{"id":45480,"date":"2022-12-17T04:57:43","date_gmt":"2022-12-16T20:57:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/?p=45480"},"modified":"2026-03-05T15:51:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T07:51:17","slug":"ever-tried-freedom-camping-in-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/ever-tried-freedom-camping-in-new-zealand\/","title":{"rendered":"Ever Tried Freedom Camping In New Zealand?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Seeking a new adventure? Try freedom camping! From useful apps to help you on the road to the differences between a campervan and a motorhome, we’re giving you the 411 on what freedom camping is all about.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The rugged mountains, panoramic fiords, rolling hillsides, and vast greenery. What\u2019s there not to love about New Zealand? It\u2019s a nature wonderland. Now imagine seeing all this from a campervan, off the beaten track at your own pace. That\u2019s what freedom camping is all about. If you\u2019re thinking about trying out freedom camping the next time you\u2019re in the Land of the Long White Cloud, this is the guide for you!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Is Freedom Camping?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image credits: RV Super Centre<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Think camping. Except you\u2019re on the road. And instead of merely pitching a tent, you\u2019d be driving around in a campervan or motorhome, camping on public land with minimal to no facilities like toilets or<\/em> showers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And although it\u2019s titled freedom<\/em> camping, here are a few rules to keep in mind: 

1.<\/strong> Ensure that all<\/strong> rubbish is disposed of
2. <\/strong>We get that when you have to go, you have to go. But it\u2019s important to always keep New Zealand squeaky clean by using the toilet in your vehicle or a public toilet.
3.<\/strong> Protect the environment by using recycling facilities
4.<\/strong> Dump your waste at a designated waste disposal station<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever Tried Freedom Camping In New Zealand?: Watch a video<\/strong><\/a> on Freedom Camping In New Zealand<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Does My Vehicle Need A Self-Containment Certification?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image credits: Travellers Autobarn NZ<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, you may be wondering “what in the world is a self-containment certification”? So let\u2019s break it down. Self-contained vehicles are those you can live in for a minimum of three days without needing to get more water or dump waste. This means you\u2019re able to be on the road with the required facilities to fulfil your everyday needs. So make sure you have a toilet, fresh water storage, wastewater storage, and rubbish bin onboard!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, be sure to keep in mind that your self-contained vehicle displays a compliance sticker and carries the certificate of compliance (just in case you get stopped by a compliance officer \ud83d\udc40). All wilderness campervans and motorhomes must be certified as self-contained in order to meet environmental standards. Now that we\u2019ve got freedom camping down, onto the next question: Campervan or Motorhome? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever Tried Freedom Camping In New Zealand?: Find more information about Certified Self-Containment <\/em>here<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Campervan Vs Motorhome \u2014 Which Is More Suited For You?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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There are pros and cons to both types of vehicles. Take a look at which is better suited to your needs when travelling long hours on the road:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Campervan<\/strong><\/td>Motorhome<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
\u2705 Smaller<\/strong> vehicles similar to the size of commercial vans<\/td>\u2705 Larger<\/strong> and more spacious, able to roam around<\/td><\/tr>
\u2705 Fits two people<\/strong><\/td>\u2705 Fits two to six people<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
\u2705 Includes a kitchenette and a chemical toilet \u2014 <\/strong> a small toilet that offers little to no privacy & can tend to smell funky when used<\/td>\u2705 Includes a kitchen, a private toilet, a shower, TVs, heating, air conditioning, etc.<\/td><\/tr>
\u2705 Most are self-contained<\/td>\u2705 Fully self-contained<\/td><\/tr>
\u2705 For those on a tight budget <\/strong>and are comfortable with limited privacy<\/strong> or are okay to rely on public toilets<\/strong> and shared campsite facilities<\/strong><\/td>\u2705 For those who have a bigger budget <\/strong>and value the option of privacy and separate spaces<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
\u2705 For those uncomfortable with driving huge vehicles


\u2705 Drivers who are as young as 18<\/strong><\/td>		\u2705 For those comfortable with driving huge vehicles

\u2705 Most motorhome companies only rent to those who are at a min. age of 25<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
\u2705 Ideal for short trips<\/strong><\/td>\u2705 Ideal for long trips<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ever Tried Freedom Camping In New Zealand?:<\/em> Check out our guide for the <\/em>Best Camping Sites In New Zealand<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where To Rent A Campervan\/Motorhome In New Zealand?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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There are plenty of places to rent a campervan\/motorhome in New Zealand. After all, it\u2019s one of the more popular activities of locals and travellers alike! Here\u2019s a list of some rental companies you can check out if you\u2019re seeking adventure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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List Of Rental Companies In New Zealand<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
\ud83d\ude90 Motorhome Republic <\/a>
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\ud83d\ude90 CU Camper<\/a>
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\ud83d\ude90 Britz<\/a> 
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\ud83d\ude90 GoSee Travel<\/a>
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\ud83d\ude90 Maui Rentals <\/a>
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\ud83d\ude90 Wilderness Motorhome Rentals<\/a>
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Ever Tried Freedom Camping In New Zealand?: Check out our guide on what to do in New Zealand<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Camping Apps<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Things get can get pretty confusing when you’re travelling in a foreign land. And hey, that’s to be expected. So here are several camping apps you\u2019d need to help you plan and navigate your way on the road. Not forgetting to mention finding that ideal spot to park and rest up for the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Rankers NZ<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image credits:<\/em> Rankers NZ<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The official camping app of New Zealand, this app gives you the freedom of selecting from 4,200 locations. Have specific preferences you require from your ideal campsites such as pet-friendly locations or holiday parks? Just filter through the app by type of campsite, and locations situated near attractions, wildlife, and even facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can even take a look at reviews written by other happy, or perhaps not-so-happy campers to help make up your mind. No WiFi? No problem. Rankers NZ can be used offline if you need to save what\u2019s left of your precious data. Campsites can also be booked ahead of time before you arrive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever Tried Freedom Camping In New Zealand?: Check out Rankers NZ here<\/strong><\/a><\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. WikiCamps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image credits:<\/em> Google Play<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ideal for locating campgrounds, caravan parks, as well as nearby facilities, this app has over 1,900 locations to choose from and has offline maps available. If you\u2019re a thorough planner, WikiCamps is sure to be your best friend on the road with its customisable checklists and a seven-day weather forecast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever Tried Freedom Camping In New Zealand?: Check out WikiCamps here<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3.<\/strong> Campermate<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image credits: Campermate<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Similar to the other camping apps mentioned above, Campermate stands out in one particular area \u2014 local deals. You heard right. This app hooks you up with local deals and offers to make your stay all the more enjoyable. After all, who doesn\u2019t love a good discount?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever Tried Freedom Camping In New Zealand?:<\/em><\/em><\/em> Find out more about Campermate here<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Campable<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image credits: My New Zealand Campervan Trip<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Are camping grounds looking too basically mainstream for you? Campable will definitely direct you towards something a little more out of the ordinary and give you the authentic Kiwi experience you\u2019ve been searching for. We\u2019re talking vineyards, beaches, working farms, privately-owned land, and even pubs! The best part of all? It\u2019s free. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever Tried Freedom Camping In New Zealand?: Find out more about Campable here<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Track My Tour<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image credits: App Store – Apple<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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One for the sentimental folks (myself included), this handy dandy app keeps track of your travel and everything you do. Yes, we really mean everything<\/em>. What you do, where you stay, even meals you\u2019ve eaten! It maps it all out so you <\/em>never forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever Tried Freedom Camping In New Zealand?: Find out more about Track My Tour here<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Your New Kiwi Adventure Awaits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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With a new way to explore New Zealand’s wonders, you’re all set to book that trip and get on the road! And while you’re booking your campervan or motorhome rentals and stocking it full of food, remember to use your YouTrip card to cash in on our sweet wholesale exchange rates<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Singapore\u2019s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5><\/strong> and get FREE S$5<\/strong> in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks<\/a> page for exclusive offers and promotions \u2014 we promise you won\u2019t regret it. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram<\/a> (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here<\/a> or down below.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad<\/a>? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! \ud83d\udc9c<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay safe and happy camping! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Related Articles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Best Camping Sites In New Zealand 2022<\/a><\/strong>
YouTrip\u2019s New Zealand Food Guide: How To Eat Like A Kiwi<\/a><\/strong>
The Ultimate New Zealand Bucket List<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"YouTrip<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Did someone say road trip? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":75,"featured_media":45483,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8119,623,624],"tags":[39568,39282,39549,39567,39391,39129],"class_list":["post-45480","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides-tips","category-lifestyle","category-travel","tag-freedom-camping","tag-new-zealand","tag-new-zealand-camping","tag-new-zealand-freedom-camping","tag-new-zealand-travel","tag-travel"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45480","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/75"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45480"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45480\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45483"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45480"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45480"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45480"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}