Free camping in Wellington

8 free and low-cost places to camp in Wellington, with facilities and directions, and the ones we’d go back to first.

Our picks

Freedom camping
Freedom camping · NgawiHidden gem
Cape Palliser freedom camping (Ngawi)
Roadside freedom camping near the fishing boats at Ngawi.
Freedom camping
Freedom camping · PāuatahanuiHidden gem
Motukaraka Point freedom camping
Free harbour-edge camping for up to three nights at Motukaraka Point, Pāuatahanui Inlet.
Freedom camping
Freedom camping · Owhiro BayHidden gem
Owhiro Bay freedom camping
Self-contained freedom camping on Wellington's south coast.
Freedom camping
Freedom camping · Paraparaumu BeachHidden gem
Paraparaumu freedom camping
Council freedom camping spot for self-contained vehicles near the beach.
Freedom camping · Raumati Beach
Garden Road freedom camping, Raumati
Three-vehicle, one-night freedom camping at the Garden Road car park, Raumati Beach.
Freedom camping
Freedom camping · Mana
Mana Domain freedom camping
Free overnight spot for self-contained vehicles at Mana Domain, Porirua.

Freedom camping is allowed on much public land, but each council sets its own rules and many sites are for certified self-contained vehicles only. Fines run up to NZ$1,000, so check the sign or the council’s map before you stay.

Every other place we know

Holiday park · Kilbirnie · Free
Freedom camping Evans Bay Marina (SC only)
Toilets · Drinking water · Dump station
Directions
Holiday park · Waikanae Beach · Free
Caravan park
Directions

From OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), the Department of Conservation (CC BY 4.0) and Roadtrip’s own research. Check prices, rules and booking with the site.