Holiday Parks

The Whanganui Top 10 Holiday Park has a great range of facilities including a spa & swimming pool

Holiday parks are equipped to please a wide range of people for a minimal cost. Within an attractive landscaped setting (often beside a beach or lake) they provide sites for tents, caravans and campervans. Many parks also have simple cabins, self-contained motel units and backpackers' lodges. The casual living style helps to create a friendly atmosphere.

If you're setting up camp or parking a motorhome, you can choose a powered or non-powered site. Easy access to a shared kitchen and bathroom facilities is always part of the deal. Often you'll also have the use of a dining area and a comfortable TV lounge. Motel units and backpackers' lodges generally have self-contained kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Families are attracted to holiday parks that have play areas, heated swimming pools, trampolines and barbecues. Bicycles, canoes and boats can sometimes be hired.

One of New Zealand's more unique holiday parks, and a winner at the 2008 Tourism Awards, is Katikati Naturist Park. As the name suggests this park is relaxed in more ways than one!

Department of Conservation camp sites

The Department of Conservation (DoC) provides campsites in many locations throughout New Zealand. The campsites are usually quite basic, offering 'back to nature' style accommodation and facilities. A full list of camp sites can be found on the DoC website.

Freedom Camping

Each district in New Zealand has different rules around where freedom camping (and parking of campervans) is permitted and where it is not.

The best place to find information about where you can camp and what procedures to follow is from those who know the area. Ask locals for information. People at these places are expecting you to call in. They have all the information you need:

• i-SITEs
• Holiday Parks
• Department of Conservation Visitor Centres

The impact of freedom camping on the environment, as well as safety concerns, mean that Tourism New Zealand does not recommend freedom camping in New Zealand. Please see our comprehensive Holiday Parks listings for ideas on where to camp. On board toilets can only be legally emptied from motorhomes into Dump Stations, which are normally found in holiday parks.