New Zealand is best explored on a road trip, and vanlife is crazy popular here. What better way to explore the country on a budget when you sleep in your vehicle, traveling from Point A to Point B? A lot will be determined by whether you have a self-contained or non-self-contained vehicle. The laws around freedom camping are strict – you’ll need a blue sticker self-contained vehicle to free camp most places. (The deadline for switching to a green self-contained sticker has just been extended.)
If you’re not traveling in a self-contained vehicle, don’t panic – there are still some excellent free and low-cost budget campsites you can stay at! I spent nearly three months in total traveling New Zealand in a non-self-contained vehicle, and managed to keep my accommodation costs low by researching campsites in advance to find the cheapest places to stay. Here’s my guide with all the free and budget campsites I stayed at in New Zealand, perfect for non-self-contained vehicles.
Free and Budget Campsites for Non-Self-Contained: South Island
Ashburton Lakes: Lake Clearwater
A basic campsite with flush toilets, right next to the lake. It was busy when I went over Easter weekend! Note it’s about 11km on an unsealed road to get here. It’s great for staying close to Mount Sunday!
Cost: $10 per night, cash/honesty box
Twizel: Lake Poaka (DOC)
This is a fantastic free DOC campsite by the lake, although it only has a few drop toilets dotted around the site. There’s approximately 3km of unsealed road alongside the canal to reach the campsite. Perfect for exploring the Mackenzie Region!
Cost: Free
Mount Cook: White Horse Hill Campground (DOC)
A basic campsite in an unbeatable location, right in Mount Cook next to the Hooker Valley Track trailhead. It’s super convenient for hiking in the area!
Cost: $15 per person (needs to be booked in advance)
Lindis Pass: Lindis Pass Historic Hotel Campsite
This campsite is located next to the ruins of an old hotel, with one long-drop toilet. There’s 6km of unsealed roads to get to the site – it’s pretty quiet given its proximity to the highway!
Cost: Free
Wanaka: Albert Town Campground
Probably the most popular place to stay in Wanaka on a budget, this campground is right by the Clutha River. It’s within walking distance to Wanaka lakefront.
Cost: $10 per person
Wanaka: Luggate Cricket Club Campground
My preferred campsite when visiting Wanaka, Luggate Cricket Club is a bit further away from town than Albert Town, but it’s very quiet overnight. Most of the powered sites seem to be long-term residents, but I always felt safe. There’s a new toilet block and hot showers for $2.
Cost: $10 per person
Queenstown: Twelve Mile Delta
A huge site and the most popular place for budget travelers around Queenstown. You can walk to Lake Wakatipu for a swim, or to Ithilien Lookout (a Lord of the Rings film location). Drop toilets and port-a-potties dotted around the site. Note that phone signal is really hit or miss – I never had any mobile reception anywhere on the site.
Cost: $15 per person (used to be available on the DOC campsite pass, but not anymore)
Queenstown: Moke Lake
A quiet and peaceful campsite on the shores of Moke Lake. Basic long drop toilets, no phone signal. It’s about 6km on an unsealed road to get here.
Cost: $15 per person
Paradise (Glenorchy): Diamond Lake (DOC)
Another basic DOC campsite, with great views across Diamond Lake. There’s long drop toilets and it’s very quiet. I had minimal phone signal here. Note that you need to drive about 10km on an unsealed road which was in very poor condition when I visited.
Cost: $10 per person
South of Queenstown: Lumsden Information Center
One of my favorite free camps in New Zealand! This one is only suitable if you’re sleeping in a vehicle – no camping in tents allowed. There are color-coordinated designated spots for self-contained and non-self-contained vehicles. Flush toilets (clean!), bins, a sink for washing dishes, and some picnic tables on the train platform if you want to cook under a shelter. Showers are available at the swimming pool at $5 per person – go to the Four Square across the street from the site to get the key (you’ll need to pay a deposit, which you get back when you return the key).
Cost: Free
Bluff: Bluff Lodge & Guest House
You can camp at the back of Bluff Lodge – call Kay to book a spot in advance! It’s only for vehicles, both self-contained and non-self-contained, and includes the use of facilities at the hostel (kitchen, showers, common area, etc). Kay is so welcoming and it’s a great spot if traveling to/from Stewart Island. You can leave your car there for an extra $5 per night if you are going to the island.
Cost: $30 for 2 people or $25 for solo travelers per night
Cromwell: Champagne Gully
This free camp is right by the highway, so there is traffic noise – but it dies off at night. There are flush toilets, a large sink for dishes (boil water before use), and plenty of bins. It’s close to Cromwell and great if you’re heading to explore more of Otago.
Cost: Free
Dunedin: Ocean View Reserve
The best kind of free camp: steps away from a beautiful beach, with flush toilets. There are only about 11 (maybe 12) designated spots for overnight camping, so get here early! I got one of the last ones around 3:30pm. The signage is clear that overnight parking/camping is not allowed in other areas of the car park.
Cost: Free
Catlins: Papatowai (DOC)
Papatowai campsite is a great location for exploring the Catlins. It’s close to the highway, but still very quiet and peaceful. There are flush toilets plus a large kitchen area for cooking. There’s a shop at the entrance and access to the beach. I didn’t have any phone signal.
Cost: $10 per person
Mavora Lakes (DOC)
A basic campsite in a beautiful, scenic, and very quiet location. There’s no phone signal here, but it’s a great spot to enjoy nature. Multiple scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed here!
Cost: $10 per person
Road to Milford Sound: Cascade Creek (DOC)
There are several DOC campsites on the road to Milford Sound, and this was one of the closest ones. The campsite is basic with long drop toilets.
Cost: $15 per person
Haast Pass: Pleasant Flat (DOC)
If you’re driving to or from the West Coast, Haast Pass is a good place to stop. This is a basic DOC campsite with long drop toilets, slightly sheltered from the main highway. The sandflies were horrendous both times I stayed here.
Cost: $10 per person
Franz Josef Glacier: Orange Sheep Campervan Park
This is a bargain find in Franz Josef Glacier, easy walking distance to everywhere in the town. There’s a big toilet/shower block, two camp kitchens (including fridges for guest use), wifi, taps with drinking water, and laundry available next to the entrance.
Cost: $20 per person
Arthur’s Pass: Avalanche Creek Shelter (DOC)
Essentially a large car park in Arthur’s Pass. There will be a fair amount of road noise (which quiets down once it’s dark), but it’s super convenient. There’s a massive shelter with tables. While you can use the toilet on site, walk to the other end of the car park to use the station toilets – there are a lot more of them and they’re much nicer!
Cost: $15 per person
Buller Gorge: Lyell Campsite (DOC)
Another basic DOC site, just off the highway with long drop toilets. It’s a good location between the West Coast and Nelson.
Cost: $10 per person
Nelson Lakes: West Bay Jetty Campground (DOC)
I loved this campsite in Nelson Lakes. It’s a short walk to the jetty, and other swimming spots along the shore. There are flush toilets, cold showers (a real treat!), and a shelter with sinks for cooking. Definitely recommend booking in advance, as it can fill up on busy weekends.
Cost: $15 per person
Nelson: Maitai Valley Motor Camp
This campsite is just outside of Nelson, and makes for a nice place to stay. There are a number of long-term residents, but I had no issues at all during my stay and it was very quiet. There’s a kitchen (with a fridge for guests), hot showers for $2, and flush toilets. I didn’t have any phone signal here. Bring cash (exact change) if you’re arriving after reception closes, as you won’t be able to pay by card or get change.
Cost: $14.20 per person
Abel Tasman: Marahau Beach Camp
Campsites in Abel Tasman are expensive, as most of the cheap DOC sites are tent-only campsites. Marahau Beach Camp is a lovely site, right across from the water and next to the general store and a great restaurant. There is a large camp kitchen, wifi, and a clean toilet/shower block. Note that you have to pay $2 for hot showers – I understand the environmental reasons behind this, however I don’t think given the already high cost of the campsite that guests should have to pay extra for a hot shower.
Cost: $50 per night (unpowered)
Picton: Alexanders Holiday Park Picton
A caravan park conveniently located in Picton, close to the ferry terminal. There are two kitchens (I did see a mouse in one…) and two facility blocks with toilets, showers, and laundry.
Cost: $50 per night (unpowered)
Free and Budget Campsites for Non-Self-Contained: North Island
Outside Auckland: Te Kauwhata Domain
This is a fantastic free camp about one hour away from Auckland. I’ve stayed here three times non-self-contained! It’s a car park that overlooks a sports field – there are some powered sites available, which are first come, first served. There are also flush toilets, and a sink for doing dishes. Consider donating $5 if you stay here, especially if you use power. It can get busy, so please park respectfully!
Cost: Free
Raglan: Te Kopua Whanau Camping Ground
A nice campsite just outside of Raglan, walking distance to town. There’s toilets and showers ($1 for hot showers, free cold showers), along with a small area with a sink if you want to cook inside. Reception is only open at specific times – bring cash (exact change) if you’re arriving outside of these times. Access is controlled by a gate which you need a code for. You can text a number to get the code if you arrive and pay outside of reception hours.
Cost: $15 per person
Putanguira Pinnacles (DOC)
A basic campsite at the start of the Putanguira Pinnacles track, not far from Cape Palliser. There are drop toilets here. I had barely any phone signal. Note that some of the spots closer to the road can get very wet/muddy in rain, so take care you don’t get stuck.
Cost: $10 per person
Outside Napier: Lake Tutira (DOC)
A short drive out of Napier, and convenient if you’re heading to hike Bell Rock. There are drop toilets here and a nice view of the lake. There is also a council-operated (paid) campsite at the lake, and it was extremely confusing where the actual (free) DOC campsite is. The coordinates on the DOC website say it’s immediately at the turnoff from the road (which is just a large car park with picnic tables and a long drop). But if you follow the DOC “campsite” sign down the track, you’ll find two large fields and a long drop toilet, with DOC signage AND council signage. I’m unsure what the exact spot is, but one of them is definitely free.
Cost: Free
Taranaki/Egmont National Park: Volcano View Campsite
This is a great budget campsite, just outside of New Plymouth and excellent for accessing the walks and sights around Taranaki. The cafe/restaurant has camping in the fields for both vehicles and tents. There are just two toilets and one shower (the shower is only available at certain times in morning/evening), which are connected to the large house. Wifi works at the cafe and there’s plugs to charge your devices. They definitely could do with another toilet/shower, but it’s a good price for what you get! The view of Mount Taranaki is stunning.
Cost: $16 per person
National Park Village (Tongariro): Kiwi Camp Tongariro
A large car park with toilets – all the other facilities are paid using Kiwi Cash. These include hot showers, laundry, charging, hot water for dishes, and stovetop cooking. An excellent location for exploring Tongariro National Park and hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing!
Cost: Free
Taupo: Hipapatua/Reid’s Farm Recreation Reserve
This free camp is just a short drive out of Taupo. There are port-a-potties on the campsite, and toilets down by the river (which is a great spot for swimming). It’s usually very busy, so park considerately!
Cost: Free
Near Matamata: Opal Hot Springs Holiday Park
I stayed here before visiting Hobbiton in Matamata, which was a convenient location. The caravan park has a camp kitchen and large, clean amenities block (with hot showers), and wifi. You can also swim in the outdoor pool, or book a private pool!
Cost: $40 per night (unpowered)
Dickey Flat Campsite (DOC)
A basic campsite with long drop toilets and access to the river for swimming. I didn’t have any phone signal here. It’s a DOC campsite, but not on the campsite pass, so bring cash with you.
Cost: $10 per person
Wentworth Falls Campsite
A large campsite, with plenty of room to spread out. There are long drop toilets and showers ($2 for a hot shower). You can do a short walk to see glowworms here!
Cost: $15 per person
Coromandel Peninsula: Broken Hills Campsite (DOC)
A basic campsite with long drop toilets and no phone signal. Note that it’s about 3km on unsealed roads to get here.
Cost: $15 per person
Kauaeranga Valley: Shag Stream (DOC)
There are a number of campsites along the road in Kauaeranga Valley in the Coromandel Peninsula – Shag Stream is the first site, close to the visitor center. The road to get here is sealed; beyond the campsite, it’s unsealed. This might be a busier campsite than the others, but there’s phone signal and great spots for swimming in the river. Long drop toilets at the site.
Cost: $10 per person
Outside Whangarei: Uretiti Beach (DOC)
Uretiti Beach is a huge campsite next to a gorgeous stretch of beach, just outside of Whangarei. There are flush toilets, sinks for doing dishes, and cold/hot showers ($2 for a hot shower). The gate is locked overnight, so don’t arrive late or plan on leaving super early!
Cost: $15 per person
Whangarei Heads: Ocean Beach Car Park
This is a fantastic free camp, just a few minutes away from a stunning beach. There’s flush toilets and a few picnic tables, although sadly the outdoor (cold) shower wasn’t working when I was there. There are only a handful of designated overnight camp spots spread out throughout the car park for both self-contained and non-self-contained – check the signs and park between the arrows.
Cost: Free
Kerikeri: Wagon Wheel Holiday Park
Just outside Paihia, Wagon Wheel Holiday Park is a fantastic spot. There’s no kitchen, although there’s a large sink for doing dishes, and a charging station to charge your devices. The host is very friendly and welcoming – there’s hot showers and laundry facilities, too.
Cost: $40 per night (unpowered)
Northland: Maitai Bay Campsite (DOC)
Location, location, location: this has to be one of the top DOC sites just for its proximity to the paradise of Maitai Bay. There are flush toilets and cold outdoor showers. There’s an upper site and a lower site – I stayed at the lower site, for easy access to the beach and showers.
Cost: $15 per person
Planning Your Budget Road Trip in New Zealand
There are, of course, more free and budget campsites for non-self-contained vehicles around New Zealand. These are just the ones that I personally have stayed at! The best way to save money traveling in a non-self-contained setup is to buy a DOC campsite pass. You can buy either a one-month pass or a one-year pass, which are $95 and $195 per person, respectively. Nearly all of the DOC campsites in this post are on the campsite pass, meaning if you stay more than six or seven nights, you’ll be saving money! While you won’t get the facilities and amenities when staying at basic DOC sites, they’re very suitable for traveling on a budget.
I recommend carrying small amounts of cash for camping around New Zealand. Some campsites are payable only by cash, and a lot of showers are operated by using gold coins. Some campsites are ages away from the nearest ATM, so come prepared! Pak n’ Save is the cheapest grocery store – stock up on food when you’re there. Gaspy is the best app for finding and comparing fuel in New Zealand. Fill up when you find somewhere cheap, and plan your fuel stops in advance to avoid having to fill up in an expensive area. You can find out more about traveling New Zealand on a budget in my other post!
My Favorite Budget Hostels in New Zealand
The best way to explore New Zealand is with your own set of wheels, and you’ll save a lot of money having a vehicle you can sleep in. But sometimes you need some home comforts, or a place to stay in-between flights. These are my top picks for hostels in the major cities in New Zealand.
Auckland: Verandah’s Parkside Lodge
I lived at this hostel for nearly three weeks in May 2024, and of my one year in New Zealand spent almost an entire month here! This is the best hostel in the country, no question. It’s in a great location, just outside the CBD next to Ponsonby Road. The hostel has a massive garden (with a view of the Sky Tower!) which gets glorious sunlight during the day and backs onto a park. There are no bunk beds (all the rooms have true single beds), the staff are so friendly and welcoming, it’s very clean, the kitchen is massive, plus there’s a large common room. I love this hostel.
Book your stay at Verandah’s here!
Christchurch: Haka House
Haka House is a popular hostel chain all around New Zealand, and I’ve stayed at their Christchurch location multiple times when flying in/out of the city. The beds are very comfortable, with privacy curtains, big lockers, and individual lights/plugs. There are two kitchens and two lounges, and it’s a good central location – the bus from the airport stops about a block away, and it’s a 10-minute walk to the bus station. Every time I’ve stayed here, I’ve been upgraded from an 8-bed dorm room to a 2-bed dorm room for free!
Book your stay at Haka House Christchurch here!
Queenstown: Nomads Hostel
This is a good budget option in Queenstown. While there can be some street noise, the location is excellent, in the heart of Queenstown and just minutes away from the lake. The bathrooms are huge – I never had to wait for a toilet or a shower! There’s a kitchen and common room, too. I only stayed here one night, but would return if I needed a hostel in Queenstown.
Book your stay at Nomads here!
Living in New Zealand for a year and traveling all over the country was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Yes, it’s an expensive destination – but there are ways to make it more affordable! I hope this post helps planning your non-self-contained road trip around New Zealand.
Prices, facilities, and general information are correct at time of writing, but please check Rankers, CamperMate, WikiCamps, or the campsite direct for updates and current prices.
Have you done a New Zealand road trip in a non-self-contained vehicle? Where were your favorite free/budget campsites? Share in the comments!
You might also like my posts:
How to Save Money Traveling New Zealand on a Budget
How Much Does it Cost to Travel New Zealand on a Budget?
Lord of the Rings Film Locations to Visit in New Zealand
Moving to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa: How to Start Your Life (2025 Guide)
What I Learned About Life Living Out of My Car
All of my New Zealand posts!
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