17 Best Freedom Camping Sites in the South Island

Looking for free camping spots in New Zealand’s South Island?

It can be overwhelming to figure out where to camp for free in the South Island, and let me be honest with you: not all freedom campsites are created equal. 

Not to worry though—I’m here to help!

I live in the South Island and love camping around New Zealand. In this article, I’m sharing some of the best places for freedom camping in the South Island.

Just to be clear, this isn’t a comprehensive guide to every single freedom campsite in the South Island, nor do I think these are the overall best campsites in the South Island.

Instead, this is a list of my favourite South Island freedom camping spots. 

I’ve only included campsites that are 1) FREE of cost and 2) provide a toilet onsite or close by (although do be warned that the toilet may be non-flush at many of these spots)! 

And before I go any further, I should mention that you need a certified self-contained campervan to camp at most of these sites, although there are a few that are also suitable for non-self-contained campervans.

Towards the end of this guide, I’ll also share some tips and need-to-know information to help you have the best camping experience possible.

So let’s get to it then, shall we? 

Here are some of the best freedom camping sites in the South Island!

South Island freedom camping map

Map legend

• 💚 Green van = freedom campsite for certified self-contained vehicles only
• 💙 Blue van = freedom campsite for non-self-contained vehicles & self-contained vehicles

More New Zealand camping guides for you

• The best campsites in the South Island 
• What to know about camping in New Zealand
• The best campervan sites in New Zealand 

The Best Free Camping Spots in the South Island

1. West End Carpark

Camp right in the town of Kaikoura at this handy freedom camping spot. 

This is quite literally a carpark in the middle of town, but it’s a convenient location. You can park up and walk to the cafes and shops in Kaikoura.

It’s also just steps away from Kaikoura Beach, which is a great sunrise and sunset spot (and you’ll get amazing views of the snow-capped Kaikoura mountain ranges, too!).

2. Jimmy Armer’s Beach

Just outside of the town of Kaikoura is the Jimmy Armer’s freedom camping spot, which has extremely limited space available but is such a beautiful spot for a night. 

Close by is the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, one of my favourite walks in the South Island—along this walk, you’ll spot NZ fur seals and get gorgeous coastal views. I highly recommend doing this walk when you’re in Kaikoura!

Unfortunately, you do have to leave this camping spot by 7 a.m.—but it’s the perfect excuse to head to town and get a hot coffee & breakfast after your night of camping by the sea.

Further reading: the best camping spots in Kaikoura

3. Hanmer Field Base & Picnic Area

This quiet, leafy freedom camping spot is well-situated near the lovely town of Hanmer Springs. 

There are forest walks to enjoy just steps away from your campsite (I love the Forest Amble Walk!) and it’s about a 15 minute walk from here to the famous Hanmer Springs hot pools.

After your night of camping in Hanmer Springs, I highly recommend getting breakfast at the Powerhouse Cafe. Their delicious breakfasts are made with local produce and come with generous portions—the perfect fuel for another day of exploring the South Island.

4. Akaroa Freedom Camping Area

The Akaroa Freedom Camping Area is the only place where freedom camping is allowed in Akaroa. 

With just 18 parking spots available for self-contained vehicles, this spot fills up fast—get here early in the day for the best chance of securing a site.

From this camping area—which is a parking lot—you can easily explore the charming town of Akaroa on foot.

If you get to this site and it’s full, a good backup is the Akaroa Top 10 Holiday Park.

5. All Day Bay Reserve

At the southern end of Campbell’s Bay is the All Day Bay Reserve freedom campsite, a wonderful place for some beachfront freedom camping.

This is a small freedom campsite located between Oamaru and Moeraki on the east coast.

If you’re a beach lover and can get a spot here, do it! Campbell’s Bay is one of the nicest swimming beaches in the South Island, in my opinion, and there’s also a surf break here when the conditions line up. 

If you’re lucky, you might also spot Hector’s dolphins out in the water at this spot.

6. Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking

For a primo freedom camping spot in the South Island, head to the freedom camping spot at Lake Pukaki (sometimes known as “Pines Camp,” although there are no longer pine trees here).

This is now the only allowed freedom camping spot along Lake Pukaki, and it’s a stunner.

From your campsite, you’ll get incredible views over electric blue Lake Pukaki and—on a clear day—Aoraki Mount Cook in the distance.

If you’re looking for a free spot to camp between Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook National Park, this is a great choice. If it’s a really windy day, however, I’d choose somewhere else, as you’re quite exposed to gales at this spot.

7. Lake Wardell

The Lake Wardell freedom camping spot is tucked away under a cluster of pine trees, located close to the town of Twizel and just 45 minutes from Mount Cook National Park.

This spot is just a 5-minute drive from the Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking spot (mentioned above), so if you arrive at the Lake Pukaki site and it’s too busy (or blustery), this is a good alternative. 

8. Lake Poaka

Lake Poaka is a rare free camping spot for both self-contained AND non-self-contained vehicles (and tents, too!). 

You need to drive down a gravel road for a few minutes to reach this campsite, but I’ve never had any issues, even in a 2WD vehicle.

If you’re after a spacious, free campsite somewhat close to Mount Cook National Park, this is a solid choice—it’s just a 45-minute drive from here to the national park. 

Just a 12-minute drive from here, you’ll find Twizel, which has a couple of Four Square supermarkets, nice cafes (Mint Folk & Co is my fave), petrol stations, and a handy dump station and water tap. 

9. Raspberry Flat

First things first: before heading out to Raspberry Flat, check in with the DOC Visitor Centre in Wanaka—the unpaved road out to here is full of fords, and if the conditions aren’t good, you shouldn’t attempt this drive without a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle. 

And if you’re hiring a campervan, check the T’s & C’s to make sure you’re allowed to drive on this road.

That being said, if you can get out to this spot, you’re going to love it! It’s easily one of the best spots for camping around Wanaka.

Located in Mount Aspiring National Park, the Raspberry Flat carpark is right at the trailhead for my favourite day walk in New Zealand: the Rob Roy Glacier Track.

So, if you love to hike, you’re going to want to put this one on your list!

10. Lowburn Harbour

There are several freedom campsite spots around Lake Dunstan, but I like this one the best.

This spacious parking area is set right next to the lake and has heaps of flat spots to choose from. It’s a popular spot but there’s quite a lot of room here, and while it’s close to the road, nighttime road noise isn’t usually too bad here.

On a warm Central Otago day, a swim in Lake Dunstan followed by a campervan nap is quite an ideal situation!

Tip: if you’re in a non-self-contained campervan, there’s another spot across the lake—the Bendigo freedom campsite—that allows both self-contained and non-self-contained vehicles. 

11. Kingston Lake Camp

Kingston Lake Camp is the best free camping spot near Queenstown.

This camping area is located a 45-minute drive south of Queenstown along the “Devil’s Staircase” highway, and it’s right on the shores of sparkling Lake Whakatipu.

If you’re looking for a freedom camping spot between Queenstown and Te Anau (and Milford Sound), this is a good option. Just be prepared for some uneven ground (it’s pretty hard to find a level spot), and know that it can get really busy (and windy!) here.

Tip: a good (paid) backup campsite nearby is the Kingston Top 10 Holiday Park

12. Lumsden Freedom Camping

The town of Lumsden has kindly allowed freedom camping at their old railway station, where you’ll find a great little camping carpark that is so well set up for campervanners.

This freedom camping spot allows both non-self-contained vehicles and self-contained vehicles, but make sure to read and follow the signs as there are designated areas for each. No tents are allowed here.

There are clean flush toilets here, along with a dump station, fresh water tap and a dishwashing station. A laundromat is close by. And if you’re in need of a shower, you can pay to access the community pool and use the showers there.

When you wake up in the morning after a night of camping here, I can highly recommend getting a coffee from Roasted x Toasted and breakfast at Route 6 Cafe (their eggs benne is top notch!).

13. Lake Camp

Lake Camp is my all-time favourite freedom campsite in the South Island—it is so stunning and peaceful out this way!

Located in the Hakatere Conservation Park in Ashburton Lakes, this camping spot is in a beautiful wilderness area surrounded by mountains and tussock-covered landscapes. When you camp here, you’ll be perched above the shores of Lake Camp, a small, tranquil lake.

A short drive from camp, you’ll find Mount Sunday, the filming location for Edoras in the Lord of the Rings films. Walk the Mount Sunday track to really soak in all of the epic scenery here.

Accessing Lake Camp requires driving on a gravel road, but it’s normally fine even for 2WD vehicles. 

Remember to pack plenty of food and drinks with you when you head out here, because once you arrive, you might decide to extend your stay—it’s that good (and please remember to pack out anything you bring in!).

14. Cobden Lagoon

Greymouth isn’t really a “must-see” place for most visitors to New Zealand, but there’s a handy freedom camping spot here at Cobden Lagoon. It’s a convenient place to park up for the night if you’re travelling up or down the west coast.

This large freedom campsite is located right next to the beach. There are clean toilets here and also an outdoor shower. 

On a clear evening, you’ll get lovely sunset views from this spot.

15. Fox River Freedom Camping

Camp next to the beautiful Fox River—and just across the road from a wild West Coast beach—at the Fox River freedom camping area.

Park up and head out to the driftwood-strewn beach for sunset.

Make sure to pack some insect repellent, as the sandflies can be fierce here!

Tip: If you get to this spot and it’s too busy—or you decide to spend more time in the area—I really love the (paid) Punakaiki Beach Camp, located about 15 minutes south of Fox River.

16. Fortrose (Moray Terrace) Freedom Camping

The Fortrose freedom camping spot (also known as Moray Terrace) is a good place to stay for a night whilst exploring the Catlins.

You’ll camp next to a peaceful estuary, and sunsets are beautiful from this spot.

This camping area is quite exposed to the elements, so if it’s a really windy day, I’d head elsewhere.

For more campsites nearby, check out my detailed guide to camping in the Catlins.

17. Warrington Domain

Located in beautiful Blueskin Bay about 30 minutes north of Dunedin, Warrington Domain is an awesome place for freedom camping. 

It’s a short walk from the camping area to reach beautiful Warrington Beach, where you can sometimes spot Hector’s dolphins and sea lions.

There’s a lot to do in the area.

Nearby, I recommend visiting the Doctor’s Point beaches at low tide. Orokonui Ecosanctuary is also well-worth a visit.

And If you’re camping on a weekend, I highly recommend the wonderful Arc Brewery for a craft beer and bite to eat from a visiting food truck.

Important things to know about freedom camping in the South Island

• You need a certified self-contained vehicle to camp at most of the freedom campsites in New Zealand. If you’re hiring a campervan, your campervan company should clearly outline which of their vans are certified self-contained. 

• Read all signs at a freedom campsite and follow the signage on where to park and how long you can stay. 

• If you camp somewhere you shouldn’t, you risk getting a hefty fine.

• Please leave no trace of your visit. This includes removing all of your rubbish and not washing dishes or bathing with soap in lakes or rivers. Only use the toilets provided at the campsite or the toilet in your van (don’t use the bush as your toilet!). 

• Freedom campsites are first-come, first-served, and the best spots are popular and fill up quickly. For the best chance of getting a camping spot, arrive in the afternoon rather than in the evening. Have a backup plan in case you arrive at your preferred campsite and it’s full.

• Bring your own drinking water. Most freedom campsites don’t provide potable water.

• Many freedom campsites in New Zealand are basically just parking lots, although many are in scenic locations. Some freedom campsites are located along busy roads, so road noise can be an issue—pack earplugs just in case.

• Consider purchasing a coffee or meal at a local eatery. It’s nice to support the local economy when camping for free. 

• Freedom camping is a contentious topic in New Zealand, and many locals do not approve of freedom camping (although plenty do, myself included).
  
  For the best experience, always respect the locals and follow the rules. If you get to a camping spot and it feels unsafe or unwelcoming, move on to another. Read recent reviews of a campsite before deciding whether to go there or not. 

My thoughts on freedom camping in the South Island

While I’m super grateful for free campsites across the South Island—and think freedom camping can be a great option—I don’t think that freedom camping is always the best choice for short-term visitors.

Many freedom campsites are basically just parking lots in remote areas without much to do right there (although there are exceptions!).

If you’re campervanning around New Zealand on a limited timeframe, looking for freedom campsites can take up a lot of your holiday. 

And since freedom campsites are first-come, first served, you often have to arrive early in the day to secure a spot. This means you’ll have less time in your day to go do all of the things you’re here in New Zealand for.

For these reasons, I typically recommend that visitors stay at a mix of freedom campsites, DOC campsites and holiday parks.

It’ll give you peace of mind to have a DOC campsite or holiday park booked so you can enjoy a day of exploring New Zealand, then arrive at your campsite knowing you’ll have a space.

DOC campsites, in particular, are my go-to camping spots. They’re inexpensive and are often in beautiful locations amongst nature.

Tip: consider getting a DOC campsite pass to save money on DOC campsites across the country! Do some research beforehand, though, as some sites are excluded from the pass.

Helpful freedom camping apps

I highly recommend downloading the (free!) Rankers app & Campermate app.

Both of these apps are super helpful for finding campsites across New Zealand (and the Campermate app also includes locations for public toilets, dump stations, and more).

I also like to look up recent reviews on Google before heading to a freedom campsite and recommend that you do the same.

Thanks for reading!

I truly hope this has helped you plan your camping adventures around the South Island.

As always, please leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback for me—I love hearing from you!

More New Zealand camping guides

• For a list of the absolute best campsites in the South Island, check out my South Island camping guide. 

• I also have detailed camping guides to many popular locations in the South Island, including the following places:
  
  • Queenstown camping 
  • Mount Cook National Park camping
  • Te Anau & Milford Sound camping 
  • Catlins camping 
  • Glenorchy camping 

• Heading to the North Island, too? Then you’ll want to read my guide to the best campsites in the North Island & the best freedom camping in the North Island!