Freedom Camping Akaroa

Located on the the Banks Peninsula, Akaroa is a destination packed with exciting things to do, from dolphin encounters to historical tours that take you through its French heritage. And, if you’re thinking of taking a freedom camping tour through Christchurch, it’s definitely an area you should consider visiting.

However, as with all freedom camping across New Zealand, Akaroa has certain rules and regulations in place that mean you’re only allowed to park your campervan in designated areas, and ignoring these can result in fines. But don’t panic, we’re here to help! Below, you’ll find all of the information you need about freedom camping in Akaroa, so you’ll know exactly where you can freedom camp in this beautiful region and all the rules that come with it.

Akaroa Freedom Camping Spots

• Akaroa Freedom Camping Area
• Duvauchelle Restricted Area
• Okains Bay Campground

Before we start taking a closer look at these freedom camping spots, it’s important to note that, whichever you choose to stay at, only certified self contained vehicles are allowed in. To make sure you’re in the right type of vehicle, contact Travellers Autobarn today to find out more about hiring a campervan. We’ve got an option for everyone, from solo explorers to large families, and we’ll make sure you’ve got everything you need to make the most of your Akaroa freedom camping adventure!

Akaroa Freedom Camping Area

If you’re looking to camp close to town but still want that nature-filled camping experience, Akaroa Freedom Camping Area is the ideal spot. Incidentally, it’s also the only area where freedom camping is allowed within such close proximity to Akaroa, and it’s just short drive from the town centre, making it super convenient for grabbing a coffee or taking a stroll along the waterfront without breaking any freedom camping rules.

There’s no denying that this freedom camping area is pretty basic in terms of amenities, but that’s actually the beauty of it. Only self contained vehicles are allowed to camp here, there are no facilities like toilets or showers, and you are limited to a stay of two nights in any calendar month. Just make sure your campervan is parked in the designated spaces, otherwise you might end up with a fine – not the kind of souvenir anyone wants!

Once you’ve settled in, we recommend taking advantage of the fact that Akaroa is right on your doorstep. Take a walk around the harbour, stop for a meal at one of the many French-inspired restaurants, or book a dolphin-watching tour to spot the rare Hector’s dolphins. Or, if you’re a history lover, the Akaroa Museum is a small but fascinating place to learn more about the local heritage.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only

Duvauchelle Restricted Area

If you’re after a slightly more peaceful experience but don’t want to stray too far from civilisation, the Duvauchelle Restricted Area could be just what you need. This is only about 10km from Akaroa and covers the area running right along the edge of the harbour, so it’s also a fantastic spot to call home if you want incredible water views.

You can stay for up to two nights within a 30-day period here, but that’s not out of the ordinary for freedom camping. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a “restricted” camping area, and this means that it is only suitable for self contained vehicles and you must use a designated freedom camping parking space. These will be signposted, but if they’re all full, you’ll need to head elsewhere.

As you head into Duvauchelle, you’ll notice that it is a sleepy village compared to Akaroa town centre, but there are still things to do. If you fancy a round of golf, the local golf course is right nearby, and it’s a beautiful way to take in the scenery while getting some exercise. And, for fishing enthusiasts, the local jetty is a favourite with anglers. Who knows – you might even catch your dinner for that evening!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only

Okains Bay Campground

Okains Bay Campground isn’t too far away from Akaroa (just under 30 minutes), and it offers the kind of camping experience that makes you feel like you’ve discovered your own little slice of paradise.

Things are a bit more developed here, and you’ll have access to basic amenities like toilets, showers, and even cooking facilities. However, there is a slight catch – you’ll need to pay to camp here. It isn’t too expensive, though, so while it isn’t totally free like Akaroa Freedom Camping Area, it’s still a good choice if you’re trying to stick to a lower budget. Paying also means there is no strict limit on how long you can stay, so if you fall in love with the place (and you probably will), you’re free to settle in for a bit longer!

Currently speaking, Okains Bay Campground is unpowered at $16 per night, with plenty on offer during your stay. While technically not falling under “Freedom Camping” it is an amazing spot to stay at with great facilities for $16/night!

Okains Bay Campground is perfect for campers who want that laid-back experience with a little more structure in terms of facilities but without sacrificing that all-important connection to nature. During the day, you can swim, fish, or kayak in the crystal-clear bay waters, or, if you’re after something more cultural, head over to the nearby Okains Bay Maori and Colonial Museum. Here, you’ll learn a ton about the area’s Maori heritage and European settlement history, with everything from traditional canoes to colonial-era buildings on display.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Showers
• Cooking Facilities

A Note on Freedom Camping in Akaroa

Before you hit the road, it’s important to know a few basic rules to make sure you are freedom camping legally in Akaroa and that you’re being respectful of the environment and locals. Here’s a quick rundown of the things you need to keep in mind:

• Self Contained Vehicles Only: We’ve touched on this above, but it’s important so definitely worth repeating. All freedom camping spots around Akaroa require your vehicle to be fully self contained, which means you need to have own your toilet, water storage, and fresh water tanks. It is illegal to camp anywhere in the region in a non-self contained vehicle, and will likely result in a fine of up to $200.
• Time Limits: It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of Akaroa, but remember to keep an eye on how long you can stay. Most spots only allow you to camp for two nights maximum within a 30-day period, so make sure you check signage when you pull up.
• Designated Areas: Likewise, you need to make sure you’re only parking where you’re allowed. It can be tempting to park in a spot with amazing views or that is conveniently located to toilets nearby, but if it’s not a designated spot, you risk getting a fine.

Whichever camping grounds you decide to stay at, one things is for certain – you’ll find yourself surrounded by natural beauty at every turn. There’s also no shortage of activities to enjoy, from dolphin-watching to sampling the delicious local food, there’s something for every camper.

Just make sure you’ve got the right vehicle sorted before you head out on your Akaroa freedom camping adventure. Contact Travellers Autobarn and we’ll hook you up with the perfect self contained campervan, and as we offer unlimited kilometres with our rentals, you can roam as far as your heart desires, even if you want to extend your holiday into some other amazing South Island Road Trips.

Are you ready to hit the road? Akaroa is waiting for you!

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.