The top 15 freedom camping spots in the North Island

But first, the rules of freedom camping

Freedom camping in New Zealand offers an incredible opportunity to connect with nature. To help preserve our precious environment when you visit New Zealand, it is essential to follow the rules and guidelines for freedom camping. Here are a few key pointers:

• Remember, you cannot simply camp anywhere you please, as this can result in hefty fines for illegal parking. 

• Please use your self-contained toilet or public restrooms to prevent contamination of water supplies and ecosystems. 

• Always adhere to the Leave No Trace principles by properly disposing of all waste, including grey water, toilet waste, and rubbish. Make use of designated dump stations for safe and responsible waste disposal.

• Join us in upholding New Zealand's Tiaki Promise and commit to preserving the beauty of our camping sites for future generations.

 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

Where you can drive a Britz campervan

If you’re planning to freedom camp in one of New Zealand’s more remote locations, please note there are some restrictions on where you can drive. Britz campervans can only be driven on sealed/bitumen or well-maintained roads. The only exceptions to this are well-maintained access roads of less than 12 km to recognised campgrounds and major tourist attractions. If you need to travel on an unsealed road that is more than 12 km to access a recognised campground, permission can be arranged pending road conditions, weather, and distance.

 

Kowharewa Bay, Northland

Planning a spot of fishing or diving in the Far North? Kowharewa Bay, in the Northland township of Tutukaka, is the perfect spot for an overnight stay. Located right on the beach, the freedom camping area has space for around five campervans. While the camping spot itself offers basic facilities such as toilets and rubbish bins, you’ll find shops and restaurants within a short drive. Park up and enjoy the peace and quiet – you may even hear the sound of kiwis calling after dark. 

 

Whangarei Falls Scenic Reserve

Nestled in the picturesque Whangarei Falls Scenic Reserve, this freedom camping spot is a true gem. Located just a short drive from the heart of Whangarei, this spot has two spaces to park up for a single night. The site has toilets available, but these are closed overnight. The camping spot is right next to the stunning Whangarei Falls. An easy two-minute walking path leads to the upper waterfall’s lookout. There’s a dairy about five minutes’ walk from the camping spot, and it’s just a few minutes’ drive to the nearest supermarket. 

 

Snells Beach, Auckland 

Located on Kokihi Lane in Snells Beach – about 40 minutes’ drive north of Auckland – the Whisper Cove freedom camping spot is a great place to park up for a night or two. There are five parking sites but no facilities. Enjoy the quiet, coastal atmosphere and wake up to beach views in the morning before exploring the local area. The site is a short drive from the village of Matakana – be sure to check out the local market if you’re in town on a Saturday. 

 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

Hatfields Beach, Auckland 

Just a few minutes’ drive from the coastal township of Orewa, on the Hibiscus Coast Highway, Hatfields Beach is a lovely spot to park up for a night or two. You’ll find public toilets, rubbish bins, and a dump station. The beach has a decent-sized grassy area with picnic tables and offers safe, sheltered swimming. 

 

Brighton Reserve, Coromandel

The Coromandel is a popular spot to stay during a campervan holiday in New Zealand. If your road trip takes you to the township of Waihi, be sure to check out Brighton Reserve. This picturesque freedom camping spot has five sites with a three-night maximum stay. Facilities include bathrooms, outdoor cold showers, and barbecues. And best of all, you’re just metres away from the beach and a short walk from cafes and shops. The nearby playground will be appreciated by those travelling with children.

 

Waiomu Domain Beachfront Reserve, Coromandel 

Located about 15 minutes north of Thames, the Waiomu Domain Beachfront Reserve perfectly embodies the essence of freedom camping. This lovely beachfront location is surrounded by pohutukawa trees with plenty of grassy space. It’s well away from the main road so you can enjoy the sound of lapping waves as you relax for the evening. The site has toilets, an outdoor cold shower, free barbecues, picnic tables, and a playground. You have a maximum of two nights stay, which means plenty of time to explore the beach and surroundings. Just across the road is the Waiomu Beach Café, nice and handy for your morning coffee or a breakfast treat. And if you fancy heading out on the water, you can hire a kayak or stock up on fishing gear at Camp and Tackle next to the café. But take note, this spot fills up fast so get in early!

 

Little Waipa Reserve, Waikato 

Looking for somewhere to park up near the tiny township of Tirau? You’ll find it at Little Waipa Reserve. This reserve sits on the edge of Lake Karapiro, about 20 minutes’ drive from Tirau on Horahora Road. The location is stunning with views of the lake and surrounding countryside. You’ll find hot showers, toilets, and recycling bins. Note, there’s no potable water supply, so make sure you top up first. Enjoy a swim or go fishing in the lake, take a walk along the river trails, or just chill out on the big grassy area. Freedom camping is allowed at no charge for two nights. If you want to stay longer, you’ve got the option of staying for additional nights by applying in advance for a camping permit online. 

 

Dawson Falls, Taranaki

Park up under a mountain at the DOC-managed Dawson Falls freedom camping site. This picturesque spot makes for a great base for exploring the unbeatable natural wonders on offer in Taranaki. There are numerous excellent walks nearby including the Goblin Forest and Wilkies Pools Track. While you’re here, visit the Dawson Falls Power Station – home to one of the world’s oldest generators. The campsite is around 25 minutes’ drive from Stratford on Manaia Road. It’s a sealed road, but narrow and winding toward the end, so plan your drive while there’s still plenty of daylight. If you get a clear night during your stay, take the opportunity to enjoy the great stargazing. 

 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve 

Taupo is a fantastic spot to visit by campervan, and a great place to park up is at Whakaipo Bay. This quiet lakeside reserve is a popular spot, but luckily has loads of space. The camping area is on Mapara Road in Kinloch, about 10 minutes’ drive from Taupo, and has toilets and stream water. Campers can park up for a maximum of four nights per month. With the lake just metres away, you can enjoy a cooling swim in summer or try your luck catching a trout for dinner. There are some great walks and mountain biking tracks nearby too.  

 

Hipapatua Recreational Reserve, Taupo 

Another great spot in the Taupo area, Hipapatua Recreational Reserve offers loads of space for campervans and motorhomes. You’ll find the reserve on Huka Falls Road, just five minutes’ drive from Taupo’s shopping centre. The site has basic facilities only with a toilet and non-potable water. You’ll need to take all rubbish with you. The ground can get a bit boggy after rain, so take care during winter. 

 

Kaiaua Beach, Gisborne

Located along the stunning Gisborne coastline, Kaiaua Beach provides a breathtaking setting for an overnight stay. The campsite is about 60 km from the town centre of Gisborne. There are no facilities here and you must take all rubbish with you. It's important to note that campers must apply for a permit online. Campers can stay for a maximum of three nights over any 30-day period. Note, freedom camping is restricted to the months between Easter weekend to the start of daylight savings.  

 

Te Paerahi Beach (Porangahau), Hawke’s Bay

Looking for a great freedom camping spot in sunny Hawke’s Bay? Head to Te Paerahi Beach and enjoy up to seven nights! With a vast, golden-sand beach just metres from the campsite, this spot is very popular in summer. You’ll find toilets, drinking water, and rubbish bins available. The campsite is a short walk from Porangahau Village where there’s a dairy, pub, cafe, and a playground for the kids. 

 

Ngawi Camping Area, Wairarapa 

There are not many freedom camping areas where you can park up for 21 days, but the Ngawi Camping Area on Cape Palliser Road is one! This beautiful spot is a South Wairarapa gem with good facilities and plenty to see and do nearby. You’ll find toilets, rubbish bins, and food trucks alongside the campsite. If you’re in the mood for some tasty fish and chips, head to The Captains Table – a popular food truck with great food. Be sure to visit the Cape Palliser lighthouse where you can also see the North Island’s largest fur seal colony. 

 

Te Kopahou Reserve, Wellington

Fancy parking up beachside in Wellington? Set your GPS for Te Kopahou Reserve Visitors Centre in Owhiro Bay. You’ll find 16 designated freedom camping spots offering up to four nights maximum in a calendar month. Enjoy awesome views over the sea and make use of toilets, drinking water, and rubbish bins. These spots do fill up quickly, so plan to arrive early. 

 

Evans Bay Marina, Wellington

Another great freedom camping spot in Wellington is the Evans Bay Marina. Take your pick of 51 camping spots and stay for up to four nights in a calendar month. Facilities include toilets, drinking water, and a dump station. There’s also a recreation centre nearby with showers. Head up to Hataitai in the morning for a coffee at the local café. And if you want to leave your camper parked up, it’s easy to catch the bus into the city for some shopping and exploring.

 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

Find more great freedom camping sites

Looking for more freedom camping spots around the North Island? The thl Roadtrip app will not only help you locate great camping sites, but it’s also full of other helpful info for your campervan road trip. This handy app is a campervan traveller’s best friend. Use it to find campgrounds, DOC campsites, petrol stations, dump stations, and pretty much everything else you need as you explore New Zealand.  

 

See and do more with Britz 

From the stunning beaches of Northland to picturesque reserves in Wellington, these awesome freedom camping spots offer the perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience. Immerse yourself in the true essence of campervan travel, meet fellow travellers, and make the most of New Zealand's incredible destinations. Whether you're fishing in the Far North or exploring the capital, Britz NZ has got you covered. Book your Britz campervan today, pick it up from our Auckland branch, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! 

We’ve also got branches in Queenstown and Christchurch. Fancy exploring the South Island too? Easy! You can pick up your RV rental in one location and drop it off in another.