Camping in NZ: The Rules You Need to Know

Hiiiii! So when I was looking into van life in NZ coming from Australia, I felt so confused and overwhelmed. You’ll see people using terms like freedom camping, self-contained, DOC pass, and it all gets a bit much. So let me lay it all out for you here.

First thing to wrap your head around: Are you traveling in a self-contained vehicle or not?

A self-contained van or motorhome needs to meet certain regulations (you can check these on the NZMCA website). Basically, it means your camper can support you off-grid for three days, it must have a freshwater tank, greywater tank, a fixed toilet, sink, and a bin.

• If you’re hiring a camper, this is easy as the rental companies sort this out. Just make sure it has a GREEN self-contained sticker.

• If you’re buying a van, I’d highly recommend getting one that’s already certified. Otherwise, you’ll have to do some renovations and get it inspected by an authorized certifier.

• If your van isn’t self-contained, you’ll still have plenty of options for campgrounds, but you’ll likely have to pay more often.

Where Can You Camp?

Once you know whether your van is self-contained, the rest is super easy.

Freedom Camping

NZ has hundreds of designated free campsites, but the key thing to know is that some are only for self-contained vehicles, while others allow anyone.

• Use WikiCamps NZ or CamperMate to find these sites and check if they allow your type of vehicle.

• At every freedom campsite, read the signs, they’ll tell you who’s allowed, how long you can stay (usually 24-48 hours), and what time you need to leave.

• Some spots are insanely scenic, right by the ocean or surrounded by mountains. Others, well… they might just be dodgy car parks. Check reviews on CamperMate/WikiCamps to see if they’re safe.

DOC Campsites

The Department of Conservation (DOC) runs around 200 campgrounds across NZ. These are often in stunning locations and range from basic (just a toilet) to sites with kitchens, showers, and more facilities.

• DOC campsites usually cost $10-$20 per person per night, but you can save a ton of money by getting a DOC campsite pass.

  • 30-day pass - $95

  • Annual pass - $195

• With the pass, most $15 and under DOC campsites are free, and the pricier ones are discounted (I never paid more than a few dollars for a site).

• To find DOC sites, use CamperMate, and you do need to book, but I always book the same day and never had any issues.

Respect the Environment

NZ is really strict about keeping its landscapes clean. Use designated campsites, don’t dump waste in the wrong places, and always follow Leave No Trace principles.

Once you get the hang of it, camping in NZ is incredible and hands down, the best way to soak up the country’s insane natural beauty, happy travels xx 🚐✨