Where can you camp in New Zealand? Whether you're looking to stay at a holiday park or camping ground, a DOC conservation campsite or are trying your luck at 'freedom camping', this article will give you the basics of what to expect in terms of facilities, location and cost.
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Camping in New Zealand is an affordable and practical means of accommodation. But there are many different types of camping in New Zealand and several things you should be aware of before you set out. Below you will find information on the three main types of public camping spots available in New Zealand, rules for camping at each and average camping prices.
Campgrounds or holiday parks are commercial operations set up to provide a safe and well-equipped camping experience for travellers. You will usually find tent sites on offer as well as powered and unpowered van/motorhome sites. A tent site may be a specific marked patch of grass or a ‘take what you can find’ type of arrangement, where you can pitch your tent anywhere on the property. Usually, there will be sites for campervans, motorhomes, caravans and sometimes cabins or ‘units’ in addition to tent sites. The cost of your tent space will include the use of the campground facilities.
On a per-tent basis. Prices vary hugely throughout the country but you can expect to pay anywhere between $10 and $40 per tent site.
> A recreation room or communal lounge
> Communal kitchen
> Bathrooms/showers (sometimes coin operated)
> Playground
> Shop with basic food and camping items
> Pay phones
> Laundry facilities (usually coin operated)
> Swimming pool or spa
> Rubbish and/or recycling facilities
> Check in at reception on arrival
> Pay for each night that you stay
> Respect the campground rules and other campers
> Dispose of your rubbish on site, or take it with you
> Use the supplied motorhome dumping facilities (if applicable)
The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages over 250 public camping areas on conservation land throughout New Zealand. Located in some of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions, these campsites usually don’t have an on-site manager and are operated on a trust basis. Tents, vans, motorhomes and caravans are all welcome on DOC conservation campsites. Facilities are typically minimal and basic, but fees are very reasonable - sometimes free. There are three grades of DOC campsites and the level of facilities, and the cost, will vary accordingly.
Between $0 and $19 per person, per night depending on the type of campsite.
Basic and Standard campsites don't need to be booked in advanced. They tend to operate on a first-in, first-served basis.
All Serviced campsites can be booked in advanced, but don't always need to be. Campsite bookings should be made at the nearest DOC office.
Note: All campsites that are on a Great Walk Track must be booked in advance. These campsites will be classified as 'Great Walk Campsites'.
There are three types of DOC campsite in New Zealand, each offering different facilities.
Basic Campsite:
> Basic toilets
> Water from a tank, stream or lake
Standard Campsite:
> Basic toilets
> Water from a tap, stream or lake
> Wood barbecues / fireplaces
> Cold showers
> Picnic tables
> Cooking shelter
> Rubbish bins
Serviced Campsite:
> Flush toilets
> Tap water
> Kitchen / cooking benches
> Hot showers
> Rubbish bins & rubbish collection
> Laundry facilities
> Barbecues/fireplaces
> Picnic tables
> Dispose of your rubbish correctly, or take it with you
> Camp only in designated areas
> Pay the required camp fees in the fee box
> Light fires only where permitted, and ensure it is completely extinguished before you leave
> Keep detergents, soap, toothpaste etc. out of waterways
> Use toilets provided
> If travelling by motorhome, only use approved dump stations to dispose of waste
> Respect other campers
> Respect the natural environment and native plants and animals
Note: DOC also manages campsites and back country huts along NZ's many hiking and walking trails. These are not the same as DOC's conservation campsites described above. For information on camping while walking in New Zealand, visit the DOC website: www.doc.govt.nz.
It is a widespread misconception that you can ‘free camp’ anywhere you want to in New Zealand.
Much of the great paddocks, fields, reserves and farmland you see on your travels is privately owned and cannot, therefore, be camped on without permission from the land owner.
In addition, many of the public spots that appear good for camping have been treated poorly by campers in the past, prompting local councils to make such spaces ‘No Camping’ zones.
However, there are some areas where you can pull over, set up your tent and camp for the night, free of charge. A good place to start is at the Camping Our Way website, where you can find regional information on freedom camping spots. Whilst travelling, stop at local information centres or Department of Conservation offices to ask where you are allowed to camp.
Nothing - unless you are in breach of a local bylaw and are charged accordingly by the local council or the New Zealand police.
> Public toilets
> Picnic tables
> Rubbish bins
> Use public toilets; do not use the bush or waterways as a toilet
> Leave no trace of your visit
> Dispose of all rubbish responsibly, or take it with you
> Respect private property; don’t camp on someone’s land
> Respect ‘No Camping’ signs; they are there for a reason
> Keep detergents, soap, toothpaste etc. out of waterways
> Only use approved dump stations to dispose of motorhome waste
New Zealand is a popular holiday destination for its clean, green landscapes and natural environment. Help keep New Zealand this way by being a responsible and tidy camper.