The benefits of freedom camping
There are plenty of benefits to freedom camping. The most obvious benefit is, of course, saving money. Generally, holiday parks and commercial campsites can be anywhere from $25 to $80 per night. Freedom campsites are typically free, or at least very low cost or even donation. Freedom camping also provides a different kind of campervan hire experience. There’s no better way to enjoy that sense of freedom and excitement that comes with being off-grid, tucked away amongst the beauty of New Zealand nature. It’s also a great way for kids to have time out from devices, screens, and their daily routine. Many parents find their kids sleep better, eat better, and spend better quality family time together when camping off-grid.
What does it mean to be certified self-contained?
Many freedom camping sites require your campervan or motorhome to be certified self-contained in order to park up. To be self-contained, your motorhome must meet the current New Zealand Standard for Self-Containment NZS 5465:2001. Being certified self-contained means your vehicle meets the ablutionary and sanitary needs of the occupants for a minimum of three days without requiring any external services for discharging any waste. Basically, that means your motorhome has to have sufficient fresh water, a toilet, and waste tanks. The good news is that all maui campers are certified self-contained, so you’re free … to be free!
Where are the freedom camping spots in New Zealand?
New Zealand is full of beautiful spots that allow you to park up off-grid. You’ll find freedom camping sites in many nature parks, beach reserves, town car parks, and on Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites.
How to find freedom camping spots in New Zealand
Freedom camping sites aren’t always immediately obvious, and some towns have very limited or no sites. So it’s worth doing your research ahead of time to find one that suits you. Some good places to start include:
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The thl Roadtrip app will not only help you locate freedom camping spots, it’s 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, petrol stations, dump stations and pretty much everything else you need as you explore New Zealand.
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You may also like to check out the local council website of the town or region you’re planning to stay in. Some sites will say specifically where you can and can’t freedom camp.
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Most New Zealand towns have an i-Site location. These centres have lots of helpful information on the place you are visiting.
Be sure to check out the Department of Conservation. There are many DOC campsites where you can stay for free.
Here are a couple of sites to help get you started on your freedom camping adventure:
Hamilton’s Gap, Auckland
Hamilton’s Gap is a large grassy freedom camping site an hour south of Auckland. This DOC campsite is a great first or last night stay on a New Zealand road trip beginning and ending in Auckland.
The Pines, Lake Pukaki
Just a short 25-minute drive north of Christchurch is the Mackenzie District Council site, The Pines. This freedom campsite offers unbeatable views of the vivid blues of Lake Pukaki and the surrounding mountain ranges.
The rules of freedom camping
Freedom camping in New Zealand is a wonderful experience. But there have been many instances in recent years of this privilege being abused. Examples include rubbish and human waste being left in freedom camping spots. This has led to many sites being closed or having reduced time limits. It’s important to know and follow the rules for freedom camping in New Zealand. These include:
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You can’t camp just anywhere that takes your fancy. If you park in a spot that doesn’t allow freedom camping, you’re likely to receive a hefty fine for illegal parking. Be mindful also that some permitted freedom camping sites have a limited time such as one or two nights only.
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Use your self-contained toilet or a public restroom to keep the environment clean. Human waste is not only unpleasant to see, but it can contaminate water supplies and soils, cause harm to wildlife, and lead to diseases such as giardia.
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Follow the Leave No Trace principles and remove all waste (including grey water, toilet waste, and rubbish) and dispose of this correctly. The best place to do this is at a dump station where you can safely and responsibly dispose of waste from your camper. A rubbish and recycling station is the best place to dispose of general waste including bottles, plastics, etc. Locate your nearest rubbish and dump station using the thl Roadtrip app.
How long can you freedom camp for without power?
We recommend plugging in and powering up your camper every second night. The more equipment you have, the quicker your batteries drain. Parking your campervan in the shade can also reduce power consumption. It can be a good idea to alternate your freedom camping spots with a stay at a holiday park or powered campground.
What works in your campervan when unplugged
When your campervan’s house battery has a healthy charge you can run the fridge, house lights, and some entertainment. With gas, you can use the water heater, and the diesel heater would also work. However, the microwave, DVD player and screen (if available with your campervan hire), and the sockets for electrical equipment need to be connected to mains supply to operate.
Staying safe while freedom camping
It’s important to think about personal safety when you’re camping off-grid. Here are a few tips:
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Store your valuables safely. Don’t tempt opportunistic thieves by leaving valuables in sight when you’re away from your motorhome. Remember to pack away your gear each night.
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Avoid poorly lit, remote areas.
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Park your campervan to face the exit. This way, it’s easier to leave during the night if you feel unsafe.
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Ensure you have a first aid kit and fire safety equipment such as fire alarms and an extinguisher. All maui campers come with this safety equipment. The first aid kit will cost $35 only if opened.
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Stay in contact with friends or family so they know where you are.
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Check the weather forecast regularly so that you can hunker down somewhere safe if needed.
Top tips for enjoying freedom camping in a motorhome
With a little preparation and a good understanding of the rules, freedom camping is hard to beat. Take good care of the environment, keep yourself safe, and have an understanding how of your campervan operates and you’ll be set for a great camping experience. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your freedom camping experience:
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Park up early: Freedom camps have limited spots. You’ll want to avoid turning up to a camping spot at night only to find there is no availability. You may like to have a backup campsite in mind just in case.
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Have a waste management plan: It’s a good idea to know where the local dump stations are ahead of time.
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Use water sparingly: Be mindful of turning off taps and avoiding excess water use. Showering can use a lot of water. You may prefer to use shower facilities at beaches or a gym/recreation centre where you have a membership. You can also use the thl Roadtrip app to locate nearby shower facilities.
Need more advice on camping in New Zealand?
Ready to plan your New Zealand freedom camping adventure? Check out our helpful Get Planning guide. Find out what you need to pack, places to stay and other helpful tips.
Don’t forget to book your maui camper online. You can pick up your campervan hire from one of our branches in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Want to travel from one part of New Zealand to another? No problem, you can drop your campervan off at a different branch if that suits you. It’s a good idea to book in advance so that you can secure the dates that suit you. Be sure to check out our current motorhome deals too.
Need more inspiration or advice to plan your New Zealand road trip? Check out these helpful guides: