The top 13 freedom camping spots in the South Island

But first, the rules of freedom camping

There’s no better way to truly connect with nature than by freedom camping. To help care for our unique environment, it’s important to follow the rules and guidelines for freedom camping. To free camp anywhere in New Zealand, you must stay in a certified self-contained vehicle. Here are some essential pointers to keep in mind:

• Remember, you can't set up camp wherever you please. Parking in non-designated areas may result in hefty fines for illegal parking. Additionally, some permitted freedom camping sites have limited stays, typically one or two nights.

• Please use your self-contained toilet or public restrooms to prevent contamination of water supplies and ecosystems. 

• Always adhere to the Leave No Trace principles by properly disposing of all waste, including grey water, toilet waste, and rubbish. Make use of designated dump stations for safe and responsible waste disposal.

• Join us in upholding New Zealand's Tiaki Promise and commit to preserving the beauty of our camping sites for future generations.

 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

Is freedom camping… free?

Many freedom camping sites in New Zealand are free. However, some charge a small fee for maintenance, while others ask for a donation. Look for signage at each site, or research the camping spot online in advance if you aren’t sure of the rules.

 

Where you can drive a Britz campervan

If your freedom camping adventure takes you to one of New Zealand's remote destinations, it's important to be aware of certain restrictions on where you can drive. Your Britz campervan can only be driven on sealed/bitumen or well-maintained roads. The only exceptions to this are well-maintained access roads of less than 12 km to recognised campgrounds and major tourist attractions. If you need to travel on an unsealed road that is more than 12 km to access a campground, permission can be arranged pending road conditions, weather, and distance.

 

Top 13 freedom camping spots in New Zealand’s South Island

Ready to explore the South Island of New Zealand? Get ready to be inspired as we share the top 13 freedom camping spots.

 

Kowhai Point Campsite, Marlborough 

Keen to get some fishing and swimming in when you visit New Zealand? The DOC campsite at Kowhai Point in Marlborough is a great place to do it! There are 9 non-powered sites available, along with stream water and toilets. The camp is alongside the Wairau River, tucked away in native bush. Sandflies also like to set up camp here, so be sure to bring your bug spray. 

 

Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, Marlborough

For a nominal fee (approx. $22 per adult, per night), you can enjoy all the benefits of a serviced camping ground with hot showers, powered sites, and even a café! The Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve in Marlborough is a beautiful DOC campsite alongside the Pelorus River and surrounded by native bush. The campsite also has a communal kitchen and laundry facilities. Note, you’ll need to book your site online. It’s a good idea to book in advance for the peak period from 1 December - 28 February and for public holiday weekends.  

 

Image: Miles Holden

 

No More Pines, Lake Pukaki

If you’re looking to surround yourself with stunning South Island scenery, you’ll love the No More Pines freedom camping site. Located at the southern end of Lake Pukaki, the views are simply breathtaking. Park up right next to the lake and enjoy views of Aoraki Mt Cook. You’ll find the campsite off Hayman Road. This site has a maximum stay of one night and fills up fast, so get in early. Note, this site has no drinking water or toilets available.

 

Whitecliffs Domain, Selwyn

Nestled along the peaceful banks of the Selwyn River, the Whitecliffs Domain reserve is the perfect spot to relax on your way to Arthur’s Pass. From fishing and swimming to leisurely picnics and birdwatching, there's something for everyone. Travellers who are making the most of Britz’s pet-friendly campervans will be pleased to know that their furry companions are welcome here too. No bookings are necessary for the campground, and it is free to use, though donations for its upkeep are appreciated. While the reserve remains open throughout the year, please note that vehicle access is restricted during the winter season.

 

Cobden Lagoon, Greymouth

If your campervan holiday in New Zealand takes you to the West Coast township of Greymouth, plan a stop at Cobden Lagoon. Relax beachside and take in stunning views of the 12 Apostles Range and the Southern Alps. The area is popular with bird watchers – you may even be lucky enough to spot a rare white heron. You’ll find a scenic 15-minute walking track around the lagoon. In good weather, you can see fantastic reflections in the water. Note, the maximum stay at this site is three nights. Public toilets and rubbish bins are available. 

 

Kawatiri Beach Freedom Camping, Westport

Make the most of the amazing West Coast sunsets with a beachside stay at Kawatiri Beach Reserve. While you’re there, take the 3.9 km hiking trail or take a walk to the intriguing Plank Tree at the far end of the beach (about 25 minutes’ walk) near the Kaitawa Memorial. Enjoy one or two nights’ stay. Facilities include public toilets and barbecues.

 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

Twenty-Five Mile Stream, Queenstown

Queenstown features highly on the bucket list for visitors to New Zealand. And it’s easy to see why! To help stretch your budget while you’re here, park up for free for a couple of nights at Twenty Five Mile Stream. This spot lies about 30 minutes outside of Queenstown on the way to Glenorchy, one of New Zealand’s most scenic short road trips. Enjoy waking up to the beautiful views of mountain ranges and pristine Lake Wakatipu. It doesn’t get much better! Note, there are no facilities here, and the mosquitos can be annoying, so pack some bug spray. 

 

St Bathans Campsite, Otago 

Immerse yourself in the history of the Otago gold-mining region with a stay at St Bathans Domain Campsite. Located in a quiet, rural spot, this lovely spot offers the ideal base to explore the Blue Lake Recreational Reserve and the historic town of St Bathans. This DOC campsite has basic facilities including toilets and untreated water. It’s a short walk to the township, including the famous historic (and reputedly haunted!) Vulcan Hotel where you can enjoy a hot meal and a cold drink. 

 

Lindis Pass Historic Hotel Campsite, Otago

There’s more fascinating history to discover in Otago at the Lindis Pass Historic Hotel Campsite. The free camping site sits alongside the Lindis River and remains of the historic Lindis Pass Hotel. The site has basic facilities including toilets, stream water, and a cooking shelter. 

 

Walker Creek Campsite, Fiordland

Located about 49 km north of Te Anau in Fiordland, the Walker Creek DOC campsite sits beside the Eglinton River. There’s a small fee which varies depending on site and season ($10 - $15 per adult per night). There’s no booking, so it’s first come, first served. This sheltered spot makes a great overnight stay if you’re on your way to explore Milford Sound (about an hour’s drive). There are five sites available with basic facilities including a public toilet and stream water. 

 

Henry Creek Campsite, Fiordland

You simply can’t beat freedom camping beside a beautiful lake. And the Henry Creek Campsite is one of the best spots to do exactly that. Park up beside the picturesque Lake Te Anau on the road to Milford Sound. Choose from around 40 non-powered sites for a nominal fee of $15 per adult, per night. Facilities are basic including non-flush toilets and non-treated water. Booking is not required, so it’s first come, first served. 

 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

Colac Bay, Southland

Sitting right at the very bottom of the South Island, the Colac Bay freedom camping site is one of the best in Southland. Enjoy the chilled-out southern hospitality and relaxed pace of this lovely location – about 45 minutes from Invercargill. You can stay here for a maximum of two nights. The facilities are basic with a public toilet but no water. Be sure to wake up early to enjoy the incredible sunrises! For a great meal, head about five minutes’ down the road to the Colac Bay Tavern.  

 

Piano Flat Campsite, Southland  

Enjoy getting back to basics as you set up camp alongside the river within peaceful South Island farmland. The Piano Flat campground is a DOC standard campsite located in the Waikaia Forest Conservation Area. The site has a small fee of $10 - $15 per adult, per night (depending on site and season). You’ll need to book in advance online. The site has picnic tables, barbecues, firepits, non-flushing toilets, and some excellent forest walks nearby. 

 

Find more great freedom camping sites

Keen to explore more freedom camping spots around the South Island? The thl Roadtrip app can help you do exactly that. This handy, free app is a must-have for motorhome travellers. Use it to find DOC campsites, free camping areas, petrol stations, dump stations, and pretty much everything else you need as you explore New Zealand.  

 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

 

See and do more with Britz 

From the magic of Marlborough to picturesque Colac Bay, there’s no shortage of incredible freedom camping in the South Island. Ready to start planning which ones you’ll visit? Take the first step and book your Britz campervan online today. Whether you’re hiking in Abel Tasman or jet boating in Queenstown, Britz New Zealand has you covered. Book your Britz campervan today, pick it up from our branches in Queenstown or Christchurch and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Fancy exploring the North Island too? No problem, we’ve got a branch in Auckland. You can even pick up your camper in one location and drop it off in another.