Freedom Camping Whitianga

Located along the Eastern Coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, Whitianga is a charming seaside town that offers a perfect escape for travellers seeing a taste of New Zealand’s natural beauty. One of the best ways to explore this region is through freedom camping, which allows you to park up for the night in your campervan, surrounded by stunning landscapes and the tranquillity of nature without spending a single cent.

However, freedom camping throughout New Zealand can be a confusing thing, and knowing where you’re allowed to freedom camp in Whitianga is incredibly important. To make planning your journey easier, we’ve compiled a list of permitted freedom camping sites in Whitianga and the surrounding area, along with a simplified explanation of the bylaws and rules on freedom camping.

Get ready to hit the open road and discover the places you can call home for a night or two in Whitianga!

Whitianga Freedom Camping Spots

• Lee Street Car Park
• Coroglen Reserve
• Ocean Beach
• Kapanga Road Car Park

There are certain rules in place when freedom camping in Whitianga, and one of the most important is that you must be in a certified self contained vehicle. Contact Travellers Autobarn today to find out how to hire a campervan, and we’ll match you with the perfect vehicle for your Whitianga adventure.

Lee Street Car Park

Lee Street, Whitianga

Located in the heart of Whitianga and your closest freedom camping option, the Lee Street Car Park is a convenient and popular spot that offers a central location and is just a short stroll away from the town centre, where you can find local cafés, restaurants, and shops.

The car park itself is spacious, providing enough room for campervans of various sizes, but it is important to note that there are some restrictions. First of all, the site is designated for self-contained vehicles only, and this requirement is part of the local council’s efforts to ensure that freedom camping does not negatively impact the environment.

You’re also limited to a maximum stay of two nights here and can only camp between 5 pm and 9 am, but its still worth the visit if you want to enjoy the town’s amenities while still experiencing the freedom of camping under the stars.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only

Coroglen Reserve

Waikato, Coromandel

A short drive from Whitianga, Coroglen Reserve offers a more rustic and serene freedom camping experience. Situated alongside the Waiwawa River, this peaceful spot is surrounded by lush greenery and is ideal for those looking to connect with nature, and the reserve is spacious, allowing campers to spread out and enjoy the tranquillity of the area without feeling cramped.

As with most freedom camping sites throughout New Zealand, this spot is only suitable for campers staying in a certified self contained vehicle and you have a maximum stay of two nights in any calendar month.

The reserve also offers a range of recreational activities, such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing in the river, making it a great spot for families or anyone looking to relax in a natural setting. However, it’s essential to remember that this site is a popular one, especially during peak holiday seasons and spots are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a good space.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilet Facilities

Ocean Beach

Tairua, Coromandel

Ocean Beach, located near the picturesque town of Whangamata and a 40-minute drive from Whitianga, is a must-visit for beach lovers and offers stunning ocean views and the opportunity to fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing against the shore.

The site is relatively small with room for only five self contained campervans, and there is a designated area you must stick to opposite 68-84 Pauanui Beach Road, so space can be limited during peak times. However, the spectacular coastal scenery and easy access to the beach make it well worth the effort.

While staying here, take the time to enjoy a sunrise walk along the shore or dip your toes in the refreshing Pacific Ocean. Ocean Beach is also a great spot for surfers, with its consistent waves attracting both beginners and seasoned pros.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only

Kapanga Road Car Park

Coromandel Town

Kapanga Road Car Park is another excellent option for freedom campers exploring this region and it is located less than an hour’s drive from Whitianga. It’s also ideal if you’re heading towards Coromandel as part of your overall freedom camping trip, and it is located right in the heart of Coromandel town, providing easy access to local shops, eateries, and attractions.

The car park is designed for self-contained vehicles and allows for an overnight stay of up to two nights between 5pm and 9am. There are a couple of facilities you can use here, including picnic tables and rubbish bins, and while it may be a little more urban than some freedom camping sites, it’s convenient location is well worth a visit – especially if you need to restock on supplies.

Another thing to keep in mind at Kapanga Road Car Park is that there are only six designated freedom camping spaces. So, to improve your chances of getting a spot, it’s best to arrive as close to 5 pm as possible.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Picnic Tables
• Rubbish Bins

A Note on Freedom Camping in Whitianga

Freedom camping is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of New Zealand, but it’s important to adhere to the local rules and regulations to ensure that these areas remain pristine for future visitors. Below are some key points to keep in mind while freedom camping in Whitianga and the surrounding regions:

• Self-Contained Vehicles: Most freedom camping sites in Whitianga are designated for self-contained vehicles only. As such, you’ll need to make sure your campervan meets the necessary requirements, including having a toilet, wastewater storage, and rubbish facilities.
• Maximum Stay: Most sites have a maximum stay of one to two consecutive nights within any calendar month. Always check the signage at each location for specific rules before parking for the night.
• Respect the Environment: You should follow the “Leave No Trace” policy imposed by the council by taking all your rubbish with you and disposing of it in appropriate facilities.
• No Camping Zones: Be aware that some areas are strictly off-limits to freedom campers. These are usually well signposted, and you can find a list of these prohibited areas here.

Whether you’re parking up by the beach, alongside a peaceful river, or in the heart of a charming town, each of the sites we’ve listed above provides its own special freedom camping experience. Just make sure you’re following the local bylaws and respecting the environment so you can enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer while helping to preserve it for future visitors.

You also need to make sure that you have an appropriate vehicle sorted before embarking on your freedom camping adventure! Travellers Autobarn has a range of campervans with unlimited kilometers that are perfectly suited for your road trip, including self-contained options that meet New Zealand’s camping regulations. So pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the freedom of camping in one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking regions.

Freedom Camping in New Zealand – Important Information

There’s no doubt that freedom camping is one of the best ways to see everything New Zealand offers. However, there are some important things to note before you head out on your adventures:

1. Freedom camping sites are usually only suitable for self contained vehicles, and the hire price of these can be between 10%-40% more expensive than non self contained vehicles. So, this is something you’ll need to factor into your budget.
2. While freedom camping sites offer beautiful views in remote locations, their amenities are normally very limited. Also, even during the summer, night temperatures can fall as low as 0°C.
3. Most freedom camping sites don’t have a booking system, and, as such, spaces are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. This means finding a spot can be quite difficult.
4. Camping areas that are certified DOC (Department of Conservation) allow you to extend your stay for up to 30 nights as long as you hold a DOC Campsite Pass. These are massively useful for frequent freedom campers and cost as little as $95 per person.