One of the best parts of travelling New Zealand by campervan is the freedom to stay close to nature. But “freedom camping” doesn’t mean you can park anywhere. There are important rules to follow to protect the environment, respect local communities, and avoid fines.
Where You Can Camp
Designated Freedom Camping Sites
- Many towns and councils provide official spots for freedom camping.
- These are usually marked with a sign and may be free or low-cost.
- Most require your vehicle to be certified self-contained.
DOC Campsites
- The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages hundreds of budget-friendly campsites around the country.
- Many are accessible for campervans and offer a more natural setting.
Holiday Parks & Commercial Campgrounds
- Paid options with facilities such as showers, kitchens, laundry, and power.
- Ideal if you want extra comfort or need to recharge your campervan’s batteries.
Māori Land & Private Property (With Permission)
- You can camp on private property only if you have explicit permission from the landowner.
Where You Can’t Camp
- Residential Streets & Urban Areas: Freedom camping is not allowed in towns or cities unless in a designated site.
- Parks, Playgrounds & Sports Grounds: These areas are for community use only.
- Beaches & Coastal Dunes: Many are protected areas — driving or camping can cause serious environmental damage.
- Scenic Reserves, Historic Sites & Culturally Sensitive Areas: Restricted to protect wildlife, heritage, or sacred Māori land.
- Anywhere with “No Camping” Signs: Councils and DOC monitor these areas, and fines apply if you ignore the rules.
Certified Self-Contained Vehicles
- To freedom camp in most places, your campervan needs to be certified self-contained (CSC).
- This means it has a toilet, fresh water, waste water storage, and a rubbish bin for at least 3 days.
- Vehicles must display a green self-containment card on the front windscreen.
- Without CSC certification, you’ll be restricted to holiday parks and a small number of designated campgrounds.
Fines & Penalties
- Camping in a prohibited area can result in fines of up to NZ$400.
- Rubbish dumping or improper waste disposal can also lead to hefty fines.
Responsible Camping Tips
- Always use dump stations to empty your waste tanks.
- Take your rubbish with you — leave no trace.
- Respect quiet hours and local communities.
- Use apps like CamperMate or Rankers NZ to find legal camping spots.
Quick Rule of Thumb
- If there’s no sign allowing camping, assume you can’t stay overnight.