Freedom Camping

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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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Free Camping

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

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 ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷

TECT Park

Freedom Camping Site

4.8 58 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 ▷

Opunake Lake Carpark, Opunake

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.8 3 reviews

South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Monkey Island, Orepuki

Overnight Campervan Parking and Walk

4.7 83 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 ▷ Coastal Otago ▷

Warrington Reserve

Overnight Self Contained Campervans, Tents allowed

4.7 36 reviews

Overnight camping in self-contained vehicles and tents.

North Island ▷ Northland ▷

Sandy Bay Carpark, Whangarei

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.7 13 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

South Island ▷ Southland ▷

Alex McKenzie Arboretum, Otautau

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.7 9 reviews

The intrepid Southland explorer can camp for up to four nights at the Alex McKenzie Arboretum & picnic area just outside Otautau. This place...

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.

South Island ▷ Kaikoura Region ▷

Pohowera (South Bay), Kaikoura

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.7 9 reviews

Camping for free in a certified self-contained vehicle

South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷

O'Neills Reserve

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.6 16 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 ▷ Auckland Region ▷

Hauraki Rail Trail Terminus

East Coast Road, Kaiaua - Overnight Campervan Parking

4.6 26 reviews

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

North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷

Kimberley Reserve, Levin

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.5 15 reviews

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

South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷

Lake Dunstan / Bendigo

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.5 47 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 ▷ Northland ▷

Parua Bay

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.5 33 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...

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.

South Island ▷ Central Otago ▷

Champagne Gully

Overnight Campervan Parking

4.5 20 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 ▷ 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...