Camping in New Zealand - where to find budget friendly campgrounds

Camping is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s natural beauty. Parking up in your self-contained camper, or pitching a tent in a scenic location, surrounded by native trees and birdsong, with a river or a beach just a short stroll away is true bliss!

Camping in New Zealand is also a great option for budget travellers. Most campgrounds are budget-friendly, and some are even free! Let's take a look at where you can find these magical campgrounds.

Where can you camp in New Zealand?

There are many clean and friendly campgrounds in amazing locations around New Zealand. Places you can camp in New Zealand may depend on whether you are travelling in a self-contained campervan or not.

Here is a quick breakdown of where you can camp depending on whether you have a fully self-contained or non-self-contained vehicle:

Fully self-contained vehicles are equipped with all of the sanitary and wastewater facilities (i.e. a toilet and grey water tank) that occupants need for at least three days, without discharging the waste.

Non-self-contained vehicles might have a small kitchen and bed but don't have toilet, shower, or grey water facilities, which can limit the number of places where you can camp.

Where can you camp?	Fully self-contained	Non self-contained
DOC campsites	Yes	Yes
Holiday parks	Yes	Yes
Designated camping sites with a toilet	Yes	Yes
Designated camping sites without a toilet	Yes	No

If you're not sure where is okay for you to camp, feel free to ask at any of these visitor centres:

Holiday Parks

i-SITE

Department of Conservation (DOC)

Campgrounds in New Zealand

Basically, you can pitch a tent in Holiday Parks, Department of Conservation (DOC) camping grounds or other designated areas.

DOC campgrounds

DOC has a range of campsites available all over the country, from free basic sites through to serviced campsites with hot showers and cooking facilities. They are a great budget option and are often in prime locations.

Serviced campsites have flush toilets, kitchens, and sometimes even laundry and barbecue facilities.

Scenic campsites typically have cold showers, toilets, a cooking shelter, picnic tables, and a cooking shelter.

Standard campsites have slightly more limited facilities than scenic campsites, and don’t have the option of powered sites.

Basic campgrounds (free!) come with basic toilets and a water supply which might just be a stream. You’ll need to travel in a self-contained campervan to stay here.

Holiday Parks New Zealand

The Holiday Parks network covers New Zealand, and these campgrounds come with all the facilities you need. There will usually be showers, laundry and kitchens available. These can usually be an economical option for friends or couples travelling together.

Freedom camping versus regular camping

So, what's the difference between freedom camping and plain old, regular camping (which is sometimes free)?

Freedom camping in New Zealand involves camping in places that aren’t officially designated campsites. No campground means no facilities, so freedom campers sometimes leave behind litter, human waste, and grey water. This is bad for Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) and it doesn’t go down well with locals!

If you do choose to freedom camp in New Zealand, make sure you do it responsibly.

‘Normal’ or ‘regular’ camping means staying in an official campground - like the ones mentioned above. Opting to stay in a campground will give you access to more facilities and makes managing waste easier, even if you are travelling in a self-contained vehicle. That’s nicer for you and the environment!

Travelling in a self-contained campervan makes camping in New Zealand much easier. More campground options mean you can make the most of your trip.