The best freedom camping spots in New Zealand

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The best freedom camping spots in New Zealand

Posted on July 26, 2021

The best freedom camping sites for motorhomes in New Zealand

If you’re planning a trip around New Zealand in your caravan or motorhome, you are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to freedom camping locations! We have rounded up a selection of the best freedom camps across the country.

 

The best freedom campsites in the North Island NZ

Hipapatua / Reids Farm Campsite, Taupo

Reids Farm sits in an idyllic spot on the mighty Waikato River, conveniently just out of Taupo. It is a very popular base for learning how to white water kayak and exploring the many sights of the Taupo region. Facilities are basic yet well-maintained and the campsite is known for its friendly atmosphere!

Dickey Flat Campsite, Kaimai Ranges

Park up next to the Waitawheta River for a memorable motorhome getaway in the Kaimai Ranges. There are picturesque waterfalls in the area, excellent trout fishing spots and swimming holes. This is the perfect freedom camping spot for connecting with nature and falling asleep to the sound of rushing water, just a short distance away from some of the major hubs of the North Island.

Raetea North Side Campsite, Far North

Raetea is a peaceful lowland coastal forest in the Mangamuka Gorge, Northland. Listen to the birds and enjoy freedom camping in seclusion before exploring the sparkling northern coastline. 

Cooks Beach Reserve, Coromandel

This pet-friendly freedom camping site is popular in summer, and still beautiful in winter. Cooks Beach is a great starting point to see all the golden beaches and hill country of the Coromandel Peninsula.

 

Kaiaua Beach, Gisborne

Swim, stroll or fish from this waterfront freedom camp on Kaiaua Beach. The East Cape is rugged and beautiful, and a must-see for any Kiwi or international tourist!

 

The best freedom campsites in the South Island NZ

 

Twenty Five Mile Stream, Queenstown

Park up next to the stunning Lake Wakatipu and enjoy the lakeside while surrounded by impressive snow-capped mountains in every direction from your self-contained camper. Queenstown and Arrowtown are nearby, but secluded hiking trails and fishing spots abound in this area if you’re looking for peace and quiet.

Pelorus Bridge Campground, Marlborough

Located in the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, this freedom campsite is lush with native vegetation and enjoys incredible views over the Pelorus Sound. There is a fee at this DoC-run campsite of $20 per night, but the location and amenities are well worth it.

Mavora Lakes Campsite, Fiordland

Fiordland is without a doubt one of the most spectacular regions of New Zealand. Just sitting outside your caravan in this campsite and watching the lake and mountains go from day to night would be enough, but there are also plenty of activities to do using Mavora Lakes campsite as a base. The camp has BBQs, picnic tables and fireplaces for your enjoyment, and you can swim, hike, fish, boat or mountain bike, all with a glorious backdrop.
 

Enjoy your Kiwi freedom camping trip, and please be respectful of our natural environment so these campsites will be available to campers for years to come!

 

If you’re looking at shipping your motorhome to New Zealand for a once-in-a-lifetime freedom camping trip, we can take care of all your shipping needs. Get in touch with the McCulloughs team today!

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