Campervan Rental

Freedom Camping

What is Freedom Camping?

Freedom camping is away from sites or places where camping facilities are provided, such as camping grounds and holiday parks. The location of camping can be in remote areas, in rest areas or reserves, at beaches, or at the side of a road or street (urban or rural).

Hire a campervan in New Zealand and enjoy the wilderness naturally. New
Zealand supports the idea of freedom camping, which basically means to camp
anywhere. Park your campervan on the side of the road, on the side of a
lake, in the mountains, or where ever takes you fancy.

I often travel to the mountains to go skiing and I use a rental campervan.
Getting an early start is difficult, so I often leave the night before,
travel half way and then spend the night on the side of the road in a rest
area. New Zealand has plenty of rest areas, which is an area off the main
highway designated to have a break and recover from fatigue. Rest areas
range from a small area of grass to large areas beside the river with
swimming areas and toilet facilities.

Remember to remove all your rubbish and keep the area tidy if you are
camping in the wilderness. There are sometimes rubbish bins nearby, but if
not, take it out with you again.

When you park the campervan, look to see the place is a public area and not
private property. I once parked a campervan on a farmers paddock and that
was a little embarrassing. There was not gate, just a cattle grate and we
arrived at night time. The farmer rode his quad bike right up to our
campervan door early in the morning. I apologised and quickly left the
area.

Commerical camp grounds for campervans are available all over New Zealand.
Some of the holiday park chains you can use for more information are as
follows:

- Holiday Accommodation Parks Association of New Zealand

- New Zealand Camping Grounds

- Top 10 Holiday Parks, New Zealand campsites, campervan and motorhome parks.

- Department of Conservation campsites

Reasons why people choose Freedom Camping

• Freedom camping enables you to “get away from it all”.

• It saves money, allowing you to travel longer, or treat yourself to other activities.

• Sometimes there are no camping grounds available, especially for events and on public holidays.

• Campers can stay overnight in a remote and scenic area. Wake up to an amazing view in the morning.

Eco Tourism – Minimize your Impact on the Area.

• Pack it in – pack it out. Don't leave any items or garbage behind.

• Do not use soap or detergents in waterways or creeks as it harms the wildlife.

• Purchase a garden spade at a $2 shop as toilets may not be available.

• Look out for “No Camping” signs.

• Remember your sunscreen, insect repellent and first aid kit.

New Zealand Government Supports Freedom Camping.

The following websites provide more information about Freedom Camping:

Gisbourne District Council – Provides information about freedom camping, areas designated for free camping (with toilets) and places where motor homes can dispose of waste. http://www.gdc.govt.nz/Services/FreedomCamping.htm

Department of Conservation (DOC) – This website provides information on DOC's 235 vehicle accessible campsites. They range from low cost serviced camp sites to free camping areas with limited facilities. Download PDF files of the camp locations.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/003~Huts-Cabins-and-Campsites/Conservation-Campsites/index.asp

Tourism Industry Associate of New Zealand (TIANZ) – This PDF file is a report made for the tourism industry. It outlines why people choose freedom camping, how local communities profit from freedom campers and the possible negative effects to the local environment. Our company is a member of TIANZ.

http://www.tianz.org.nz/Files/SB09-04Freedom.pdf

Hokianga Campervan Rental New Zealand: Located at the Rental Car Village
From overseas call + 64 9 486 0262
Within NZ free phone 0800 33 4444 or 09 376 9935.
Auckland Campervan Hire: 19 Great North Road, Auckland City, New Zealand
Christchurch Campervan Hire: 22 Waller Terrace, Christchurch City, New Zealand
Email :hire@rentalcarvillage.com