Herald chats to experts about the best places to park up in a campervan or motorhome. Photo / TrailLite
Herald chats to experts about the best places to park up in a campervan or motorhome. Photo / TrailLite
Unsure where to freedom camp or park a campervan in New Zealand? Herald Travel chats with motorhome experts about the best places to camp with a campervan.
New Zealand is one of the few places in the world where self-contained freedom camping is not only accessible but also allows you to get up close and personal with the country’s beautiful beaches and forests.
That’s not to say you can rock up anywhere and park – Queenstown, specifically, has strict rules around freedom camping but that doesn’t mean there aren’t countless fantastic campsites around the country to explore.
Few people are better versed on where you can (and can’t) park up in Aotearoa than Shaun and Adam Newman, directors of TrailLite, a luxury motorhome and caravan company that has been in business for 70 years.
Herald Travel chatted to the brothers about New Zealand’s most magical, motorhome-friendly locations to enjoy this summer, no matter what kind of camper you have.
Adam (left) and Shaun Newman, who are the operations manager and general manager, respectively, at TrailLite.
Campsites
Pricier than freedom camping but far cheaper than a hotel or rental home, campsites provide beautiful scenery, powered spots to charge devices and handy facilities such as showers, toilets and sinks.
Aotearoa has plenty of campsites scattered around the country, most in tip-top condition and with lots of space. However, some are more popular than others, especially the better-equipped ones, and can book out weeks if not months in advance, so it pays to check online ahead of time.
Also keep in mind that holiday parks can often be even pricier due to additional facilities, with some costing $50 or more for just a spot to park.
Freedom camping can invite images of roughing it in your car on the side of the road, but it doesn’t need to be that way. With a well-equipped camper and a good spot, it’s one of the best ways to see the country.
Aotearoa has more than 500 freedom camping locations, many in some of the most scenic spots such as surf breaks of the New Plymouth Surf Coast Highway or the mountains on Mt Ruapehu.
After getting the required self-containment certification (which ensures your motorhome complies with requirements), Shaun and Adam recommend downloading the Campermate app to find spots to stop and specific rules.
Different places may have restrictions on the number of consecutive nights you can stay so it pays to check, the brothers say.
New Zealand is spoiled with many places to park up and camp. Photo / TrailLite
NZMCA Park Over Property
The next top tip is becoming a New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA). Since 1991, NZMCA has built a list of “Park Over Properties”, spots for members to use at minimal to no cost. The list includes more than 2000 parking sites available to members, including public sites and spots reserved for NZMCA members such as business premises and residential sites.
After paying a membership fee, you have access to the sites dotted around the country, as well as other perks such as a travel directory published every two years full of spots to stop.
“It truly becomes a motorhomer’s bible,” the Newmans say. “They also have a handy travel app that will ensure you can find the best and most up-to-date spots as you travel.”
Most Kiwis need no introduction to Department of Conservation campsites but they may be unaware that there are more than 250 vehicle-accessible campsites on public conservation land where you can park up. Most are on a first-come, first-served basis, while the serviced campsites can be booked in advance.
A lot of motorhomers love calling in to visit family and friends while maintaining their own privacy and enjoying their own space, Shaun and Adam explain. On the flip side, they’re easy to host, as you don’t need to prepare a room, stock the fridge or even change the sheets.
“They bring everything they need with them and take everything away, what better types of guests could there be?” the pair said.
The Evers-Swindell Reserve in Clive is a popular freedom camping site. Photo / NZME
Restaurants or pub car parks
In the mood to socialise or enjoy a pub meal? It could be worth calling the local restaurant or pub and chat to the manager about parking up overnight.
“Most places with a private carpark have no problems accommodating self-contained motorhomes when you’re a paying customer,” the brothers say. Plus, once you’ve finished your meal or drink, home is just a few steps away.
