Freedom Camping Taupo

Forget conventional campsites and caravan parks; if you really want to get back to nature you need to experience the thrill of freedom camping! Taupo is one of the very best places to freedom camp in all of New Zealand’s North Island, and there are several places to enjoy walks, wild swimming, or family fun before camping under the stars for the night.

Below, we’ve listed some of the best freedom camping spots in the Taupo area. You’ll also find details on each of their amenities, how many spaces each has, and everything else you need to know to help plan your freedom camping adventure!

Taupo Freedom Camping Spots

1. Reid’s Farm
2. Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve
3. Huka-Aratiatia Dam Car Park
4. Whakaipo Campsite
5. Hipapatua Recreational Reserve
6. Mangakino Recreation Reserve
7. Whakamaru Recreation Reserve

To enjoy these freedom camping spots to their fullest, it’s best to hire a campervan. Contact Travellers Autobarn today and we’ll walk you through your options and get you on the road to adventure!

Reid’s Farm

Huka Falls Road, Taupo

Located alongside the Waikato River, Reid’s Farm (which is part of Hipapatua National Park) has dedicated summer and winter freedom camping spots. Both self contained vehicles and non-self contained vehicles are permitted here, and you can stay for a maximum of three nights within any 14-day period. Tent camping is also permitted, but there are limited amenities, so it’s not the most comfortable option for tents.

One of the main draws of freedom camping at Reid’s Farm is its close proximity to the river, which offers the opportunity for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. This location also offers a beautiful spot to sit and relax at the end of the day before heading back to your campervan for the evening.

Reid’s Farm is also around 1km away from the town centre, so it’s an ideal place to stop if you need to pick up some supplies while still enjoying the peace and quiet offered by freedom camping.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Drop Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• Rubbish Bins

Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve

Mapara Road, Taupo

Suitable only for self contained vehicles, Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve operates on a first-come-first-served basis and has loads of spaces, making it one of the most popular freedom camping spots in Taupo.

One thing you do need to be aware of, however, is that freedom camping is only available here for 4 nights in any calendar month, and overstaying may result in fines.

Located just 10 minutes from Taupo, here you’ll find a huge lake that is suitable for fishing or for cooling off on a hot summer day. There are also some excellent walking and mountain biking tracks close by, so whether you want to explore or relax, Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve is a great spot for freedom camping.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Non-Drinking Water

Huka-Aratiatia Dam Car Park

Rotokawa, Taupo

You can enjoy overnight camping at Huka-Aratiatia Dam Car Park for a maximum of four nights, but spaces are limited, so it’s best to get here as early as possible.

Once you’ve parked up, there are some beautiful walks along the Waikato River to enjoy, and if you time things right, you may even get to see the release of the dam. The Aratiatia Rapids are also nearby, so it’s a great place to camp if you want to see one of New Zealand’s most popular natural beauty spots.

Amenities here are limited to basic toilet facilities, but it’s important to note that these are locked overnight. As such, it’s best to stay here in self-contained vehicles only.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets

Whakaipo Campsite

Lake Taupō, Taupo

Located next to Lake Taupō, Whakaipo Campsite offers incredible views and beautiful surroundings to explore. There are also many walking tracks and mountain bike trails through native bush, giving you the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature, take in plenty of fresh air, and scratch that adventurous itch!

Only self contained vehicles are permitted here, and accessing the site is easy via Acacia Bay and Mapara Road. This site is dog friendly, too, so it’s ideal if you’re travelling with a canine companion, but it is important to note that a first-come-first-served basis is in operation.

Amenities here are pretty much non-existent, but since only self contained vehicles are allowed, you shouldn’t find this too much of an issue. Just make sure you bring plenty of drinking water, as the only water source available is from the lake itself.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only

Hipapatua Recreational Reserve

Huka Falls Road, Taupo

Another freedom camping spot with plenty of space for campervans and other self contained vehicles, Hipapatua Recreational Reserve is located just 5 minutes from Taupo’s bustling shopping centre. Even with this close proximity, though, it remains a peaceful place for an overnight stay.

You are limited to a stay of three nights and four days at Hipapatua Recreational Reserve, and during this time, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied, including walking trails, mountain bike tracks, and fishing opportunities.

Hipapatua Recreational Reserve is also fairly close to Huka Falls, and there are walking trails that take you straight to the falls and back again, giving you the opportunity to plan an entire day trip without having to get behind the wheel.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets

Mangakino Recreation Reserve

Mangakino, Taupo

Suitable for both a non-self contained vehicle and self contained vehicles alike, Mangakino Recreation Reserve offers lakeside freedom camping with plenty of opportunities for fishing and water sports. Or, should you simply fancy taking an afternoon stroll, the backdrop of beautiful Lake Maraetai is sure to soothe the senses.

Dogs are permitted here but must be kept on a leash at all times. With so many walking trails to discover, your pooch pal will still have a wonderful time. You can also stay here for up to three nights, after which you’ll need to make way for other freedom campers to set up.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Non-Drinking Water

Whakamaru Recreation Reserve

Lake Whakamaru, Taupo

Governed by the South Waikato District Council, Whakamaru Recreation Reserve sits alongside the Waikato River and can easily be accessed off Highway 30. There are quite a few spaces here for self contained vehicles to park overnight, although we recommend getting here early as this is a popular spot that can fill up pretty quickly.

Aside from the beautiful lakeside surroundings and incredible walking trails, one of the biggest benefits of camping at Whakamaru Recreation Reserve is that it has hot showers on site! There are also barbecue facilities that are free to use, so should you fancy breaking free of your campervan for an evening, the amenities here allow you to do so.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Hot Showers
• BBQ Facilities

A Note on Council Land

Each of the above freedom camping spots we’ve listed above has certain amenities, views, and access to activities that make them must-visit spaces for any keen freedom campers to visit. But, when travelling in certified self contained vehicles within the Taupō district, you are also allowed to camp anywhere controlled or managed by the council for a maximum of three nights.

As such, any council land you come across (with the exception of Ferry Road) can be used for overnight camping. Make sure you keep an eye out for signs that restrict freedom camping, however, as this rule can change between seasons.

Whether you’re visiting one of the sites we’ve explored above or pulling into council land for the evening, the best way of freedom camping in the Taupo area is by travelling in a self contained vehicle.

Speak with the expert team at Travellers Autobarn today, and we’ll help match you with the perfect campervan for your needs. Whether you’re travelling solo or with your family, we have an option for everyone, meaning you’re able to get out on the road and start freedom camping as soon as possible!

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.