Our guide to the best freedom camping sites in New Zealand

The best freedom camping sites for motorhomes in New Zealand

There are fantastic freedom camping sites dotted throughout the New Zealand landscape; it can be hard to know which spots are must-stays! Here are our top motorhome sites across the country.

The best freedom campsites in the North Island NZ

Hipapatua / Reids Farm Campsite, Taupo

Reids Farm sits on the Waikato River, just out of Taupo. It is a very popular base for learning how to white water kayak and enjoying the many sights of the Taupo region. Facilities are basic yet well-maintained and the campsite is known for its friendly atmosphere!

Dickey Flat Campsite, Kaimai Ranges

Park up next to the Waitawheta River in the Kaimai Ranges. Explore picturesque waterfalls in the area, excellent trout fishing spots and swimming holes just a short distance away from some of the major city hubs of the North Island.

Raetea North Side Campsite, Far North

Raetea is a peaceful lowland coastal forest in the Mangamuka Gorge, Northland. Listen to the birds and enjoy freedom camping in seclusion before exploring the sparkling northern coastline. 

Cooks Beach Reserve, Coromandel

The northern end of the Cooks Beach Reserve has direct access to the beach, and is available for freedom camping in certified self-contained vans. This is a very nice location, and of course, is very popular over the summer holiday season. For the rest of the year, it's peaceful and a great place to enjoy the beach.

Kaiaua Beach, Gisborne

Swim, stroll or fish from this waterfront freedom camp on Kaiaua Beach. The East Cape is rugged and beautiful, and a must-see for any Kiwi or international tourist!

The best freedom campsites in the South Island NZ

Twenty Five Mile Stream, Queenstown

Enjoy the Wakatipu lakeside surrounded by impressive snow-capped mountains in every direction from your camper. Secluded hiking trails and fishing spots abound in this area if you’re looking for peace and quiet.

Pelorus Bridge Campground, Marlborough

Located in the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, this freedom campsite is lush with native vegetation and enjoys incredible views over the Pelorus Sound. There is a fee at this DoC-run campsite of $20 per night, but the location and amenities are well worth it.

Mavora Lakes Campsite, Fiordland

Fiordland is, in a word, breathtaking. Either watch the lake and mountains go from day to night or use Mavora Lakes campsite as a base for higher-adrenaline activities. The campsite has BBQs, picnic tables and fireplaces for your enjoyment, and you can swim, hike, fish, boat or mountain bike, all with a glorious backdrop.
 

Enjoy your Kiwi freedom camping adventure, and remember to respect our natural environment so these campsites will be available to campers for years to come!

If you’re looking at shipping your motorhome to New Zealand for a once-in-a-lifetime freedom camping trip, we can take care of all your shipping needs. Get in touch with the Cars2NZ team today!