New Zealand Freedom Camping: Everything You Need to Know

Renting (or buying!) a campervan is the absolute best way to travel New Zealand — you can explore the country on your terms and make it to every far-flung spot on your list. There are a few important things to keep in mind, however, in order to make your trip a success. Read on to learn all about New Zealand freedom camping, how to do it correctly, and where to stay throughout your journey!

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What is freedom camping?

According to the New Zealand government,

Freedom camping is when you camp on public land that isn’t a recognised camping ground or holiday park.

Generally, you can freedom camp on either council land (within and around cities) or DOC land (public conservation land). The local council determines the rules surrounding freedom camping in a particular location. Sometimes, freedom camping is restricted or banned completely.

One of the most important things to keep in mind before freedom camping is to respect the environment around you! Always clean up after yourself and leave the area better than you found it. Freedom camping relies on trusting each other to follow the rules, so don’t ruin it for everyone else.

Designated vs. non-designated freedom camping spots

A designated freedom camping spot is an area where the council specifically allows freedom camping. Sometimes they’ll allow non-self contained vehicles, sometimes they won’t — make sure to check the rules beforehand! Occasionally, these spots will have limited facilities available, like toilets, sinks, or dump stations.

A non-designated freedom camping spot is anywhere that freedom camping is allowed. These areas definitely require a self-contained certificate because there are generally no facilities available.

Freedom camping restrictions

Some examples of restrictions you’ll come across:

No freedom camping within a certain distance from town
Freedom camping allowed for only a certain number of nights
Only self-contained vehicles can freedom camp
No freedom camping allowed at all (you’ll see a red sign)

What do I need to be able to freedom camp?

You really only need two things to start freedom camping:

A campervan: This can be one that you rent from a company (Jucy and Britz are popular brands) or one that you own. It doesn’t necessarily need to be self-contained, but many locations will require it, so it’s easier if it is. Check out the section below for more details.
The ability to follow the rules! Once again, following the freedom camping restrictions and posted signs is extremely important. As campers, it’s our duty to protect the land and respect the communities we visit. Again (and I can’t stress this enough), it’s important to follow all of the rules. They’re there for a reason!

Niki and Ben stand in front of their van in New Zealand

Self-containment for New Zealand freedom camping

What does being self-contained mean?

A New Zealand self-contained certification ensures that your campervan can be self-sufficient for up to 3 days. You’ll need to meet several requirements surrounding freshwater and waste disposal. Your van will go through a thorough inspection before getting a certificate and a sticker to show that you’ve passed.

The rules around self-containment were put in place to protect the environment and the campers. These rules ensure that the land will be preserved for others to enjoy in the future.

Van requirements

At a minimum, your van needs to have:

At least 4 L of water per person per day for 3 days
A grey water tank with the same capacity as your freshwater tank
A sink connected to both water tanks
A toilet that is still usable when the bed is made up
A sealable rubbish bin

There are more technical requirements, so read through this PDF for more information (the link will open to a downloadable version).

Getting self-contained

To get self-contained, you’ll need to book an inspection with a licensed testing officer (this is usually a plumber) and pay an inspection fee.

You can find a list of self-contained testing officers in the South Island and the North Island here.

Dos and don’ts of New Zealand freedom camping

Do:

Make sure freedom camping is allowed at your intended destination
Read through all of the restrictions before you park
Have your self-contained paperwork handy in case you get asked for it
Pack it in, pack it out — clean up all of your rubbish before you leave
Only dispose of your greywater at designated dump stations
Lock up your van whenever you leave

Don’t:

Overstay at a site if there are time restrictions
Light fires unless it’s expressly allowed (and then only in a fire pit)
Use soaps or shampoos in lakes and rivers
Feed the native birds and animals
Be a nuisance (i.e. by playing loud music, screaming, etc.)

Where to find New Zealand freedom camping sites

Freedom camping apps

Apps can be great to help you find places you didn’t even know existed! I love the Rankers and Campermate apps because they show you where to find campsites, dump stations, showers, and more.

⇉ The Best Apps to Use When Traveling New Zealand

Local council websites

Before camping at a non-designated freedom camping spot, double-check the local council’s website to make sure you’re following all the rules. I’ve also linked them in the section below for easy access.

Visitor centres

These are often overlooked by travelers that want to do everything themselves. The helpful folks at the visitor centers can tell you everything you need to know about the area, including some lesser-known camping spots. If you’re ever in doubt, ask them for help!

New Zealand freedom camping spot in Hawea, South Island

Best New Zealand freedom camping spots: North Island

Auckland | Local council

Coromandel Peninsula | Local council

Taupo | Local council

Mt Taranaki | Local council

Wellington | Local council

Best New Zealand freedom camping spots: South Island

Wanaka & Queenstown | Local council

The Catlins | Local council

The van with a rainbow behind it, the Catlins region, New Zealand

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Thanks for reading this guide to New Zealand freedom camping! Look out for more van life content coming very soon.

xoxo Niki

Everything You Need to Know About New Zealand Freedom Camping

What is freedom camping?