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New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world for road trips.
Every twist in the road brings you to a lake, a forest, a beach, or a mountain. And the best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it.
In fact, some of the best places to camp are either free or super cheap, with million-dollar views right outside your van or tent. We’ve picked our favorite campsites across the country — some well-known, others hidden gems — so you can travel long and sleep easy.
🥇 The Best Free and Cheap Campsites (by Island)
🗾 North Island
Camping in the North Island is all about easy vibes. You’re never too far from the coast, a hot spring, or a friendly town.
The landscapes are softer — green hills, black sand beaches, warm forests. You might wake up to waves crashing or birds singing in the bush.
No more typing! Let’s quickly look at what are the best free and cheap campsites in the North Island.
1⃣ Waikite Valley Thermal Pools Campground (Rotorua area)
💰 Cost: $10 per person (with pool access)📍 Location: 30 minutes south of Rotorua
Hot springs AND camping? Yes please. This spot offers camping right next to natural thermal pools. The setting is quiet and green, and the pools are the perfect way to relax after a long drive.
- Why we love it: Soaking in natural hot water at night, under the stars, is just unbeatable.
- Facilities: Toilets, showers, hot pools, small café.
- Good to know: No self-contained certification needed — tents welcome too!
2⃣ Mangahuia DOC Campsite (Tongariro National Park)
💰 Cost: $10 per person📍 Location: Just off SH47, near Whakapapa Village
Surrounded by native bush and birdsong, this DOC campsite is perfect for those hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It’s peaceful, close to the mountains, and has a lovely “wilderness” feeling.
- Why we love it: You can see the snowy peak of Mt Ruapehu on a clear day — right from your van.
- Facilities: Toilets, water (boil before drinking), and flat areas for camping.
- Bonus: Great place to meet other travelers doing the hike.
3⃣ Raglan Wainui Reserve (Waikato)
💰 Cost: Free (self-contained vehicles 📍 Location: 5 minutes from Raglan town
This freedom camping spot is one of the best-kept secrets in Raglan. It’s just outside of town and close to the surf beaches, with views of the ocean and lots of green space.
- Why we love it: Chill surfer vibes, epic sunsets, and morning walks along the cliffs.
- Facilities: None — self-contained vehicles only.
- Local tip: Grab coffee and pastries in Raglan before heading out.
4⃣ Rere Falls Reserve (Gisborne area)
💰 Cost: Free📍 Location: Inland from Gisborne
This is one of the most fun campsites in New Zealand. You park right near Rere Falls — a beautiful curtain waterfall — and a natural rock slide that you can actually ride down (bring a bodyboard or tube).
- Why we love it: It’s the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and chill camping.
- Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, and grassy areas for tents.
- Best for: Families, couples, and anyone who loves water fun.
5⃣ Port Jackson DOC Campsite (Coromandel Peninsula)
💰 Cost: $15 per adult 📍 Location: Tip of the Coromandel, 1.5-hour drive from Coromandel Town
At the edge of the world, Port Jackson feels untouched and wild. The campsite stretches along a quiet bay, and the beach is great for swimming, walking, and watching dolphins if you’re lucky.
- Why we love it: The remoteness, the stillness, and the incredible sunrises.
- Facilities: Toilets, cold showers, BBQs, and lots of space.
- Important: The road in is gravel and narrow. Take it slow.
🗾 South Island
The South Island hits different. It’s bold, wild, and bigger than life. One night you’re sleeping beside a glacial lake, the next under towering mountains with no one else around. The campsites here feel like they’re carved out of nature — remote, raw, and beautiful.
It’s quieter, colder, and more dramatic. Bring layers, fill your water tank, and enjoy the silence. These are the places that make you stop and say, “Wow… I’m really here.”
1⃣ Lake Pukaki Freedom Camp (Canterbury)
💰 Cost: Free (self-contained vehicles only)📍 Location: On the edge of Lake Pukaki, about 40 minutes from Mount Cook
If you dream of waking up to views of snow-covered peaks and turquoise lake water, Lake Pukaki is a must. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in New Zealand — seriously, it looks like a painting. The freedom camping area is wide open, peaceful, and right next to the lake.
- Why we love it: The view of Aoraki/Mount Cook at sunrise is absolutely magical. You can also swim in the lake if you’re brave — it’s glacial, so it’s cold!
- Good to know: There are no toilets here, so you must have a self-contained vehicle. Arrive early — it’s popular.
2⃣ Moke Lake DOC Campsite (Otago)
💰 Cost: $15 per adult📍 Location: 20 minutes from Queenstown
Moke Lake is a quiet, peaceful spot hidden in the mountains, perfect if you want a break from busy Queenstown. The road in is gravel, but the views are worth every bump. You can walk or bike around the lake, swim in summer, or just relax with a book and enjoy the silence.
- Why we love it: It’s the kind of place where time slows down. The reflections on the water in the morning are unreal.
- Facilities: Long-drop toilets, drinking water (boil first), and picnic tables.
- Travel tip: Bring insect repellent — sandflies can show up at dusk.
3⃣ Purakaunui Bay Campsite (The Catlins)
💰 Cost: $10 per adult📍 Location: South Otago, at the end of a gravel road through lush farmland
Wild, raw, and stunning — Purakaunui Bay is a dream for nature lovers. The campsite sits right on a huge empty beach with cliffs on both sides. You can watch surfers, spot sea lions, or just stare at the horizon for hours.
- Why we love it: It feels like the end of the world, in the best way. Great place for sunset and stargazing.
- Facilities: Toilets, basic water supply (bring extra just in case).
- Best for: People who love off-the-grid vibes and don’t mind getting a little dusty.
4⃣ Momorangi Bay (Marlborough Sounds)
💰 Cost: $10–$15 depending on season📍 Location: Queen Charlotte Drive, about 20 minutes from Picton
This little bay in the Marlborough Sounds is a hidden treasure. You camp just a few steps from the beach, surrounded by forest and calm water. It’s perfect for swimming, kayaking, or just lying under the trees and listening to birdsong.
- Why we love it: Calm water, golden light in the morning, and a friendly feel.
- Facilities: Toilets, water, BBQs, and even hot showers if you’re lucky!
- Extra tip: Great spot to relax after the ferry from Wellington.
5⃣ Twelve Mile Delta (Queenstown area)
💰 Cost: $15 per adult📍 Location: About 10 minutes from Queenstown on the Glenorchy Road
If you want to stay close to Queenstown without paying Queenstown prices, this DOC campsite is ideal. Set among native bush next to Lake Wakatipu, it’s peaceful and shady, with a great little beach.
- Why we love it: It’s super close to Queenstown, but you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere.
- Cool fact: One of the battle scenes from The Lord of the Rings was filmed nearby!
- Facilities: Toilets, basic water supply, lots of flat spots for vans and tents.
🧑💻 FAQs about Cheap Campsites in New Zealand
Here are the best apps and websites:
Rankers Camping NZ (App)
CamperMate
WikiCamps NZ
DOC website
No. Freedom camping is only allowed in designated areas. Each district has different rules, so always check local signage or the council website.
Free: $0 (usually DOC or council-owned)
Low-cost: $5–$15 NZD per person
Holiday parks: $20–$50 per site (more amenities)
It depends:
Free/DOC sites: Usually only toilets, water (untreated), and sometimes picnic tables.
Holiday parks: Hot showers, kitchens, laundry, Wi-Fi (more expensive).
