Freedom Camping Colac Bay

If you’re craving the kind of adventure that takes you to some of the most beautiful places on New Zealand’s South Island, a freedom camping trip around Colac Bay should be right at the top of your list. There’s so much to discover here, from coastlines to a few secret spots that only the locals know about, and the best way of exploring them all is, of course, by campervan.

But when it comes to finding somewhere suitable to camp, like any freedom camping trip, you need to know the rules. That’s where we come to the rescue. Below, we’ve listed the designated freedom camping spots in and around Colac Bay, taking the stress out of finding somewhere to spend the night where camping is permitted and making planning your road trip much easier.

Are you ready? Let’s hit the road and explore Colac Bay’s freedom camping spots!

Colac Bay Freedom Camping Spots

• Monkey Island / Orepuki
• Thornbury Bridge Picnic Area
• Alex McKenzie Memorial Arboretum

Before we start taking a closer look at each of these freedom camping spots, it’s important to note that you must be in a certified self-contained vehicle to stay at any of them. Contact the team at Travellers Autobarn to hire a campervan out of Christchurch, and we’ll make sure you’re in the right vehicle for your adventure.

Monkey Island / Orepuki

Distance from Colac Bay: 18km / 20 minutes

Monkey Island / Orepuki isn’t an island (and nor does it have any monkeys), but it is a much-loved freedom camping spot by many Colac Bay visitors and for very good reason.

It’s spacious, it’s right on the seafront, and you’ll have access to public toilets. You’re also allowed to freedom camp here for a very generous 28 days per year, and it’s dog-friendly, which is ideal if you’ve got your furry friend with you. Like most freedom camping spots, the spaces here are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, and you should also be aware that there is no drinking water or rubbish bins available, so you’ll need to come prepared and pack out what you pack in.

When it comes to finding things to do in the area, one of the first places you should visit is Gemstone Beach. It’s only 5 minutes away and is famous for its semi-precious stones, making it an absolute treasure trove for beach combing. Or, for some of the best views in the region, take the 10-minute drive to McCracken’s Rest, where you’ll be able to see from Pahia to the Waiau  River mouth and beyond. And, after all that exploring, we recommend heading to Orepuki Beach Cafe, which is less than 5 minutes from camp and serves delicious farm-to-plate meals.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Public Toilets

Thornbury Bridge Picnic Area

Distance from Colac Bay: 21km / 20 minutes

Heading back inland a bit, Thornbury Bridge Picnic Area is located alongside the beautiful Aparima River and is a wonderful spot to spend a night or two surrounded by green spaces. As you’d expect with freedom camping, there’s no charge to camp here, but it does have a bit more of a rugged feeling compared to the first two options on our list.

You’re not completely without amenities, though. You’ll have access to public toilets and you’re allowed to build campfires, but you’ll need to check for any seasonal restrictions in place beforehand. The permitted camping time is generous, too, with a 5-night maximum in any 28-calendar day period. Just keep in mind that there isn’t a dump point here, and there’s no water supply.

Assuming you’re happy with the set up, you’re perfectly positioned to explore some awesome places. Just 10 minutes away you’ll find Riverton, which is often referred to as the “Riveria of the South Island”, with beautiful beaches, art galleries, and the Ti Hikoi Southern Journey Museum all waiting to be explored. Also, if you’re willing to travel a little further out, 35 minutes on the road will take you to the Long Hilly Walking Track, where you can explore the native bush and the remnants of early Chinese gold mining settlements. Feel like sticking closer to camp? You’re just 15 minutes from the More Scenic Reserve and it’s multiple walking tracks and incredible views across Riverton.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Public Toilets
• Campfire Permitted

Alex McKenzie Memorial Arboretum

Distance from Colac Bay: 35km / 25 minutes

Last but absolutely not least, we’re heading a little further North to the Alex McKenzie Memorial Arboretum. This is one of the most beautiful freedom camping spots near Colac Bay, and while it’s not a beachside retreat, you’re given the opportunity to camp within 4.5 hectares of native and exotic trees and to see all the birds that call them home.

Naturally, there are some rules you need to know before setting up camp here. First, you’re restricted to a maximum of 4 nights in any 28-calendar day period, so make sure you move on after this time. The sites are also first-come-first-served, and you’re not allowed to build campfires. In terms of your amenities, you’ve got access to public toilets and picnic tables, and it’s dog-friendly.

The Memorial Arboretum itself is the main attraction here, but when you’re ready to explore a little further, you’re less than 5 minutes from the Otautau Gallery, where you’ll find exhibits of local arts and crafts. The Auld Farm Distillery is also just 15 minutes away and offers tours and tastings set within a beautiful farm, giving you the perfect way to spend an evening before returning to this truly unique campsite.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Public Toilets
• Picnic Tables

A Note on Freedom Camping in Colac Bay

Those are the permitted campsites covered. But, before you hit the road and head to one of these, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the freedom camping rules set out by Southland District Council.

Firstly, you need to make sure you’re in a self-contained vehicle. This is non-negotiable, and anyone found camping in anything other than this type of campervan is liable for a fine. If you’re not sure what a self-contained campervan actually is, the simplest way to explain it is to say that it has its own toilet, waste storage, and fresh water facilities, allowing you to camp independently for at least three days without needing external amenities. It must also have a current self-containment sticker displayed.

You also need to make sure you’re only camping in the permitted freedom camping spots we’ve detailed above. Sure, it can be tempting to roll up along the side of a particularly scenic spot, but if it’s not a designated freedom camping area, you’ll be moved on and, again, might be given a fine. With this in mind, you’ll also need to follow local signage, as freedom camping rules can sometimes change depending on the season or community needs.

Get the Best Deals on Campervan Hire Near Colac Bay

Ready to hit the road and explore the best of Colac Bay? At Travellers Autobarn, you’ll find affordable campervan hire out of Christchurch with free unlimited kilometres, not only giving you a legal way of freedom camping but also letting you travel at your own pace without worrying about extra fees.

The adventure doesn’t have to end in Colac Bay, either! Here are some other excellent South Island freedom camping spots:

• Freedom Camping Sites in Lumsden
• Freedom Camping Sites in Arrowtown
• Freedom Camping Sites in Hanmer Springs
• Freedom Camping Sites in Greymouth

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.
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.