Freedom Camping Arrowtown

If you’ve been dreaming of slowing things down and reconnecting with nature, there’s no better choice than freedom camping, and Arrowtown is the perfect destination. Right in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, this is a beautiful little town with amazing views and opportunities for relaxation and exploration at every turn. But, just like all other freedom camping locations throughout New Zealand, there are some important things you need to know before you roll up in your campervan.

To make things easier and help get you on the road to the holiday you’ve been looking forward to, we’re going to take a closer look at freedom camping in Arrowtown. Here, you’ll find information on the spots where freedom camping is allowed, along with the lowdown on the camping rules and bylaws.

Ready to hit the road? Let’s go!

Arrowtown Freedom Camping Spots

• Kawarau Bridge Historic Reserve
• Rum Curries Hut

Before we start looking at the specifics of these sites, it’s important to note that you’re only allowed to camp in this part of New Zealand in a certified self-contained vehicle. Contact the expert team at Travellers Autobarn today, and we’ll make sure you’re in the right campervan for freedom camping in Arrowtown and help get you on the road to adventure.

Kawarau Bridge Historic Reserve

Gibbston, Queenstown

Your first option for freedom camping in Arrowtown is Kawarau Bridge Historic Reserve. This is just 10 minutes away from the town, but you can park up, wake up to some amazing views, and feel like you’re a million miles away from the chaos of daily life.

The campsite itself is pretty simple, so don’t expect any fancy powered sites or hot showers. There are some public toilets close by, but you do need to be in a fully self-contained campervan to camp here. Also, you’re restricted to a maximum of 4 nights in any one calendar month, and you can only park up between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. the following day. Pets are not allowed at this freedom camping area either, so if you’ve got your dog in tow, you’ll need to stay elsewhere.

That’s the amenities and rules covered, but what it lacks in bells and whistles, it more than makes up for in atmosphere. You’re right by the Kawarau River here, which adds to the relaxing feeling, and the open skies are perfect for stargazing at night. There are also some awesome activities you can do in the surrounding area, including bungee jumping from Kawarau Suspension Bridge, which is only a 5-minute walk away. And, since you’re only 25 minutes from Queenstown, you can spend a day exploring the region’s famous vineyards.

FEATURED AMENITIES 

• Toilets

Rum Curries Hut

Gibbston, Queenstown

If you’re not keen on Kawarau Bridge Historic Reserve, your only other option for freedom camping in Arrowtown is Rum Curries Hut. It’s about 20 minutes from Arrowtown and is a little more rustic, but this only adds to its appeal and offers you the chance to get that peaceful, quiet getaway you’ve been longing for.

The facilities here are basic, but that’s what freedom camping is all about! There are toilets onsite (you’ll still need to be in a self-contained campervan to stay here), but that’s the extent of the amenities. The maximum stay is shorter than Kawarau Bridge Historic Reserve, too, and you can camp here for just two nights in a calendar month.

What’s nearby? Well, you’re only 30 minutes from the Crown Range, which is New Zealand’s highest main road, and the drive is an experience in itself and as you reach the summit you’ll find some incredible views that you’ll want to photograph. A little further up the road (35 minutes from the freedom camping area), you’ll find the Cardrona Hotel. This is one of the oldest pubs in New Zealand and with its cosy atmosphere, it is the perfect place to grab a meal and a pint of locally brewed beer after a day of adventure.

FEATURED AMENITIES 

• Toilets

A Note on Freedom Camping in Arrowtown

While freedom camping is undoubtedly a fantastic way to explore Arrowtown and the surrounding areas, it does come with a few important rules. Following these is very important, as breaking them can result in a fine, which won’t only make a big dent in your travel budget but can also potentially result in you being banned from freedom camping in the area altogether.

We all know that figuring out council rules can be confusing, so to make things easier to understand, here’s a simplified explanation of what you need to know.

Campervan Type & Designated Areas

To freedom camp legally, your campervan van must be fully self-contained, which means it should have a toilet, wastewater storage, and rubbish bins on board. This is the only type of campervan in which freedom camping is allowed, so make sure you’ve got this sorted before hitting the road. Also, you need to stick to the designated areas we’ve detailed above – you can’t just pull up and camp wherever you want, even if you’re in a fully self-contained campervan.

Leave No Trace

The Queenstown Lakes District Council take waste disposal very seriously, especially as the area’s beautiful landscapes are a big part of what makes Arrowtown such a special place. So, as a responsible camper, you’re expected to follow Leave No Trace principles and take all of your rubbish with you when you leave. Likewise, you need to dispose of your waste properly, using dump stations where available and leaving your campsite exactly as you found it.

Upcoming Changes

This is a heads-up for anyone planning a freedom camping trip to Arrowtown in the near future. Queenstown Lakes District Council is due to review its freedom camping byways in early 2025, and these changes could affect where and how you’re allowed to camp in the region. As such, make sure you check for any updates on the regulations before your trip so you’re fully informed and won’t run into any surprises!

Final Thoughts

While there isn’t a huge amount of options available to you when looking for freedom camping sites in Arrowtown, each of the above does have something unique to offer, from the history surrounding Kawarau Bridge Historic Reserve to the peaceful atmosphere of Rum Curries Hut. However, as we’ve discussed, you do need to be in a certified self-contained campervan to freedom camp at either of these locations.

At Travellers Autobarn, we make it easy to head out on an Arrowtown freedom camping adventure. With self-contained campervans for solo travellers and groups alike, each of which comes with unlimited kilometres, we’ll help you hit the road with everything you need so you can have a Queenstown freedom camping experience you’ll never forget.

Freedom Camping in New Zealand – Important Information

There’s no doubt that freedom camping is one of the best ways to see everything New Zealand offers. However, there are some important things to note before you head out on your adventures:

1. Freedom camping sites are usually only suitable for self contained vehicles, and the hire price of these can be between 10%-40% more expensive than non self contained vehicles. So, this is something you’ll need to factor into your budget.
2. While freedom camping sites offer beautiful views in remote locations, their amenities are normally very limited. Also, even during the summer, night temperatures can fall as low as 0°C.
3. Most freedom camping sites don’t have a booking system, and, as such, spaces are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. This means finding a spot can be quite difficult.
4. Camping areas that are certified DOC (Department of Conservation) allow you to extend your stay for up to 30 nights as long as you hold a DOC Campsite Pass. These are massively useful for frequent freedom campers and cost as little as $95 per person.

DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct at the time of publishing. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information.