Free camping area for certified self contained campervans for a maximum of 7 nights in any 30 day period.

Wyndham Free Camping Area

Free parking area for certified self contained campervans for a maximum of 7 nights in any 30 day period.

Winton Free Camping Area 

IMPORTANT Freedom Camping Information from Wellington District Council:

There are 2 RESTRICTED designated FREE camping areas in Wellington City.  To stay at these two sites your vehicle must be certified self-contained.

Evans Bay Marina - 51 restricted parks 
Owhiro Bay - 16 restricted parks 

If these sites are FULL please do not park in any other spaces at these sites as you will incur a $200 fine.  WCC Park Rangers monitor these sites morning and night 7 days a week.

Wellington CBD on-street parking, stay free from 6pm–8am daily except Fridays which is free from 8pm-8am

We recommend checking out - Scorching Bay, Lyall Bay, Shorland Park, Worser Bay, Cog Park, Haitaitai Beach and Oriental Bay Parade - these areas have roadside parks with public toilets.

You will be issued a $200 fine - (Section 27(6), Freedom Camping Act 2011) If you: 
Stay longer than 4 nights in a calendar month at Evans Bay 
Stay longer than 4 nights in a calendar month at Owhiro Bay
Stay overnight in an area where signs state no overnight camping/parking
Stay overnight in a vehicle that is not self-contained at Evans or Owhiro Bay 


Evans Bay Marina Carpark

Visitors are welcome here for a maximum stay of 2 nights in self-contained vehicles only.

Gunn's Bush

Please be advised there is no overnight camping available at this site.
Refer Auckland District Council Bylaw information on where Camping is permissible or Restricted

Matheson Bay Reserve (overnight camping is not permitted)

This free campsite is operated by Timaru District Council for self contained motorhomes only. You can stay a maximum of 14 Nights here. Toilet facilties are available.

O'Neills Reserve Camp

Maximum stay of 2 nights for self-contained campervans. Toilets are available on this reserve. Help New Zealand stay clean and green by using the dump stations on the app.   Prone to surface flooding with heavy rain.  Donation $5/person/night via the Campermate APP

Haumoana Domain

Restricted to self contained vehicles, for 4 nights maximum in a single calendar month. A quiet rural site with no hard standing, so may be soft or muddy after bad weather. There is a perminant BBQ site, under cover picnic area for 20+ people and long drop toilets with a picturesque stream running next to the site.

In Aotearoa New Zealand DOC is focussed on protecting our nature, history and culture. We want to show visitors to public conservation land how to visit the Kiwi way.

Monckton Carpark

Restrictions: Max. 1 night stay only for self contained vehicles. No toilets. Please park appropriately as outlined on site maps. Abide by all signage. Site is monitored daily and rules enforced.

Jackson's Inlet

The Woodbourne Tavern and Motels or “the Woody” as it is known by friends and locals is a family pub and restaurant in the centre of the Renwick community. The Woody’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere makes it a favourite for both locals and visitors.  

The Woodbourne Tavern and Motels is located in the Heart of the ‘Marlborough Wine Region.’ Bike, walk or drive the many and varied wineries so close to you accommodation.

With two large bars, a sports bar and a lounge bar, there is plenty of room to relax and enjoy yourself. There are 2 full sized pool tables, along with a touch screen juke box with over 10,000 songs loaded. We have two large garden bars with plenty of room and two great fire places to keep you warm and cosy on those cold winter nights.
Free Parking for Campervans who use our Facilities. 
We look forward to welcoming you at the Woody.

Woodbourne Tavern & Motels 

From Whitianga township/SH25: Turn right at the Debenham Dr roundabout onto Joan Gaskell Dr. At next roundabout, take 2nd exit onto Campbell St. Turn left onto Albert St, then 3rd right onto Monk St. Site is on the right.

Restrictions: Overnight only, must vacate by 9am following day. Must move upon the request of an authorised officer.

Thames-Coromandel DC Carpark

Very basic car parking area restricted to self contained vehicles, for 4 nights maximum in a single calendar month. The site is right next to the dam, it's also the entrance to quite a few nice walks. Very peaceful place though, with just the birds chipring and very little road noise. Bring your mosquito repellent as they can be fairly prevalent here.  

In Aotearoa New Zealand DOC is focussed on protecting our nature, history and culture. We want to show visitors to public conservation land how to visit the Kiwi way.

Huka-Aratiatia Amenity Area

Self contained vehicles can stay for a maximum of two nights. You must contact the Tasman District Council and inform them of your vehcile details upon arrival.

Wai-iti Domain

Restricted to self contained vehicles, for 4 nights maximum in a single calendar month. The main area to camp is the small gravel pull off area just off the road, however there are a number of bays along this small (and narrow) road where you can camp. It is sign posted.

In Aotearoa New Zealand DOC is focussed on protecting our nature, history and culture. We want to show visitors to public conservation land how to visit the Kiwi way.

Hinemaiaia Reserve Carpark ***CLOSED***

From Thames: Located approx. 19kms northwest on SH25. Turn left onto Tapu Wharf Rd.

Restrictions: Be mindful of parking only within designated area. Max 2 consecutive nights stay; MUST depart by 9am.

Tapu Domain & Beachfront Reserves

The Hastings District Council has allocated the carpark situated behind the Farmers Buidling on Eastbourne Street West (by the railway line) for use by Certified Self Contained vehicles, for a maximum stay of two nights. Free parking limited to between 5.00pm to 9.00am (normal pay and display fees apply outside those hours).

Eastbourne Street Carpark

If you are travelling in a CSC vehicle, please refrain from parking at this location, as it is one of very few spots in the district available for NCS vehicles. Your self-containment certificate allows you to stay ‘off the beaten track’, which is encouraged by the Council and provides countless overnight options (not all listed on this app). This will help prevent overcrowding at the more popular sites.

Whangarei District Council allows all types of vehicles to park overnight in this area for a max of 3 days in any calendar month. The site has 8 parking spaces. Overnighting freedom camping is prohibited in the remaining parking spaces which are reserved for public parking. 

Please follow any additional signage for guidance. No tents are allowed. Can accommodate large vehicles.

Bascule carpark - Port Road 

War Memorial Park Carpark is a free campsite operated by the Wairoa District Council and has a maximum stay of three nights.  No tents are permitted on this site and no camping is to take place on the grassed areas. Campers are responsible for their own water and are asked to pack all rubbish out with them. 

War Memorial Carpark

Only certified self-contained vehicles are permitted. Vehicles are to park in between the sign posts. No double parking or parking opposite the sign posted area. Infringements will be issued. If there are no spaces available you must find another location. TCDC promote responsible camping when travelling, be mindful of protecting the environment and keep areas clean and tidy of all rubbish and waste.



Maximum stay of 2 consecutive nights, depart by 9:00am.
Space limited for only 8 vehicles.

Cooks Beach Reserves (Purangi)

From Fairlie: Head east on SH79/Geraldine-Fairlie Hwy. Turn left onto Clayton Rd, travel approx. 15kms. Turn right onto Hays Rd (north side) follow to edge of lake at boat ramp sign.

Restrictions: NO camping from 23 Dec to 2nd Mon of Jan (incl). NO camping within 20m of lakeshore. Max. 3 consecutive nights stay. Remove all rubbish. Be mindful of all signs; designated parking; fines apply if breached.

Lake Opuha  (north side)

**Closed between 18 December and 8 February every year to camping

Whangarei District Council allows all types of vehicles to park overnight in this area for a max of 1 night in any calendar month. Please follow any additional signage for guidance. No tents are allowed. Max vehicle length 6m.

Matapouri - Wehiwehi Road carpark

This Domain has toilets and a shower if you collect and pay for the key. Otherwise the public toilets are 1Km away next to an amazing pub, made all the more notable thanks to the National Cycle Network Route 52. We had a wash using the free water tap and enjoyed our time at the pub.

Pongaroa Camping Ground & Domain

Maximum parking for 1 freedom camping vehicle at any one time. Maximum 24 hour time limit for each vehicle.

Marine Parade Carpark (3)

Maximum stay of 2 nights for self-contained campervans. Help New Zealand stay clean and green by using the dump stations on the app. 

Dartmoor Bridge Reserve

Freedom camping in self-contained vehicles is permitted in the old railway entrance (accessible from Gisborne Terrace) as highlighted in the map. Freedom camping is prohibited on the railway reserve, as highlighted in the map. No person may freedom camp for more than three (3) consecutive nights in any calendar month with only 3 vehicles allowed on site at any one time. Check the comments for more information from users.

Hurst Park (Railway Reserve)

Message from Kaikoura District Council 19/05/2020: Closed until further notice

Camping for free in a certified self-contained vehicle is allowed for a maximum of 1 night in any four week period.  Vehicles must park within defined spaces. One vehicle per space. All personal effects must be kept within the vehicle. On-board storage tanks must be emptied on a regular basis at a Council approved dump point.

All vehicles used for camping must display a current self-containment warrant issued under New Zealand Standard Self Containment of Motor Caravans and Caravans, NZS 5465:2001. The associated certificate must be made available on request.

Esplanade Fire Station ***CLOSED ***

From Napier: Turn south onto SH51, travel approx. 9kms then turn left onto Mill Rd, travel approx. 1km. Turn left onto Richmond Rd; proceed toward beach.

Large hard parking area.

Restrictions: Max. 2 nights stay. NOT recommended for large vehicles. Dogs to be on leads within the Reserve area at all times.

Richmond Road Reserve

Clyde Court Carpark is a free campsite operated by the Wairoa District Council and has a maximum stay of three nights. Only park in the green area as shown on the photo. Campers are responsible for their own water and are asked to pack all rubbish out with them. There are toilet facilities here. 

Clyde Court Carpark

Donations $5.00/person/night, payments through CamperMate App.

Restrictions: Max. 2 nights stay. Current Self Containment Warranted Vehicles only. Dogs must be on leads at all times. Site is susceptible winds and salt spray in heavy seas.  Responsible Campers leave no trace - take rubbish home to dispose.

Clifton Road Reserve

Freedom camping is provided for within the area shown in pictures, highlighted yellow subject to the following restrictions: 1. No camping is allowed 23rd December to second Monday in January (inclusive). 2. No camping within 20 m of the lakeshore. 3. Freedom camping is restricted to self-contained camping. 4. Freedom camping is restricted to a maximum period of three consecutive nights.

Lake Ruataniwha (West End)


Another beautiful campsite provided by the Waipa District Council, right on the edge of Lake Arapuni. This site is for self-contained vehicles only. Up to 2 consecutive nights stay permitted. You're spoilt for choice for locations to park up here.

Peaceful paradise opposite Jones Landing, great walk to the river.

Bulmer's Landing 

Very basic parking area right on the waters edge. This site is for self-contained vehicles only. Up to 2 consecutive nights stay permitted. No conventional overnight camping on any lakeside reserve is permitted.

Bob's Landing

From Oakura: Head southwest on SH45 approx. 6.6kms. Turn right onto Lower Timaru Rd, travel approx. 1.4kms. Take left fork onto Greenwood Rd, travel approx. 2.5kms; destination is on right.

Restrictions: Max. 3 nights stay in any 30 day period at any single location.

Oakura- Pitone

Freedom camping is permitted at the Glen Nui Reserve, as highlighted in the map. No person may freedom camp for more than three (3) consecutive nights in any calendar month with only 3 vehicles allowed on site at any one time. Check the comments for more information from users.  No person may freedom camp for more than three (3) consecutive nights in any calendar month with only 3 vehicles/ tents allowed on site at any one time. Check the comments for more information from users.

Glen Nui Reserve-Lake Rotorangi

The lower Aparima River near Thornbury has good numbers of brown trout present, typically ranging from 0.5-1.5kg. There is a free camping area near the bridge which makes this an attractive spot to stop, go fishing and stay a night. Toby style lures work well, as do bladed spinners and soft baits, of various colours.

[Fishing Regulations](https://fishandgame.org.nz/assets/Uploads/FG-Fishing-Regs-SI-20-21-.pdf)

Lower Aparima River - Thornbury

This is a new site designated by the Southland District Council. 
- You can camp at the site shown in the map above, in a certified self-contained vehicle only
- You may stay no more than 1 night in any 30 day period
- Other types of camping are not allowed
- Camping in tents, cars, and vehicles or caravans that are not certified self-contained is not allowed at this site

Mandeville-Taylor Park  

If you are travelling in a CSC vehicle, please refrain from parking at this location, as it is one of very few spots in the district available for NCS vehicles. Your self-containment certificate allows you to stay ‘off the beaten track’, which is encouraged by the Council and provides countless overnight options (not all listed on this app). This will help prevent overcrowding at the more popular sites.

We've had feedback that on the weekend it's a bit rough late at night. Maybe best to avoid outside weekdays.

Whangarei District Council allows all types of vehicles to park overnight in this area for a max of 1 night in any calendar month. Please follow any additional signage for guidance. No tents are allowed. Max vehicle length 6m.

Tarewa i-Site 

27 October 2020: Freedom Camping prohibited in red marked areas. Any other area not marked in red can be camped however must be a self contained vehicle and no longer than 3 nights in a 30 day period.

Tongaporutu Domain **RED AREAS PROHIBITED**

Freedom camping at this site is only permitted if;

· Parked in the 8 designated and marked parks.
· Maximum stay is two consecutive nights.
· No tents
· No fires
· No Alcohol

If there are no spaces available you must find alternative accommodation.

This is the only Freedom camping location for Non-Self Contained campers in Napier and Hastings. There are no alternative sites for non-self contained campers. This site operates on a first come first served basis. If there are no spaces available, you must find alternative accommodation.

Dispose of your waste responsibly and ensure you use the toilet facilities.

Please respect this site, freedom camping is a privilege. It is your responsibility to ensure you are freedom camping legally. 

The area is actively monitored and infringement notices of $200 will be issued for any breaches of the Freedom Camping Act 2011 or the Napier City Freed Camping Bylaw.

No person may freedom camp for more than 10 nights in any calendar month on any land controlled or managed by the Napier City Council in the Napier City local authority area.

Foreshore Reserve Freedom Camping 

Hipapatua Recreational Reserve (Reid’s Farm) is a free campsite on Huka Falls Road adjacent to the Waikato River, just out of Taupō. Free camping is permitted on this recreation reserve. All campers, including those in certified self-contained vehicles, can stay for a maximum of three nights and/or four days in any 14 night period before they need to move on.

**UPDATE 27 MAY 2022: The main lower camping area at Hipapatua Recreational Reserve (Reid’s Farm) is closed for annual maintenance work. Signage at the reserve will direct campers to the smaller, upper camping area, which remains open. Day use of the lower reserve, as well as river access, will not be affected by these works. The reserve will reopen on 1 October 2022.**

Free Camping Area in New Zealand