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5 Common Camping Types in NZ
New Zealand

Understand the five main campsite options in New Zealand, from fully-equipped Holiday Parks to scenic free camping spots.

Last updated: December 19, 2025
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1

Holiday Park (Private Managed)
Holiday Park NZ

Vehicle Restriction

Any vehicle or tent allowed

Facilities

Most comprehensive. Includes powered sites, communal kitchens, hot showers, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and playgrounds.

Price

Approx. $20 - $50 NZD per person/night

2
DOC Campground (Public Managed)

Official Link
DOC Campground NZ

Vehicle Restriction

Most sites allow any vehicle or tent

Facilities

Basic. Usually provides toilets (often long-drops) and a water source. Some popular sites have simple kitchens.

Price

$0 - $25 NZD per person/night (varies by level)

Resources

🗺️
Curated Google Maps List
Includes most 2WD-accessible DOC campsites (Please double-check with official info)
3

Self-contained Free Campsite
Self-contained Free Camping NZ

Vehicle Restriction

Restricted to vehicles with the “Green Label” certification

Facilities

Little to no facilities; maybe just a public toilet nearby

Price

Free

2026 Enforcement Update

Starting June 7, 2026, all Self-contained vehicles must hold a Green Certification Sticker. Old blue stickers will become invalid. Vehicles without a permanently fixed toilet meeting new standards will no longer be allowed in these free sites. Official MBIE Policy Changes

4

Private Campgrounds (Farms/Private Lands)
Private Farm Camping NZ

Vehicle Restriction

Varies by owner

Facilities

Diverse. Can range from farm stays with animal encounters and hot springs to just a simple paddock.

Price

Set by the owner

5

Free Parking (Designated Overnight Areas)
Overnight Parking Allowed NZ

Vehicle Restriction

Usually restricted to Self-contained vehicles

Facilities

No facilities

Note

Not all parking areas allow overnight stays. Check for “Overnight Parking Allowed” signs.

6

Campsite Comparison Summary
CampsiteSC VehicleVehicle/TentPrice
Holiday Park✅ Yes✅ Yes$20 - $50 / person
DOC Campground✅ Yes✅ Yes$0 - $25 / person
Free Camping✅ Yes (Green Only)❌ NoFree
Private / Parking✅ Usually⚠️ Case by CaseVaries by owner

Illegal Camping Fines

Freedom Camping Fines: Camping in prohibited areas or parking a non-SC vehicle in SC-only spots usually results in a $400 - $800 NZD fine.

7

Essential Camping APPs
To find campsites in NZ, you need these two apps.
Feature / Aspect
CamperMate
Rankers NZ
Shower, Laundry, Toilet Icons✅ (Most comprehensive display)❌
Bluebridge Ferry Discount Codes❌✅ (Exclusive Feature)
Deep DOC Sites & Trails Integration❌✅ (Highest data volume)
Farmers Markets Listings❌✅ (Exclusive Listing)
Animal Encounters & Farm Stays❌✅ (Exclusive Listing)

Sources

Department of Conservation (DOC) Campsites

favicon
doc.govt.nz

Holiday Parks New Zealand

favicon
holidayparks.co.nz

TOP 10 Holiday Parks

favicon
top10.co.nz