Freedom Camping New Plymouth

Tucked away on the western coast of New Zealand’s North Island, New Plymouth is a land of rolling green hills and rugged landscapes that are just begging to be explored. Like many places in New Zealand, you can also enjoy freedom camping in New Plymouth, offering you the chance to really get back to nature and enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Here, you’ll find a list of some of the best places for freedom camping in the New Plymouth district, as well as some spots located within an hour’s drive of New Plymouth. From relaxing lakeside spots to nature reserves, with our guide, it’s never been easier to find somewhere to pull up and call home for a while.

New Plymouth Camping Spots

1. Three Sisters
2. Lake Rotomanu Freedom Campsite
3. Opunake Recreation Ground Car Park
4. Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve
5. Glen Nui Reserve
6. Tuke Street Reserve

We’re just going to take a moment here to note that these freedom camping spots are in some remote locations. With this in mind, it’s best to contact the expert team at Travellers Autobarn, who will talk you through everything you need to know about hiring a campervan and getting your New Plymouth freedom camping adventure started!

Three Sisters

Tongaporutu, New Plymouth

Head through Waitara and Mount Messenger, and you’ll find yourself at Three Sisters, which is one of New Plymouth’s few restricted areas for freedom camping. You’re able to stay here for up to three nights in any calendar month here, but you’ll need to be in a self contained vehicle as amenities here are limited to toilets.

Close to the Three Sisters freedom camping area, you’ll find the Mohakatino River which is ideal for swimming, water sports, and fishing. There are also some great walking opportunities here, including a trail out to the Three Sisters rock formation, which takes you along the coast and is ideal for a beautiful morning walk.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilet Facilities

Lake Rotomanu Freedom Campsite

Lake Rotomanu, New Plymouth

For those in non self contained vehicles, Lake Rotomanu Freedom Camping is an ideal spot. There are four marked spaces here for campervans, although you are only allowed to stay for one night in any 30-day period, but if you’re looking for a nice stopover on the road, it’s an excellent choice.

You’ll find public toilets and rubbish bins here, and you don’t need to book to camp, but we do recommend getting here early as spaces can fill up quite quickly. In terms of your surroundings, the lakeside setting gives you a beautiful place to unwind, or if you want to explore the local area a bit more, you’re in close proximity to the Puke Ariki Museum.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Public Toilets
• Rubbish Bins

Opunake Recreation Ground Car Park

Surf Highway 45, New Plymouth

This is one of the most basic places you can freedom camp in New Plymouth, but it’s ideal if you’re headed along Surf Highway 45 and need somewhere safe to pull up for the night. Keep in mind, however, that there are no amenities here, so it’s only suitable for self contained vehicles.

It’s also important to note that, while camping here is free, there are only three spaces in total, so we’d recommend getting here early if you want a space – particularly during the peak holiday season. You’ll also need to dispose of your rubbish appropriately by taking it with you when you leave.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only

Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve

Eltham, New Plymouth

Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve is one of the best freedom camping spots in terms of amenities, and here, you’ll find flushing toilets, an outdoor shower, picnic tables, and rubbish bins. You have to be mindful of where you camp here, though, as spaces non self contained vehicles and self contained vehicles are in separate areas. Also, a local council freedom camping bylaw only permits three vehicles per night, but you can stay for up to three nights in a calendar month.

This is also a wonderful camping spot for nature lovers, as there are over 150 kiwi in the reserve, as well as tieke and a plethora of other beautiful and rare birds. The reserve has also been pest-free since 2006, and campers are asked to thoroughly check their vehicles for signs of mice, rats, and other pests before staying here.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Flushing Toilets
• Outdoor Shower
• Picnic Tables
• Rubbish Bins

Glen Nui Reserve

Lake Rotorangi, New Plymouth

Booking isn’t required at Glen Nui Reserve, but spaces are offered on a first-come-fist-served basis, so it’s a good idea to get here early if you’ve been dreaming of freedom camping while surrounded by nature. All types of vehicles are welcome here within existing defined spaces, too, but you are limited to a three night stay in any calendar month.

Amenities here include toilets, picnic tables, rubbish bins and non-drinking water, and it is also a dog friendly camping spot, so it’s perfect for anyone travelling with their canine companion. You’ll find some lovely, relaxing walking trails here as well, and the lakeside location is ideal for swimming, water sports, or simply relaxing along the edge of the water.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• Non-Drinking Water
• Rubbish Bins

Tuke Street Reserve

Normanby, New Plymouth

This is one of the most remote freedom camping spots near New Plymouth and it has no amenities, so you’ll need to be in a self sufficient campervan to stay here. Usual freedom camping rules here apply, too, and you’ll be limited to three consecutive nights in any calendar month. It’s also worth noting that there is only space for three vehicles, and while this means you’ll need to act quickly to get here, once you’re in, you’ll find yourself in a beautiful, quiet spot.

Here, you’ll have beautiful views across lakes and find yourself surrounded by a mix of green open spaces and forests beckoning you to explore. This really is one of the best places to embrace the great outdoors in the New Plymouth area, and once you’ve had a day of adventure, the wide starry skies add to the magic of this freedom camping spot.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only

A Quick Note on New Zealand Freedom Camping

Whether you prefer to stay close to the coast or you want to dive deep into wildlife reserves, there’s a freedom camping option for everyone in the New Plymouth district. However, as we explained earlier, the best way of getting to these sites is by campervan, and with so many sites having limited facilities, self-sufficiency is often key.

Contact the team at Travellers Autobarn today, and we’ll walk you through our range of campervans for hire. Whether you’re a solo traveller looking for an off-grid experience or a family who needs a few home comforts, we have an option for you. Get in touch today and let us make your New Plymouth freedom camping dreams become a reality!

Freedom Camping in New Zealand – Important Information

While freedom camping in New Zealand is undeniably one of the best ways to see everything this beautiful country has to offer, there are some important things you need to know.

1. Almost all freedom camping sites are only suitable for self contained vehicles, and hiring these can be 10%-40% more expensive compared to non self contained vehicles. This is something you’ll need to think about when planning your budget.
2. Freedom camping sites typically have very limited amenities (some even have none at all), and even during the summer, temperatures can fall as low as 0°C overnight.
3. Most freedom camping sites operate on a first-come-first-served basis, so there can be a certain level of stress when trying to find a space.
4. Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites allow you to extend your stay beyond the usual limit as long you have a DOC Campsite Pass. Many people find these hugely beneficial, and for as little as $95 per person, you can stay for up to 30 nights.