Where Can You Camp or Park Overnight in a Non-Self-Contained Vehicle?
When researching campervan travel in New Zealand, you’ll often see the phrase “self-contained”.
Self-contained vehicles are vehicles that not only have a toilet, water and waste facilities but they are also certified on the Self-Contained Motor Vehicles (NZSCV) Register.
The advantage of the certification is the ability for the vehicle to legally freedom camp on public land.
Vehicles without the self-containment certification can only camp in designated areas in New Zealand to preserve the natural environment.
With that in mind, if you have a car or campervan that is not self-contained, also known as “car camping”, then you will need to be mindful of where you camp.
So, where can you camp in New Zealand if your car or campervan is not self-contained?
Campsites, holiday parks and even hostels are designated camping areas for non-self-contained vehicles. Prices greatly vary between these different camping options, as do the facilities.
We have listed each camping option, as well as their facilities and average price per night, so you know what you are in for when travelling New Zealand in a non-self-contained vehicle!
Table of Contents
Is My Vehicle Certified Self-Contained?
The green Self-Containment Certification is used to show that a campervan has a fixed toilet and can contain water waste for up to three days. This includes water in the form of water supply, grey water (sink and shower water), and septic waste. The vehicle must also have a fixed rubbish bin with a lid.
For a full list of self-containment criteria, see our full guide to Self-Contained Campervans in New Zealand. Plus, check if your vehicle has a valid Self-Containment Certification at the NZSCV Register website.
What if My Vehicle is Self-Contained But isn’t Officially Registered?
Even if your campervan has all the right facilities to meet the self-containment criteria, your vehicle will still be considered “non-self-contained” by wardens who fine illegal freedom campers unless your vehicle is officially registered on the NZSCV.
Find out how to get a certification via this guide: How to Get Your Campervan Certified Self-Contained. Additionally, here’s some advice on how to convert your vehicle into a self-contained vehicle.
Where Can I Camp in New Zealand if My Vehicle isn’t Registered as Self-Contained?
If you do not have the self-containment certification, you need to use designated campsites.
Freedom camping, i.e. sleeping in a tent or camping vehicle on public land for free, in a vehicle that is not self-contained, can incur an instant NZ$400-$2,400 fine.
See here for more information on the rules around freedom camping in our guide, What it’s Really Like to Freedom Camp in New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.comDesignated Free Campsites for Non-Self-Contained Vehicles
The most common freedom camping areas are for self-contained vehicles only. However, there are a few free campsites or parking areas with a toilet block that allow camping for non-self-contained vehicles or car camping. When parking up in a free campsite or car park, with the intention of camping, look out for two types of signage:
- A tent-shaped icon without a line crossing through it. This indicates that camping is allowed.
- A tent-shaped icon with a line through it, which indicates that camping is strictly prohibited.
If no signs exist, take a look at the local council website for the area you are in. Their websites should clearly state their freedom camping bylaws, i.e. whether non-self-contained vehicles can legally camp on public land.
To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of council websites’ freedom camping pages in this guide: Freedom Camping Rules in New Zealand: Region by Region.
© NZPocketGuide.comCouncil-Run Campsites
Many of New Zealand’s budget campsites are run by local councils. Facilities and maintenance levels of the campsites vary depending on council funding for campsites. However, expect basic facilities, such as:
- A toilet block
- Rubbish bins
- Water
Some campgrounds might even have coin-operated barbecues and cooking shelters.
Price and How to Pay
The price range for council campsites is usually between NZ$0 to $18 per adult per night.
Payment is made via online bookings through council websites or by cash paid in an honesty box.
© NZPocketGuide.comDepartment of Conservation Campsites
The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages more than 200 campsites across New Zealand. These offer another budget camping option for those travelling in a non-self-contained campervan. Locations of Department of Conservation campsites can be found in DOC campsite maps found in most information centres and on the DOC website.
Note that not all DOC campsites have vehicle access, as many are located along hiking trails. Vehicle access is clearly stated on your chosen campsite’s listing on both the DOC website and campsite maps.
There are five types of DOC campsites with different facilities, which often determine prices. The types of DOC campsites are as follows:
Serviced Campsites (NZ$20-$28)
Facilities include toilets, water, a kitchen bench, hot showers and rubbish collections. Some will have a barbecue, laundry, a fireplace, a cooker and picnic tables.
Prices are as follows:
Unpowered/tent sites:
- Adult (18+ years): NZ$25 per night
- Child (5–17 years): NZ$12.50 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Powered sites:
- Adult (18+ years): NZ$20-$28 per night
- Child (5–17 years): NZ$10-$14 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Standard Campsites (NZ$10-$20)
Standard campsites have a more basic toilet (composting or pit) and water supply (tap, stream or lake). They may have cold showers, barbecues, fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins depending on the site.
Prices are as follows:
Unpowered/tent sites:
- Adult (18+ years): NZ$10-$20 per night
- Child (5–17 years): NZ$5-$10 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Powered sites (rare times when available):
- Adult (18+ years): NZ$10-$20 per night
- Child (5–17 years): NZ$5-$10 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Basic Campsites (Free)
Basic campsites are similar to standard campsites, but be prepared to be fully self-sufficient.
Backcountry Campsites
Backcountry campsites are typically only accessible on foot. They have toilets and a water supply, which may be from a stream.
They tend to vary in price and facilities.
Great Walk Campsites
There are around 60 campsites along the Great Walks of New Zealand. However, they are often inaccessible to vehicles, so it is unlikely that you will use these campsites for car camping.
They provide similar facilities to standard and basic campsites but come at a higher price.
Check out the DOC website for Great Walk campsite pricing, as they change from year to year and between seasons.
Price and How to Pay
The price for DOC campsites that have vehicle access is between NZ$0 and NZ$28 per person per night.
Some serviced campsites may require a booking through the DOC website or through a DOC information centre. However, most DOC campsites are on a first-come-first-served basis.
In the latter case, payment is made with cash either in the honesty box or to a campsite warden.
If using multiple DOC campsites on your trip around New Zealand, consider getting a DOC Campsite Pass. More information can be found in DOC Campsite Pass: How it Works & is it Worth it?
© NZPocketGuide.comHoliday Parks
Holiday parks in New Zealand are commercial operations and are more of your “luxury” option for camping in a non-self-contained car or campervan.
While holiday parks offer a wide range of accommodation, the one you will be interested in is either the tent sites, otherwise called “non-powered sites”, or the powered sites.
Tent Sites
Tent sites or non-powered sites are basically a patch of grass designated for vehicles or tents that do not require a power supply.
Powered Sites
Powered sites have a power outlet for campervans with a power supply and campsite power adapter.
Holiday Park Facilities
When using either a tent or powered site, you have access to the holiday park’s communal facilities. These communal facilities usually include:
- A communal kitchen – a large kitchen with cooking hobs, fridge, boiling water dispensers, hot and cold water with sinks. Some holiday parks may have microwaves, kettles, toasters, ovens, freezers and dining areas. Most holiday parks have cooking and dining utensils – but not all – so be aware
- Communal toilets and showers – divided into male and female blocks with hot and cold showers, toilets and sinks. Be aware that some showers are metered so you will need coins or tokens to use them
- Laundry rooms – equipped with coin-operated washing machines and tumble dryers
- Dump station – for campervan waste and sewerage.
Some holiday parks may include extra facilities, such as:
- Facilities for the disabled will have the international symbol of access
- WiFi
- Swimming pool and/or hot pool
- Sauna
- Cafe and/or restaurant
- Gym
- Barbecue
- Children’s playground
- Games room.
Learn more about holiday park facilities in our Accommodation Guide to Holiday Parks in New Zealand.
Price and How to Pay
The price for tent and powered sites in holiday parks often changes with the seasons; the lowest prices in winter and the highest in summer.
Fees are usually for two people staying on a site unless stated otherwise. More people can be added at an extra cost.
Expect to pay anywhere between NZ$15-$50 for two people on a tent site per night and NZ$20-$60 for two people on a powered site per night. We know, prices are all over the place!
Payment is made either through online bookings or at the holiday park reception, where they will accept credit/debit cards and cash.
See holiday park listings in our Camping & Holiday Parks category.
© NZPocketGuide.comHostels
Hostels are an accommodation option that many travellers overlook when looking for somewhere to camp.
Many hostels across New Zealand allow travellers to park up in their car parks or pitch a tent in the garden and make use of the hostel facilities.
Hostel facilities include:
- Showers and toilets
- Kitchen
- Laundry
- Lounge
Some hostels may also have:
- Spa pool
- Sauna
- Games rooms
Take a look at What is a Hostel? A Beginner’s Guide to Backpacker Hostels for a complete guide on what to expect in a hostel.
Price and How to Pay
The price to stay in a hostel car park or tent site is around NZ$15-$20 per person.
Bookings can often be made in advance and paid via online booking websites or directly with the hostel. (Check out What are the Best Websites to Book Hostels in New Zealand?).
Alternatively, nights are paid at the hostel reception on check-in via cash or credit/debit card.
See hostel listings in our Hostels category.
More About Car Camping and Camping in a Non-Self-Contained Campervan in New Zealand
That’s it for our guide to car camping in New Zealand and parking overnight in a non-self-contained campervan. For more camping tips, check out these:
- Camping Essentials Checklist for New Zealand
- Campercar, Campervan or Motorhome Rental: Which is Better for New Zealand?
- 10 Essentials to Pack for a New Zealand Campervan Trip
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it either in How to Plan a Campervan Trip in New Zealand or The Guide to Camping in New Zealand.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
![5 Best Power Stations for Camping in New Zealand [2023]](https://nzpocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/AC300B300-13-1-1-768x512.jpg)
