 reviews

Summer hot spot!

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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷

Aotea Rotary Park, Waverley

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.5 6 reviews

North Island ▷ Waikato ▷

Little Waipa Reserve

Lake Karapiro

4.4 58 reviews

Little Waipa reserve is on the banks of Lake Karapiro and accessed via Horahora road, it’s a popular spot for day-trippers. It is slightly elevated...

South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

Warrington Reserve

Overnight Self Contained Campervans, Tents allowed

4.4 38 reviews

Overnight camping in self-contained vehicles and tents.

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Parua Bay

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.4 34 reviews

Beachside reserve with large flat grassy area and boat ramp access. You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage. If...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Hanmer Springs River Reserve, Hanmer Springs

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.4 32 reviews

Freedom camping is only permitted in the signposted area. Freedom camping is prohibited elsewhere in the reserve. No more than 10 vehicles at...

Wildlife reserve full of birds on the side of the Pukaki canal

South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷

Lake Poaka Campsite

Lake Poaka Conservation Area - Overnight Campervan Parking

4.4 75 reviews

Wildlife reserve full of birds on the side of the Pukaki canal. Camp right alongside the lake. Use this campsite as a base for recreational...

Fortrose on a great day!

South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Moray Terrace

Fortrose township - Overnight Campervan Parking

4.4 59 reviews

Freedom camping in Fortrose township, Catlins, Southland

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

O'Neills Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.4 18 reviews

This is a Timaru District Council designated freedom camping spot. Please respect the freedom camping etiquette and leave things how you find...

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Woolleys Bay, Western Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.3 19 reviews

Closed to campers between 18 December and 8 February inclusive each year. Open to day trippers only during that period. One night maximum...

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

Glenmark Reserve

4.3 12 reviews

Freedom Camping

North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷

Middleton Bay Carpark

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.3 8 reviews

Via Heaphy Road at the corner of Halse Place. Three designated parks at the northern end of the carpark.

Beachfront

North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷

(Te tōpuni ki Tokomaru Ākau)

Tokomaru Bay

Freedom Camping

4.2 9 reviews

Open every summer between Labour Weekend and Easter

North Island ▷ Waikato ▷

Jim Barnett Reserve

Overnight Camping

4.2 6 reviews

Thirteen different tracks meander through the Jim Barnett Reserve. The tracks are of varying lengths, but all are easy walking with a few short...

North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷

Lake Ōkaro Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.1 23 reviews

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 ▷ Wairarapa ▷

Lake Domain Reserve

South Wairarapa - Overnight Campervan Parking

4.1 42 reviews

North Island ▷ Tairāwhiti Gisborne ▷

Oraka Reserve, Mahia

Freedom Camping Site

4.1 31 reviews