Freedom Camping Paihia

Located in the beautiful Bay of Islands on New Zealand’s North Island, Paihia is a much sought-after destination for campers looking to get back to nature and experience some of the most incredible landscapes without being tied to formal accommodation. However, as with all freedom camping destinations throughout New Zealand, it’s important to know the rules and regulations before you hit the road to avoid any issues.

Below, you will find everything you need to know about freedom camping in Paihia, including a list of places where it is allowed and a simplified explanation of the bylaws and rules you must follow to enjoy a stress-free experience.

Are you ready? Let’s get started with our Paihia freedom camping adventure!

Paihia Freedom Camping Spots

• Bland Bay
• Tamateatai Point
• Whananaki South

Each of the sites listed above allows freedom camping, albeit with certain restrictions, which we’ll detail below. However, the most important thing to know is that you must be in a self-contained campervan in order to stay at these sites. Contact the expert team at Travellers Autobarn to learn more about hiring a campervan, and we’ll make sure you are in the right vehicle for your freedom camping road trip.

Bland Bay

Just over an hour’s drive from Paihia, Bland Bay is a DOC-managed freedom camping site that offers stunning views of the ocean and of the nearby bush. The facilities are basic, as you’d expect from a freedom camping spot, and there are no designated parking spaces, which means you’re pretty much free to set up camp wherever you like as long as you stay within the signposted permitted areas.

The beauty of Bland Bay lies in its remoteness and simplicity, and this really is the place to go if you’re looking to escape from it all and reconnect with nature. Just keep in mind that you are limited to a two night stay here within a calendar month, so you’ll need to move on after this time.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only

Tamateatai Point

If you’re not able to find a space at Bland Bay but still crave the same level of seclusion, a few extra minutes on the road will take you to Tamateatai Point. This freedom camping site sits on the edge of the Otamure Bay Scenic Reserve and offers peaceful surroundings with easy access to hiking trails and swimming holes, so it’s also an ideal place to call home for a couple of nights if you’re looking to explore the native bush.

The rules here are pretty simple; respect the natural environment and take all waste with you when you leave. In terms of facilities, there are toilets available to use here, but you’ll still need to be in a self-contained campervan in order to stay at this site. You’re also limited to a two-night stay in a calendar month, so factor this into your travel itinerary and don’t overstay, as this can result in fines.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets

Whananaki South

Located just south of Whanaki Village, this freedom camping site is a 75-minute drive from Paihia and is a great spot for campers seeking a mix of coastal views and history. One of the main draws of freedom camping here is the close proximity to the Whananaki Walkway, which leads over New Zealand’s longest footbridge and stretches across the Whananki Estuary.

Like all other freedom camping sites in the Paihia area, Whananki South is only open to self-contained vehicles, and the facilities are limited to toilets. It is, however, ideal for anyone who enjoys fishing, kayaking, or simply wants to relax by the water. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities in the surrounding area to learn more about the region’s Maori heritage.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets

A Note on Freedom Camping in Paihia

While there are some great freedom camping spots to choose from in the Paihia area, it’s very important to know the rules for freedom camping here, as this will ensure your trip runs smoothly and that you remain on the right side of the local bylaws.

Here are a few key things you should be aware of when freedom camping, no matter which of the sites listed above you choose:

• Self-Contained Vehicles Only: All freedom camping sites near Paihia (and across most of New Zealand) are only open to certified self-contained vehicles. Put simply, this means that your campervan must have a toilet, fresh water storage, and waste disposal capabilities.

• Stay in Designated Areas: It can be tempting to set up camp in a beauty spot you’ve just stumbled across, but it’s important that you only spend the night in designated freedom camping areas. Failure to comply with this can result in fines or bans from freedom camping in certain areas.

• Time Limits Apply: Each of the freedom camping sites close to Paihia has time limits on how long you can stay, usually just two nights in each calendar month. However, these time limits can change throughout the year, so make sure you check local signs and consult the DOC website for details before pulling up.

• Leave No Trace: You need to take all of your rubbish with you and dispose of any waste at properly designated sites before you leave any freedom camping spot in Paihia.

From the remote beauty of Bland Bay to the history-filled Whananki South, there is a range of places to suit every camper. Just remember, with freedom camping comes responsibility, so always follow local guidelines and bylaws to ensure you’re protecting the environment for future visitors.

Also, whether you’re planning a short stay or a longer adventure, having the right vehicle is essential for a safe and successful camping trip. At Travellers Autobarn, you’ll find a range of self-contained vehicles to suit any need, and even better, each comes with unlimited kilometres, making it possible to explore Paihia at your own pace. Contact us today to learn more, and we’ll get you on the road to adventure sooner than you think!

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.