15 Best Freedom Camping Spots in the North Island

If you’re planning a New Zealand campervan trip and want to try freedom camping in the North Island, you’ll be happy to hear that there are heaps of beautiful freedom camping spots to choose from.

From beachside campsites where you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves, to peaceful spots by lakes and mountains, freedom camping is one of the best ways to experience the North Island’s epic scenery up close. 

That said, you can’t just pull over and camp anywhere—and that’s where this guide will help.

I live in New Zealand and spend a lot of my weekends and holidays camping around the country. In this guide, I’m sharing my favourite North Island freedom campsites to help you plan your own trip.

Just a quick note: you’ll need to be in a certified self-contained campervan, motorhome or caravan to camp at most of these spots.

Keep reading for the North Island’s best freedom campsites!

Map of the best North Island freedom campsites

Important things to know about freedom camping in New Zealand

• I mentioned this above, but it bears repeating: you’ll need to be in a self-contained vehicle to camp at most of these freedom camping spots.
  
  
• Freedom campsites are first-come, first-served. It helps to arrive earlier in the day so you have time for a backup plan if your preferred campsite is full.
  
  
• When you arrive at a freedom camping site, make sure to read the signs before you park. Some sites have specific carparks for overnight camping, and you can get fined if you park outside of these spots.
  
  
• You’ll need to be completely self-reliant when freedom camping. Be prepared with everything you need, including drinking water, cooking gear, your own rubbish and recycling containers, and toilet paper.
  
  
• Don’t use the outdoors as your toilet—use the ones provided at the campsite or in your van. The same goes for washing up: avoid using New Zealand’s rivers and lakes for washing your dishes or yourself with soap. Use your campervan’s sink for dishes, and look for public or campsite showers for bathing.
  
  
• Practice “Leave No Trace” principles and read up on New Zealand’s Tiaki Promise before you start freedom camping.
  

• Freedom camping rules vary from council to council across New Zealand (and it can honestly be confusing!). Under each freedom campsite in this guide, I’ve included links to the relevant council’s freedom camping rules.
  
  Please check the rules before you go, because they can change frequently.
  

If you’re planning to camp in a non-self-contained vehicle or a tent—or just want to stay in some epic campgrounds—check out my guide to the best campgrounds in the North Island! ⛺️

The best freedom campsites in the North Island

1. Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay is a gorgeous surf beach on the Tutukaka Coast in Northland.

This freedom camping area is right next to the beach—you’ll fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up to ocean views from your windows.

2. Woolleys Bay

The Woolleys Bay freedom campsite sits just off Northland’s Twin Coast Discovery Highway, right over the dunes from the stunning white sand beach at Woolleys Bay.

The camping area here is a small, grassy carpark with space for about 6 vehicles. 

There’s so much to do nearby, including visiting Matapouri Beach and walking to beautiful Whale Bay.

3. Kowharewa Bay

Camp by a sheltered bay at the Kowharewa Bay freedom campsite in Tutukaka.

Sunrises from here are beautiful, and on calm days, the water is perfect for a swim. 

Further reading: if you’re planning to camp up north, check out my guide to the best campgrounds in Northland.

4. Paku Drive, Tairua

The freedom campsite at Paku Drive in Tairua is a handy spot for an overnight stay along a Coromandel road trip.

While it’s located right off the road, nighttime traffic isn’t usually too bad here and it’s generally a quiet spot.

You’ll be right on the estuary and only a short walk from the Tairua Surf Beach. 

If you camp here, I recommend hiking up Mt Paku for incredible views over Tairua and Pauanui!

5. Island View Reserve, Whangamata

Whangamata is one of the best beach towns in New Zealand, and the Island View Reserve freedom campsite makes a great base for exploring the area.

This freedom campsite is a carpark right next to the beach, shared with day users. Overnight parks are very limited, so get here early and make sure to follow the signs showing where freedom camping is allowed.

You’ll be just steps from the stunning Whangamata surf beach, where you can surf, swim, or go for long beach walks. It’s also fun to hire kayaks here to paddle out to Whenuakura Island (Donut Island), a protected volcanic island and wildlife sanctuary.

If you arrive to find this spot full, there are a couple of other freedom campsites in Whangamata (although this one is my favourite!). The Whangamata i-SITE carpark would be my second pick.

Further reading: the best campgrounds in the Coromandel

6. Island View Reserve, Waihi Beach

You’ll get to camp right beside one of the North Island’s most beautiful beaches at Island View Reserve in Waihi Beach. 

There are actually two freedom camping locations along Island View Reserve, and they’re both lovely.

Roll out of your campervan in the morning and have your coffee right on the beach—is there anything better?! 

A long beach walk here is lovely (so many shells to admire!), and I also recommend hiking the trail to Orokawa Bay, which starts at the northern end of Waihi Beach.

7. Little Waipa

Set on the banks of Lake Karapiro on the Waikato River, Little Waipa is a scenic and well-run freedom campsite.

You’ll camp on an elevated grassy area above the lake, with views of the water and rolling green hills.

One thing I love about this campsite is the facilities—they’re next-level for a freedom campsite! In addition to toilets, there are hot showers and a BBQ available; you don’t often find all of that at a free site.

It’s also a great base for exploring the nearby region. Hobbiton and Putaruru Blue Springs are both about a 30-minute drive away.

8. Dawson Falls Carparks

If you love hiking as much as you love camping, you’re going to want to put this one on your list.

Located in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki (Egmont National Park), the Dawson Falls Carparks are right at the trailheads for some of the North Island’s best hikes.

When you camp here, I recommend looping together the Dawson’s Falls & Wilkie’s Pools Tracks. And if you’re feeling brave, you can finish your hike with a dip in the icy-cold Wilkie’s Pools!

9. Wairoa Reserve, Waverley

Camp on the cliffs above the sea at Wairoa Reserve in South Taranaki. You’ll have access to two stunning black sand beaches: Long Beach and Cave Beach. 

Sunsets from this campsite are magic.

If the freedom campsite is full, there’s a great low-cost campground—Waverley Beach Campground—just behind the freedom camping site.

10. Clifton Road Reserve

Park your campervan in sunny Hawkes Bay at Clifton Road Reserve, where you’ll get to camp right by the sea, with a view of Cape Kidnappers in the near distance.

You’ll also be right in the heart of Hawkes Bay wine country, with Elephant Hill and Clearview Estate both nearby.

If you forget any supplies, it’s just a short walk down the road to a nice little Four Square supermarket.

11. Kairakau Beach

Kairakau Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in Hawkes Bay, and you’ll get to camp right next to it at this freedom campsite.

The freedom camping area sits between the cliffs and beach, and it’s such a peaceful spot. You’ll be pretty remote, though, so make sure you have absolutely everything you need with you.

Spend a couple of relaxed days by the beach, and if you’re up for a stroll, head up the beach around low tide to look for hidden Waterfall Bay.

If you arrive here to find the freedom camping area full, there’s a paid campsite close by.

12. Castlepoint Carpark

Castlepoint is a wild, windswept coastal village in the Wairarapa. It has a real “edge of the world” feeling, and getting to camp here is something special.

The freedom camping area is in the Castlepoint Scenic Reserve carpark, just steps from the beach and a short walk to the Castlepoint Lighthouse. 

If you can drag yourself out of bed for sunrise, it’s worth it—I’ve seen some of the most beautiful sunrises of my life here.

Be warned: it can get extremely windy here, so check up on the weather before heading out.

If the freedom campsite is full when you arrive, head to the nearby Castlepoint Holiday Park for a paid camping option.

13. Cape Palliser – Ngawi Camping

Ngawi and Cape Palliser are out of the way from nearly anywhere, but so worth the detour if you want to get off the beaten path.

Located on the wild South Coast of the Wairarapa, this is about as far south as you can get on the North Island!

The free camping area at Ngawi sits right beside the sea, and the ocean views are incredible.

Nearby, visit the Cape Palliser lighthouse; the North Island’s largest seal colony; and the Putangirua Pinnacles, a Lord of the Rings filming location.

14. Evans Bay Marina

Evans Bay Marina is a convenient freedom campsite if you’re visiting Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. 

It’s right on the harbour but also near a busy road—bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper!

Once you secure a spot, you can leave your van parked up and explore the many things to do in Wellington. Catch a bus, Uber, or walk to the city centre (about an hour each way on foot). 

P.s. – If you plan to spend some time in Wellington, check out my 1-day Wellington itinerary!

15. Te Kopahou Reserve

Located on Wellington’s rugged South Coast, just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, Te Kopahou Reserve is a stunning place for freedom camping. 

On a clear day, you’ll have gorgeous views over the sea to the Kaikoura Ranges in the South Island. 

You can start the Red Rocks Coastal Walk right from the campsite—it takes about 2 hours return and leads to a seal colony.

Alternatively, walk along the footpath towards Island Bay (about 40 minutes each way) for cafes, shops, and a lovely beach.

This site fills up quickly most days, so arrive early, and be mindful that it can get very windy along this coastline.

Further reading: the best camping spots in Wellington

Tips for freedom camping in the North Island

• The free Campermate and Rankers apps are super helpful for finding campsites in New Zealand.
  
  
• I like to mix up freedom camping with some DOC campsites and holiday park stays. DOC campsites are usually quite cheap with basic facilities, while holiday parks are more expensive and have hot showers, kitchens, and WiFi (which feel like such luxuries after you’ve been freedom camping for a while!).
  
  
• If you arrive at a freedom campsite and it feels unsafe or unfriendly, trust your gut and move on. I haven’t had any issues myself, but it’s good to stay aware as you would anywhere.

Thanks for reading my North Island freedom camping guide!

I truly hope this has helped you plan your North Island camping trip. 

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

More New Zealand camping guides for you

If you’re planning a campervan trip in New Zealand, you might also like these guides:

• Camping in New Zealand 
• South Island freedom camping
• South Island campgrounds
• The best campervan sites in New Zealand

And these itineraries might help with your trip plans:

• 10-day North Island and 14-day North Island itineraries
• 3 week New Zealand campervan itinerary (both islands)
• 14-day South Island campervan itinerary 
• 3-week South Island campervan itinerary