Freedom Camping Greymouth

There’s a real thrill that comes from exploring the raw beauty of New Zealand’s west coast, and Greymouth is the perfect place to embrace the freedom only the open road can offer. Here, you’ll find wild coastlines, rainforests, and a welcoming community, all of which come together to create a traveller’s dream destination. And, the very best way of experiencing everything Greymouht has to offer is by freedom camping.

However, like all other parts of New Zealand, you need to know certain rules and regulations before you head out on a freedom camping adventure to Greymouth. That’s what you’ll find here. Below, we’ve put together a list of spots where freedom camping is allowed, along with some important information on bylaws and restrictions, making it easier than ever to plan your road trip to this beautiful part of the country.

Are you ready? Let’s go exploring!

Greymouth Freedom Camping Spots

• Cobden Beachfront
• Grey River
• Cobden Aromahan Lagoon

Before we dive into the specifics of these sites, it’s important to note that freedom camping in Greymouth is only permitted if you’re in a certified self contained vehicle. Contact the team at Travellers Autobarn today, and we’ll set you up with the perfect self contained campervan for your adventure.

Cobden Beachfront

Just a couple of minutes away from the beach, Cobden Beachfront is the perfect place to park up, rest, and enjoy the crashing waves and bracing sea air! Like most free camping spots, amenities here are basic, so don’t expect any hot showers, but you will have access to a public toilet. This lack of amenities is part of the lure of freedom camping, though, and you’ll really get the opportunity to reconnect with nature in a place with easy access to the beach and stunning coastal views that are particularly beautiful at sunset.

There are some restrictions you need to be aware of before pulling up here, including where you can actually camp. Don’t worry; it’s pretty straightforward – just look for signs indicating the freedom camping spaces, which are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Also, you can only camp here for a maximum of three nights in a calendar month, so be sure not to overstay your welcome.

Once you’ve claimed your space, it’s time to explore the local area! Greymouth’s town centre is just across the Grey River, and it’s the ideal place to check out some local cafes, stock up on supplies, or grab a delicious meal. You’ll also be located close to Monteith’s Brewery, which is a great day-trip destination where you can take a look at how one of New Zealand’s oldest craft beers is made before enjoying a sample!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Public Toilets

Grey River

If you want a waterside location without the ocean’s salt spray, Grey River is the place to set up camp. You’ll be right along the river’s edge here, and it is a peaceful, easy-access location where you’ll be surrounded by nature during the day and can get a restful sleep under a blanket of stars by night.

There are 15 sites in total here, and they are spaced out in a way that means you won’t feel cramped up next to your fellow campers. There are basic facilities here (as you’d expect from a rustic spot), and while there aren’t any toilets or cold showers, there is a dump station available and a drinking water supply. You’re also limited to a maximum stay of three nights per calendar month, and all spaces are offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

When it comes to finding things to do, Grey River is close to some of Greymouth’s main points of interest, meaning you can spend the entire day out exploring the town, visiting local shops and feasting on fish and chips before heading back to your campervan. There are also some wonderful walking trails right along the river, where you can spot some of the area’s birdlife that call Grey River home.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Dump Stations
• Drinking Water

Cobden Aromahan Lagoon

Cobden Aromahan Lagoon is another great option for freedom campers who want some peace and quiet while being immersed in nature. As its name suggests, it’s right by a lagoon, and this gives you a place to stop and reflect, as well as offering up plenty of opportunities for gentle strolls and bird watching.

As with the other sites on our list, the amenities at Coden Aromahan Lagoon are pretty basic, but you will have access to toilets and a dump station. And, just like everywhere else, you’re limited to a maximum stay of three nights and spaces are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, so get here early if you want to grab a spot.

You’ll be a short walk away from Greymouth Town Centre here, which is ideal for picking up some supplies or enjoying a meal away from your campervan for a night. But the real draw of Cobden Aromahan Lagoon is its natural setting. You can discover some beautiful native plants and flowers right on your doorstep, and there are various bird species to spot, from friendly ducks to migratory birds making their seasonal stop.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilet Facilities
• Dump Station

A Note on Freedom Camping in Greymouth

To make sure your freedom camping adventure goes smoothly, it’s important you’re aware of certain restrictions that Grey District Council have put in place. This includes making sure you’re only camping in a certified self contained campervan, and following Leave No Trace principles to protect the area’s natural beauty.

There are also areas where freedom camping is prohibited in Greymouth. These are:

• Jacks Road, Cobden Bridge site
• Iveagh Bay
• Moana – Lake Brunner Foreshore
• Cobden Breakwater and Sanctuary
• Cobden Foreshore through to Point Elizabeth Track, including all beach (North Beach Road)
• Rapahoe
• McEwen Park Area (Blackball)
• McMillan Road Area and Colville Close (Punakaiki)
• Cobden Bridge
• Blaketown Tip Head

Camping in any of these areas could result in a $200 fine, so it’s really not worth the risk. Instead, keep to the areas we’ve detailed above, and you’ll have the trouble-free freedom camping experience you’ve been dreaming of.

With its beautiful landscapes, peaceful freedom camping spots, and friendly small-town atmosphere, Greymouth really does deliver an unforgettable camping experience. Just remember to follow the local rules and regulations, camp only in designated areas, and respect the environment, and you’ll be able to enjoy this amazing area to the fullest.

You need to make sure you’re in the correct type of vehicle, too! Reach out to the expert team at Travellers Autobarn and let us find the perfect self contained campervan for your needs, whether you’re travelling solo or taking a trip with a group of friends. Our rentals come with unlimited kilometres, too, so there’s no need to rush your road trip! Once that’s sorted, you can pack up, hit the road, and discover the best of Greymouth.

The fun doesn’t have to end there, either. Check out some other awesome places for freedom camping in New Zealand and extend the adventure!

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.