New Zealand feels like it was created solely for freedom camping. With awe-inspiring nature, scenic mountain backdrops and isolated seascapes, there are plenty of genuine reasons to camp off-the-beaten-track.
In this blog, we cover what freedom camping means in New Zealand, the current regulations and any upcoming changes, plus what vehicles are allowed to freedom camp.
We also share some tips on freedom camping — and reveal a few of the most interesting freedom camping sites across the country.
What freedom camping means in New Zealand
Do you enjoy spending the night in unique locations away from the hustle and bustle of holiday crowds and with only the natural environment to wake you up in the morning? If so, freedom camping is for you.
Freedom camping in New Zealand is defined as overnight camping on public land that’s not a designated campground or holiday park.
Although freedom camping is lawful in NZ, you need to be aware of the strictly enforced rules and regulations surrounding it.
Differences between freedom camping and traditional camping grounds
The main differences between freedom camping and traditional camping grounds in New Zealand are:
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Cost — fees apply if you stay overnight at a traditional campground, whilst freedom camping spots are almost always free
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Location — traditional camping grounds are specifically set up on land dedicated for camping, whereas freedom camping is usually on public land that’s not a designated campground
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Experience — traditional campgrounds provide a social atmosphere with more comfort, while freedom camping usually offers a greater sense of remoteness in secluded places
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Regulations — established rules are what you can expect at a commercial campground, whereas freedom camping has regulations that vary by regional or local councils, including limits on your stay
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Facilities — commercial camps have a range of facilities from showers to kitchens, while freedom camping locations often have nothing.
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Choose certified self-contained Plan to take your NZ road trip in a motorhome that's certified as self-contained. Local councils will only permit freedom camping in self-contained vehicles. |
New Zealand’s freedom camping regulations
Local authorities like city and regional councils have jurisdiction under the Freedom Camping Act 2011 to prohibit freedom camping in specific areas and enforce bans. Any breach of these freedom camping laws will likely result in you receiving an instant fine.
Most freedom camping fines are between NZ$400 and NZ$1,200 — with some starting at NZ$800 and reaching a maximum of NZ$2,400. You could be liable for a fine if you:
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Park overnight in an area where you’re not permitted to freedom camp
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Damage the area — like its flora and fauna
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Dispose of your rubbish, grey water or wastewater in a freedom camping location.
You could also be fined if an enforcement officer asks you to leave a freedom camping site and you refuse.
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Be aware of signage
You have the right to camp in a certified self-contained motorhome unless there’s a specific restriction under a council bylaw or Department of Conservation (DOC) notice. If you notice a round sign displaying a tent or campervan with a red line struck through it, don’t freedom camp here. |
Certified self-contained motorhomes
For your motorhome or campervan hire to be certified self-contained, it has to meet New Zealand's freedom camping standards.
This certification lets you camp off-grid for a specific duration — because you have the necessary facilities to minimise your environmental impact. It tells enforcement officers that your recreational vehicle contains:
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A fixed toilet connected to a sealed black water holding tank — with a minimum capacity of three litres for each onboard passenger
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Enough fresh water for you and your fellow travellers — via a tank that can hold at least four litres per person per day for a minimum of three days
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All wastewater — in a sealed grey water holding tank with a minimum capacity of 12 litres per traveller
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A fitted sink — with a smell trap connected to a sealed wastewater tank
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An evacuation hose for emptying your wastewater — that’s at least three metres long
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A rubbish bin — with a sealable lid.
If your motorhome rental has been certified as self-contained, it will have all of these items. This helps ensure that you and your travel group have minimal effect on New Zealand’s environment.
Learn more about certified self-contained motorhomes.
Changes to New Zealand’s freedom camping rules
Freedom camping law changes usually focus on raising self-contained vehicle standards to minimise the effects on the environment. A significant update was made to New Zealand’s freedom camping laws in mid-2023.
As a result, only vehicles with fixed toilets meeting the new standards will now be certified as self-contained — whereas a portable toilet was possible in the past.
By 7 June 2025, all freedom camping vehicles must have a green warrant, which allows them to legally be used for this type of camping.
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What freedom camping changes mean for your New Zealand travels When it comes to renting a motorhome or campervan in New Zealand, it’s simple — before you book, check that the rental operator has RVs with fixed toilets and green warrants. You’ll then be able to park overnight in freedom camping locations. Just follow the local rules to avoid getting fined. |
What facilities to expect at freedom camping locations
Freedom camping involves being amongst New Zealand’s wild, beautiful places while replenishing your spirit — all in the comfort of your fully equipped RV. Whether you intend to go freedom camping near Queenstown, Rotorua, Napier or Christchurch, the site you park on overnight will mostly be a flat piece of land.
However, amenities may be few and far between — so expect most freedom camping spots to only provide firm ground and not much else. A few examples of where you could end up freedom camping include:
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Beachside car parks
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Public reserves on the edge of town
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Grassy patches of conservation land.
A few freedom camping locations offer basic facilities — such as toilets, rubbish bins, a water supply, picnic tables and even a barbecue.
Find out about freedom camping on Department of Conservation (DOC) land.
Are freedom camping sites in NZ actually free?
Many official freedom camping sites across New Zealand are free. Local councils generally meet their obligations by providing freedom camping locations — though they can sometimes be in obscure car parks or near busy roads.
Some DOC conservation spots are free while others have small fees that are used to maintain onsite amenities like toilets and water supplies.
Be sure to research the available freedom camping sites in the region you plan to visit before arriving. It’s possible a site could be full when you get there or even temporarily closed — so be prepared with multiple options.
Read our best park up spots in New Zealand blog, which features daytime rest stops and overnight camping areas.
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I feel that when you freedom camp, you get the best value and use out of our Wilderness motorhomes. You really learn to appreciate all the comfort, spaciousness, facilities and warmth they provide — everything you need on four wheels.
On the flip side, you'll notice the drawbacks of a motorhome even stronger when you freedom camp, as you don't have commercial facilities to fall back on. So it's important to choose your motorhome carefully if freedom camping is your preferred overnight option.
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Useful apps for finding New Zealand freedom camping sites
How can you find freedom camping sites in NZ? Apps come and go no matter the topic, including those about New Zealand freedom camping sites. However, two apps have stood the test of time and are worth downloading. They are:
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CamperMate — the go-to app for all things motorhome travel these days, with freedom camping sites, hiking trails, dump stations and supermarkets pinpointed
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Rankers Camping NZ — which shows top-ranked DOC and freedom campsites, farmers’ markets, gas stations and even playgrounds.
Also, call into isite visitor centres as you move around the country to gain some local knowledge and use Google Maps — which also highlights some freedom camping locations.
Check out our top ten free travel apps for an easy motorhome holiday.
The best freedom camping locations in the North Island
Planning an unforgettable journey through the North Island's incredible volcanic landscapes? Consider stopping in for a night or two at some of these handpicked freedom camping spots.
Marine Parade Carpark
You’ll find this Marine Parade Carpark and two others on this coastal road. There are numerous parks available for large motorhomes and if you have a rear window, you can reverse into a park and enjoy sheltered views of Kapiti Island. This is particularly enjoyable if the weather is drizzly — but if not, the long stretch of Paraparaumu Beach is a wanderer’s paradise.
Castlepoint Carpark
If you like beaches, walking trails and lighthouses, Castlepoint Carpark is a freedom camping location to add to your NZ holiday bucketlist. An isolated place in the Masterton district, with stunning sea views and a feeling of relaxed tranquillity, it’s one of the best east coast park ups in the North Island.
North Egmont Carparks
Mount Taranaki has a few options for freedom camping in the Taranaki region — all highly rated. The North Egmont Carparks are potentially the best as they offer a peaceful night’s sleep on the slopes of the mountain with direct access to hiking trails as soon as you awake. The visitor centre is also available during the day.
Waiomu Domain
The Waiomu Domain Beachfront Reserve is a favourite overnight stopping point for many a motorhome driver exploring the Coromandel Peninsula. It offers a magical beach setting in a peaceful environment — where you can enjoy sunset views as your day of adventures comes to an end.
Kowharewa Bay
Although closed over the summer holiday period and restricted to one night camping when it’s open, Kowharewa Bay is a stunningly beautiful inlet in Northland. A great place to swim and chill out in the water, it’ll be hard to move on after just one night here.
Besides plenty of freedom camping spots up north, you’ll also be able to access DOC sites. Download this North Island Conservation Campsites booklet to find out about all current sites.
Check out our dedicated North Island road trip itineraries to bike trails, fishing hotspots and Lord of the Rings locations.
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Travelling north from Auckland towards Whangarei, I loved staying at the Ruakaka and Matapouri freedom camping sites. Both feature amazing beaches. At Matapouri you get to stay right by the beach with ocean views — while Ruakaka offers a nice cafe nearby for delicious coffee and breakfast in the morning.
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The best freedom camping sites in the South Island
Intending to make an excellent adventure across the South Island's mountainous terrain? Think about spending a few nights at some of these freedom camping locations.
Lake Pukaki Reserve
Also known as The Pines, Lake Pukaki Reserve is a breathtaking location to freedom camp — highlighted by the turquoise tone of the glacially-fed lake and the sky piercing peak of Aoraki Mount Cook.
A maximum stay of one night only shows how popular this location is. Spend time skimming stones into the lake, wandering the waterfront or just admiring the view.
Cargills Road
For a sunset with infinite superlatives, travel down the West Coast of the South Island to one of the freedom camping spots by the coast. Cargills Road is one of the best — but it’s also difficult to get a park as there’s only enough room for about three RVs. Plan to arrive earlier in the day.
Lake Camp
Situated in the stunning surroundings of the Ashburton Lakes, Lake Camp is a special place. A brilliant base for exploring much of the area’s hiking and biking tracks, you’ll also be just down the road from unique Mount Sunday.
Monkey Island
At the very bottom of the South Island is Monkey Island — also called Orepuki. A beautifully isolated campsite with toilets and even a laundry facility nearby, Monkey Island is a fantastic location for watching the sun go down.
Kingston Lake Camp
If you plan to visit the popular tourist resort of Queenstown, you won’t find any freedom camping spots near the town. However, there are a few within half an hour’s drive or so — and Kingston Lake Camp is probably the best.
Isolated, tranquil and with excellent toilet and garbage disposal facilities, it’s a superb lakeside hangout.
DOC sites are also widely available in the south. Download this South Island Conservation Campsites booklet for more information.
Take a look at our dedicated South Island road trip itineraries to bike trails, Milford Sound and Lord of the Rings locations.
Top tips for freedom camping in New Zealand
Freedom camping in New Zealand may be different to other parts of the world so here are some local tips to help you out.
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As soon as you begin planning a motorhome road trip, check with your preferred rental operator about their fleet’s compliance with the new freedom camping rules.
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Download offline maps like Maps.me or CamperMate to help you stay on track when mobile reception is patchy — or better yet, add our unlimited WiFi to your package.
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Have a plan B and C if you’re intending to freedom camp, especially in high season, so you don’t get caught with nowhere to pull over and rest for the night.
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Be prepared for the stars — freedom camping creates incredible opportunities to stargaze, so download a night sky app like Stellarium for Android and Apple.
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Help preserve the natural environment by leaving no trace — and even picking up any litter you notice at freedom camping locations.
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The Tiaki Promise The Tiaki Promise is a commitment by every person who lives and travels in New Zealand to care for and preserve this country. It’s founded on the principle of kaitiakitanga, which means guardianship — sustainably managing our landscape for current and future generations. We strongly recommend understanding and committing to the Tiaki Promise before you go on your freedom camping adventures across New Zealand. |
It’s essential to understand the freedom camping regulations in each area you plan to visit. Be sure to respect the environment and the local rules — and your freedom camping experience will be a remarkable one.
See our guide to motorhome camping in New Zealand for all types of camping options.
FAQs about freedom camping in New Zealand
We answer five of the most common questions people have about freedom camping in New Zealand.
