Freedom Camping Whangarei

Whangarei is a truly amazing place that any explorer needs to visit, and one of the best ways of fully embracing everything in this beautiful region on New Zealand’s North Island is by freedom camping.

For anyone new to the idea, freedom camping is all about parking your campervan in places that aren’t official campgrounds (usually public land), and most do not have very many facilities on offer. But while this is an exciting and budget-friendly way to travel, it does come with a few rules that you need to follow, one of the most important of which is knowing where you’re legally allowed to freedom camp.

To take all the stress out of this, we’re going to dive into some of the best freedom camping sites in Whangarei. We’ve kept things pretty varied, too, so whether you after coastal views, a quiet bay, or easy access to Whangarei City Centre, you’ll find the perfect spot.

Whangarei Freedom Camping Spots

• Bascule Carpark
• Kowharewa Bay
• Marsden Bay Reserve
• Parua Bay
• Ruakaka Beach Reserve

Before we start taking a closer look, the most important thing to note is that you can only visit these camping sites in a certified self contained vehicle. Contact the expert team at Travellers Autobarn today, and we’ll make sure you have the correct campervan for your Whangarei freedom camping adventure.

Bascule Carpark

Bascule Carpark is a great place to stay if you want to experience freedom camping right in the heart of Whangarei, and it’s particularly ideal if you’re not keen on heading too far off the beaten path and like the idea of being closer to town. This site is tucked along the waterfront near the Whangarei Marina, so you’ll get views of boats bobbing about on the water, and it’s just a short walk to all the cafes and shops at the Town Basin.

As with most freedom camping areas in Whangarei, the setup here is pretty basic, and the only facility you’ll find here is a public toilet. This, along with the legal requirements, is why you’ll need to be in a self contained campervan.

Don’t let this lack of amenities put you off, though. The beauty of this freedom camping site is that you’re so close to everything. Fancy grabbing a coffee in the morning or stretching your legs on the Hatea Loop Walkway? Both are just around the corner! And, with a maximum stay of three nights, you can take advantage of this convenient location for a decent amount of time before moving on to your next spot.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Public Toilets

Kowharewa Bay

If you’ve been craving an escape to the coast, Kowharewa Bay is the dream location. Located on the Tutukaka Coast, which is about a 30 minute drive from Whangarei, this is the kind of place that encourages you to slow down and soak up your surroundings, which include calm, clear waters and rolling hills. The whole atmosphere here is much more laid back than Bascule Carpark, too, which is ideal if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

This is one of Whangarei’s DOC campsites, which essentially means it is run and maintained by the Department of Conservation, and it has some basic facilities like toilets and a dump station. The bay itself, however, is perfect for a swim or a paddle, and if you’re into snorkelling or diving, you’re not far from the Poor Knights Islands.

When it comes to the rules, you’re only allowed to camp here for one night in a calendar month and sites are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. The site is also closed overnight between 18th December and 8th February each year, so if your trip falls within these months you’ll need to choose another site.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Dump Station

Marsden Bay Reserve

Drive about 40 minutes south of Whangarei and you’ll find Marsden Bay Reserve, which is the place to stay if you’re looking for beachfront vibes but don’t want to feel too remote. There are also a few more amenities on offer here compared to some other freedom camping sites, including public toilets, picnic tables, and a water fountain (ideal if you’re running low on drinking water and need to refill).

You can stay here for two nights in any calendar month and it is open year round, so a good alternative if you like the sound of Kowharewa Bay but you’ve planned a trip during the months it’s closed. It’s also dog friendly, so a very good choice if you’re bringing your canine companion along for the ride.

As you’re so close to the beach, one of the things you can enjoy here is a dip in the ocean, or you can spend the day relaxing on the shore while the sound of the waves washes over you. Whatever you feel like doing, Marsden Bay Reserve is one of those places where time feels like it’s moving a little slower, in the best way.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Public Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• Water Fountain

Parua Bay

Parua Bay is one of the most popular freedom camping sites, and it’s also one of the largest, with fifteen designated spaces to choose from. These spaces are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, so it’s a good idea to arrive as early as possible if you want to grab a spot, and once you’re settled, you’re allowed to camp here for up to three nights.

Despite its larger size, there’s a really chilled, quiet atmosphere at Parua Bay, and you’re also only about 20 minutes away from Whangarei City Centre. This means it is ideally located if you want easy access to shops and restaurants but want to camp surrounded by rolling green hills.

Parua Bay is also a great spot to call home for a few nights if you want to spend a good amount of time exploring on foot. There are some fantastic hikes in the nearby Whangarei Heads area, including the ever-popular Mount Manaia track, which is the one to head out on if you’re feeling energetic and don’t mind a bit of a climb. You’ll be treated to views over the harbour and beyond at the summit, too, which is perfect for snapping a few photographs.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets

Ruakaka Beach Reserve

Another fantastic option for beach-loving freedom campers, Ruakaka Beach Reserve is just 30 minutes south of Whangarei and is a simple camping area with toilets and picnic tables. Like most freedom camping sites, spots here are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, and you are limited to a stay of just one night. However, this short stay rule shouldn’t mean this site is completely disregarded, as the location offers you everything you need for a classic Kiwi beach experience.

You are only a few steps away from the sandy beach here, and if you’re into swimming, surfing, or just kicking back with a good book, you’ll have everything you need within arm’s reach. And, if you’re up early enough, the sunrise over the water is something really special.

Another great thing about freedom camping at Ruakaka Beach Reserve is the sense of space it gives you. You can go for long walks along the shoreline, and if you’re a fan of fishing, there are some great spots to cast off right from the beach without too much competition from fellow anglers.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Picnic Tables

Whether you’re after city conveniences or the peaceful isolation of a hidden bay, freedom camping in Whangarei offers so much variety. And if you’re planning a trip around this part of New Zealand, Travellers Autobarn can help make your whole experience stress-free with a self contained vehicle that you can stay at any of these amazing sites in. All of our rentals include unlimited kilometres, too, so you won’t have to worry about racking up extra costs as you explore.

Thinking of extending your trip beyond Whangarei into another beautiful area of New Zealand? Take a look at everything you need to know about freedom camping in New Zealand.

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.