Everything You Need to Know about Camping in New Zealand

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about camping in New Zealand. I’ve covered it all: the different types of camping in NZ, how to find good campsites, what to bring along with you, and so much more!

As an avid camper, I feel so lucky to get to live in New Zealand, where we have hundreds of beautiful camping spots near our beaches, rivers, lakes & national parks.

Whether you’re planning to visit New Zealand from abroad or you live here and are curious about camping, I hope this guide will help you get acquainted with the ins and outs of camping in New Zealand.

I’ve focused here on vehicle-accessible camping (whether in a campervan or car & tent), rather than backcountry camping/tramping. 

So, if you’re looking for advice on where to park a campervan or pitch a tent in NZ, then this is the guide for you.

Without further ado, here’s what you should know about camping in New Zealand!

Where can you camp in New Zealand?

Freedom Camping

• Cost: free
• Suitable for self-contained campervans only

Freedom camping is, as you might’ve guessed, completely free of cost.

This doesn’t mean you’re free to camp wherever you want to, though.

Nor can you freedom camp in just any van, or a regular car, or a tent.

Instead, freedom camping is only allowed in designated locations across New Zealand. 

Further, in order to camp at a freedom campsite, you almost always need to be in a certified self-contained campervan. 

What to Know about Freedom Campsites in New Zealand

• You can’t book freedom campsites in NZ—they’re first-come, first-served. If you’re camping in popular areas, it’s best to arrive before evening to try and secure a spot.
  
  
• If you arrive at a freedom campsite and it’s full, make sure you have a backup plan for another campsite nearby.
  
  
• While some freedom campsites are in scenic locations near beaches or lakes, others are basically just in parking lots with no privacy. They can really vary a lot. Read reviews beforehand! 

• It’s important to read the signage at each freedom campsite you visit. There will be signs telling you where you can and can’t park, and how long you’re allowed to stay. Make sure to follow the rules or else you might get a fine on your van in the morning, which is a sure way to put a damper on a camping holiday.

• Don’t leave valuable items within view in your campervan when you’re not in it, and lock your doors at night. New Zealand is generally a safe country, but crime can still happen, unfortunately.

• Some freedom campsites have toilets, while others do not. Use any toilet facilities provided or the toilet in your campervan—please don’t use the outdoors for this purpose! Same goes for bathing and cleaning up; don’t bathe with soap or wash dishes in lakes and rivers in New Zealand.

• If there are no rubbish facilities provided, make sure you take any rubbish away with you. Also, you’ll need to find dump stations to empty your wastewater; the campermate app will show which dump stations are nearby.

• You’ll need to be completely self-sufficient at a freedom campsite; besides maybe having a toilet, they won’t typically have any other amenities. 

Some of my favourite freedom campsites in New Zealand (for self-contained vehicles only)

DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites

• Cost: approx. $10-20 per person per night
• Suitable for tents & campervans (self-contained or not self-contained), unless otherwise noted.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages hundreds of campsites across New Zealand.

DOC campgrounds tend to be somewhat basic, but they’re often in beautiful places near national parks, rivers, lakes and the ocean.

As an outdoor-lover, I’m a huge fan of DOC campsites. 

At a DOC campsite, you’ll usually be in a remote area with few amenities, and you should come prepared with everything you need for camping. 

DOC campgrounds will have toilets (often non-flush), and some might have running water (not always potable). I always bring my own drinking water to DOC campsites.

Most of these campsites do not have showers, although you can bring your own solar shower if you have one. And most don’t have kitchens, although there are some exceptions.

Also worth noting is that most DOC Campsites only offer unpowered campsites (although again, there are a few exceptions!).

Facilities depend on the campsite, and the DOC website will provide all the info you need on each individual site.

Tip: if you plan to camp at a lot of DOC campsites, consider getting a DOC campsite pass! They offer an annual and a 30-day option. It’s not valid at every DOC campsite, though, so check to see if it’s accepted where you plan to camp.

Some of my favourite DOC campsites in New Zealand

• Spirits Bay, Northland
  
• Maitai Bay, Northland
  
• Holdsworth Campsite, Wairarapa
  
• White Horse Hill, Mount Cook National Park
  
• Totaranui Campsite, Golden Bay
  
• Mavora Lakes, Southland
  
• Purakaunui (PK) Bay, the Catlins

Regional park campsites

• Cost: approx. $10-20 per person per night
• Suitable for tents & campervans (self-contained or not self-contained), unless otherwise noted.

Near urban areas like Auckland, Wellington & Tauranga, you’ll find some lovely regional park campsites.

Regional park campsites are similar to DOC campsites in that they tend to be in natural settings and have basic facilities (usually just toilets, and possibly drinking water but not always).

You can book these campsites through the relevant city council website.

Some of my favourite regional park campsites in New Zealand

• Tawharanui Regional Park, Auckland Region
  
• Kaitoke Regional Park, Wellington Region
  
• McLaren Falls, Tauranga

Holiday parks & private campgrounds

• Cost: approx. $15-30+ per person per night
• Suitable for tents & campervans (self-contained or not self-contained), unless otherwise noted. Some also have camping cabins available.

Before moving to New Zealand, I’d never heard of a holiday park before—but they’re found all across the country, and are popular campsites for families in particular.

A holiday park is a commercial campground with full amenities like communal kitchens (bring your own cookware, though!), bathrooms with flush toilets & hot showers, drinking water, laundry facilities, and both powered and non-powered campsites. 

Holiday parks often have camping cabins, too, and some even have motel-style units.

All of these amenities do come with a downside (depending on your outlook) – holiday parks can often be packed with people during busy summer months, and you might not have a lot of privacy.

They also usually lack the wilderness feel you get at most DOC campgrounds.

That being said, I often camp at holiday parks (especially in cabins!) and think they’re a great option sometimes.

They’re especially useful if you have kids with you or just need a hot shower or laundry facilities after roughing it at DOC campsites & freedom campsites for a few days.

Many private campgrounds offer great facilities similar to a holiday park, and they’re often family-run and have a friendly, lovely atmosphere.

Some of my favourite holiday parks & private campgrounds in New Zealand

• Camp Waipu Cove, Northland
  
• Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, Coromandel
  
• Opoutere Coastal Camping, Coromandel
  
• Martinborough Top 10 Holiday Park, Wairarapa
  
• Smiths Farm Holiday Park, Marlborough Sounds
  
• The Barn, Marahau
  
• Gentle Annie, West Coast
  
• Driftaway, Queenstown

How to camp in New Zealand

There are 3 main ways of camping in New Zealand: tent camping, campervanning, and camping cabins.

I do a mix of all 3 types of camping, and love them all for their own reasons!

Tent camping

Tent camping is super popular with New Zealanders, and it’s also a budget-friendly accommodation option if you’re visiting from overseas.

However, there are some things to consider when it comes to tent camping in New Zealand.

• The weather can be unpredictable. New Zealand sees a lot of rain and wind, and you can sometimes experience 3 or 4 seasons in one day!
  
  So, make sure you have a good rain fly for your tent and that it can withstand the wind.
  
  Also have a backup plan in case the weather isn’t good for camping (I’ll often opt for a camping cabin if the weather is awful!).
  
  
• If you’re bringing a tent from overseas, it needs to be sparkling-clean when you enter the country. New Zealand takes its biosecurity very seriously, and you’ll need to declare your tent at customs, where it will likely be inspected.
  
  You could, alternatively, purchase a tent once you arrive in New Zealand, and take it home with you after your visit. 

• You typically cannot freedom camp in a tent in New Zealand. However, you can tent camp at DOC Campsites, regional park campsites, holiday parks, private campsites, and basically most campsites except for freedom sites. 

• Unlike hiring a campervan, you’ll need all of your own camping gear if you’re planning to tent camp in New Zealand. I have a gear list towards the bottom of this article to help you plan what to bring with you!

Campervanning

Campervanning is the most luxurious and convenient way to camp in New Zealand.

Campervan rentals in New Zealand range from small minivan-type vehicles to large motorhomes with all of the bells and whistles.

There are some major advantages to hiring a campervan in New Zealand vs tent camping.

First, you’ll be more sheltered from the elements if the weather is windy or rainy.

Second, you don’t have to pack a lot of gear. 

Campervan rentals typically come with a bed, cooking area (with a stove and cookware), chilly bin (cooler) or fridge, and sometimes extras like bedding, camp chairs and a table.

Some campervans (particularly self-contained ones) will also include a toilet, sink & sometimes even a shower.

Finally, a campervan gives you the most freedom with where you can camp in New Zealand (if you’re in a self-contained van, that is—more on that below).

One caveat to consider is that campervan rentals often come with a high price tag. 

Campervans can also be more burdensome to drive than a regular car, and some of the larger models guzzle gas—so your petrol costs can add up quickly.

You’ll also want to consider whether you’ll hire a self-contained campervan or a non-self-contained campervan, as the distinction is quite important when freedom camping in New Zealand.

Self-contained campervans

I won’t get into all the self-contained campervan certification requirements here, as that’s a topic for another day. 

Just know that if you’re planning to rent a campervan in New Zealand and want to stay at freedom campsites, make sure to book a van that is classified as certified self-contained.

All of the major campervan companies in NZ will make this distinction clear on their booking pages. Usually, a self-contained campervan costs more to rent than a non-self-contained campervan. 

If you’re ever in doubt about whether a not a rental van is self-contained, just ask the campervan company before booking.

And if you want to hire a van that’s not self-contained, don’t worry—you can still camp at lots of great places around New Zealand, including DOC campsites, holiday parks, private campsites, and even a select few free sites across the country.

Tip: I use Motorhome Republic to compare prices on campervans in New Zealand.

Camping Cabins

If you want to go camping in New Zealand but don’t want to pack a tent or rent a campervan, then camping cabins could be a great option for you!

You’ll find cabins at many holiday parks across New Zealand, and they can be a budget-friendly way to travel. 

Camping cabins vary in terms of what’s provided. 

You can expect a bed, of course, but you may have to bring your own bedding (or hire it from reception). 

Some will have a water boiling jug, microwave, and/or plates and cutlery provided in the cabin, but some don’t—it really just depends on the property. So, check these details when you book your cabin. 

I usually bring along my own kit of camp cookware, a coffee maker, some plates/bowls & cutlery just to be safe.

Best time of year for camping in New Zealand

October through April is the best time of year for camping in New Zealand.

These months coincide with spring, summer and autumn in New Zealand, and you’ll find that most campsites are open for business during these times (some close during winter).

If you plan to camp from the end of December through the first two weeks of January, though, then expect major crowds and book your sites far in advance. This is when most kiwis go on their camping holidays, and many campgrounds will be at max capacity! I usually avoid camping during this time.

My personal favourite time for camping is mid-February through early April, when the weather tends to be more settled and there are fewer crowds.

Tips for camping in New Zealand 

• You typically pay per person for campsites in New Zealand. Rates for children are usually cheaper than for adults (and sometimes, kids under age 5 can camp for free).
  
  
• Many DOC campgrounds are what I’d call “field camping” style, where you set up camp at any open spot around the campground (although some do have designated sites). This means you can sometimes have a lot of space to yourself, and sometimes you’ll have other campers set up right next to you—it just depends on how busy things are.
  
  
• There are usually no campfires allowed at campgrounds in New Zealand, although some DOC campsites do allow campfires in designated fire pits as long as there isn’t a fire ban (you’ll need to check online first).
  
  
• Picnic tables aren’t always provided at campsites, but sometimes they are. It’s best to have your own camping table (and chairs) with you.
  

• Make sure to use toilet facilities at campsites (or in your van) and don’t use the outdoors as a toilet. 
  

• Don’t wash dishes or bathe with soap in rivers, lakes or the ocean. 
  

• If there are no rubbish facilities at your campground, pack out any rubbish you bring in (and if less respectful campers have left behind rubbish, I like to remove theirs, too, even though it’s annoying that people do such things!). 
  

• We have no dangerous wild animals in New Zealand, but we do have some cheeky birds and possums. At night, keep your food well-secured so critters don’t get into it. And never feed our wildlife human food, as it’s not good for them!

Do you need to book campsites in advance in New Zealand?

It depends.

Throughout most of the year, you can get away with booking campsites last-minute.

However, if you plan to camp from 26 December through the first two weeks of January, you should book your campsites in advance (this is our busiest camping season).

Same with holiday weekends, like Labour Weekend and Waitangi Weekend—you should book ahead if you plan to camp during these times.

And if you plan to camp in popular places like Queenstown, Milford Sound, or Mount Cook National Park, I do recommend booking your campsite in advance to avoid disappointment.

Freedom campsites can’t be booked; they’re first-come, first served. 

Some DOC campsites are also first-come, first-served, although more and more DOC campsites are now meant to be booked online (check online before you head out).

New Zealand camping gear list

• Tent (can skip if hiring a campervan)
  
  I have an REI Half Dome that I purchased in California about 10 years ago and brought to NZ brand-new. It’s seen a ton of use and I’m considering an upgrade soon, but it’s been a solid tent (although their prior model was my ultimate fave!). 
  
  
• Sleeping pad (can skip if hiring a campervan)
  
  My partner Ty & I both use Therm-a-Rest camp pads. I easily get sore hips and sometimes layer a yoga mat or extra blanket under mine, but I do love this brand for lightweight camp pads.
  
  
• Sleeping bag (can usually skip if hiring a campervan, but check with campervan company first to see if they provide bedding)
  
  
  Mine is by Sierra Designs and I love it, but there are a lot of other great options available. This is one of those items I’d invest well in if possible and you’ll have it for years. But if you’re camping for the first time and are on a budget, just bring a duvet from home (if you live in NZ, of course)!
  
  
• Pillow (can usually skip if hiring a campervan, but check with your campervan company first to see if they provide bedding)
  
  Bring one from home or get a dedicated camping pillow like the awesome Fillo ones from Nemo.
  
  
• Camp stove & cookware (can skip if hiring a campervan)
  
  I love my MSR Pocket Rocket if I just need to heat water or make something small in one pot. For more involved cooking, I use a Gasmate double burner stove & a Lodge cast iron skillet.
  
  
• Plates/bowls/cutlery (can skip if hiring a campervan)
  
  I have an enamel set I like, but op shops are a great place to look for these items second hand. And if all else fails, a mug and spork can get you pretty far. 
  
  
• Coffee maker! (some campervans provide this and some don’t, but I always travel with my own to be safe).
  
  I use a V60 dripper but also think an aeropress is an excellent option for making camp coffee.
  
  
• Chilly bin/cooler (can skip if hiring a campervan) – if you’re visiting from abroad, you could consider packing a collapsible cooler bag if you don’t want to buy a chilly bin in NZ.
  
  
• Camp table & chairs (can usually skip if hiring a campervan, but check with your campervan first to see if they provide these)
  
  I’ve had the same Alite Mayfly chair for years, but sadly they are no longer in business. Once mine bites the dust, I’ll get a Helinox Zero.
  
  
• Headtorch or flashlight
  
  I have a Black Diamond headtorch and love it.
  
  
• Quick-dry towel(s)
  
  I’ve got a couple—some microfibre towels by Packtowl & also a lightweight Turkish towel that doubles as a beach towel (or picnic blanket!).
  
  
• Some nice-to-have items
  • E-reader: I almost never leave the house without my Kindle—and the backlight makes it so easy to read at nighttime when camping.
    
    
  • Portable charger: A small portable power bank is always handy for charging your phone when out camping for a few days. 
    
    
  • Slip-on shoes or sandals: These are a lifesaver when you need to climb in and out of your tent or van a bunch (sometimes in the middle of the night) and don’t feel like lacing up shoes each time, believe me 😂

Where to buy camping gear in New Zealand

• Cheap gear: Kmart, Warehouse, op shops
  
  
• Popular camping & outdoor shops: Macpac, Kathmandu, Bivouac
  
  
• Some independent outdoor shops I love: Land & Sea in Auckland; Coffee Outdoors in Wellington; Small Planet Sports in Queenstown

Apps & websites for finding campsites in New Zealand

• Campermate (I also find this one handy for finding public toilets & drinking water)
  
  
• Rankers
  
  
• DOC website
  
  
• My website (the one you’re on right now—weekendpath.com!)
  
  I have heaps of articles on this site showcasing my favourite camping spots across New Zealand. 
  
  So, if you’d like more camping recommendations, check out my camping guides below!

North Island camping guides

• North Island camping 
  
  
• Auckland camping
  
  
• Northland camping 
  
  
• Coromandel camping 
  
  
• Wellington camping 

South Island camping guides

• South Island camping 
  
  
• Mount Cook camping 
  
  
• Te Anau & Milford Sound camping
  
  
• Queenstown camping 
  
  
• Glenorchy camping 
  
  
• The Catlins camping 

Thanks for reading my guide to camping in New Zealand!

I truly hope it’s helped you plan your next camping trip.

As always, please leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback about this article—I always love hearing from you.

Happy camping!