With its rugged coastlines and lush native bush, Coromandel is a beautiful area in New Zealand’s North Island that anyone looking to enjoy freedom camping absolutely has to visit. But, like most freedom camping areas throughout New Zealand, making sure you’re camping in areas you’re allowed to without breaking any freedom camping bylaws is incredibly important if you want to avoid potential fines and keep things as peaceful as possible.
That’s where we come to the rescue! Below, you’ll find all of the information you need on freedom camping in Coromandel, including a list of spots where freedom camping is allowed and certain restrictions they each have in place.
Coromandel Freedom Camping Spots
Before we begin, it’s important to note that these freedom camping spots are in locations that are best accessed by vehicle, and as some have extremely limited amenities, it’s best to visit them by campervan.
Contact the expert team at Travellers Autobarn today to learn more about hiring a cheap campervan, and we’ll help your Coromandel freedom camping adventure off to a great start.
Coroglen Reserve
Waikato, Coromandel
Suitable only for self contained vehicles, Coroglen Reserve is a beautiful spot right beside the river, offering plenty of opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and fishing. There are also a few picnic tables dotted around the area and a purpose-built barbecue by the bridge, making it the perfect spot for a little al fresco dining.
In terms of restrictions, along with the standard rules (which you can find more information on below), it’s important that you only camp in the designated spaces at Coroglen Reserve. You can find these by following the signs in the corner of the car park as you enter via State Highway 25. This freedom camping site also only allows five vehicles at once, so if it’s full when you arrive, you’ll need to find somewhere else to spend the night.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Picnic Tables
- BBQ Facilities
Island View Reserve
Coromandel Town, Coromandel
Not to be confused with Island View Holiday Park, which you will be charged to stay at, Island View Reserve is another of Coromandel’s freedom camping spots that is free to stay at for up to two nights. This site is also wheelchair friendly and has some good amenities, including a toilet.
One of the biggest draws of freedom camping at Island View Reserve is its status as a nature preserve, and here, you’ll find some wonderful walking trails that take you through native plants and trees filled with wildlife that take you right to the ocean. This is a peaceful campsite, too, with space for just four vehicles at any one time.
The specific restrictions you’ll need to abide by when freedom camping here is as simple as making sure you follow the signs showing you to the designated areas. You’ll find these on the North-West side of the car park adjacent to the beach.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Toilet
- Rubbish Bins
Aickin Road Sports Reserve
Whangamata, Coromandel
If you’re looking for a freedom camping spot with wide, open spaces for your kids or canine companion to run around and burn some excess energy, Aickin Road Sports Reserve is a great choice. As with all freedom camping spots in Coromandel, you’ll need to be in a certified self contained vehicle and you can only stay for two consecutive nights in any calendar month.
The amenities here are limited to rubbish bins, but you will find yourself in a location with easy access to walking trails that will take you up rolling hills and present some fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities. The only extra restrictions you’ll need to worry about here are making sure you camp in the designated space (indicated by signs) and that you aren’t breaking the 4-vehicle maximum rule. Play by these rules, and you’ll find yourself in a great little spot.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Rubbish Bins
Ocean Beach
Tairua, Coromandel
With its beachside setting, Ocean Beach is one of the most picturesque places you can enjoy up to two nights freedom camping. This 5km stretch of sand is ideal for anyone looking to spend some time peacefully strolling along the shore, or if you want to do something a little more adventurous, you’ll have the opportunity to swim and surf right on your doorstep.
You’ll also find some awesome rock pools to explore here, which aren’t only great for animal lovers but also ideal if you want to teach children more about the marine life of the area. Of course, the views across the Pacific Ocean just add to the beauty of this place, and it’s a truly magical area to camp under the stars for a couple of nights.
Regarding the specific restrictions here, you simply need to make sure you aren’t adding a sixth vehicle to the maximum allowance of five (it’s worth getting here early to avoid this happening) and that you’re camping in the designated space, which is in the middle parking area opposite 68-84 Pauanui Beach Road.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only
Kapanga Road Car Park
Coromandel Town
Should you be looking for an easy spot to spend the night as you make your way along the road to your next destination, Kapanga Road Car Park is an excellent choice. You can spend up to two nights here if you need to, as long as you’re in a self contained vehicle, and there are picnic tables and rubbish bins for your convenience.
There’s no denying that things here are pretty basic, and compared to some other freedom camping spots in Coromandel, you won’t be treated to incredible views or walking trails. You are, however, only a short walk from Coromandel Town, so it’s a good place to pull up and restock on essentials before hitting the road again the next day.
The site-specific restrictions here are pretty simple – just park in one of the six designated freedom camping spaces. If you arrive and these are all taken, you will need to find somewhere else to spend the night.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Picnic Tables
- Rubbish Bins
A Note on Freedom Camping in Coromandel
Each of the freedom camping spots we’ve listed above has different restrictions that must be following in line with a freedom camping bylaw set out by both Thames Coromandel District Council and Hauraki District. While there are differences in some restrictions between these sites, each of them also follows the same basic rules. These are:
- A self-contained motor vehicle must be used to freedom camp
- A vehicle must not stay in an area for more than two consecutive nights
- Freedom camping is only allowed between the hours of 5pm to 9am. Where an area has been used for overnight freedom camping, the vehicle used for freedom camping must be removed from the area by 9am each day.
Both of these districts also have areas where freedom camping is prohibited, so you must avoid spending the night in these. You can find a full list of these prohibited areas here.
With so many wonderful things to discover in Coromandel, a trip through this region needs to be on your to-do list. From beautiful beaches to walking trails filled with wildlife, there’s something for everyone to enjoy before settling down for the night under a blanket of stars.
But what’s the best way to explore Coromandel? With a campervan, of course! Contact the team at Travellers Autobarn today, tell us what you need, and we’ll match you with the perfect campervan. You’ll soon be on the road to basking in the beauty of Coromandel and enjoying a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Freedom Camping in New Zealand – Important Information
While freedom camping in New Zealand is undeniably one of the best ways to see everything this beautiful country has to offer, there are some important things you need to know.
- Almost all freedom camping sites are only suitable for self contained vehicles, and hiring these can be 10%-40% more expensive compared to non self contained vehicles. This is something you’ll need to think about when planning your budget.
- Freedom camping sites typically have very limited amenities (some even have none at all), and even during the summer, temperatures can fall as low as 0°C overnight.
- Most freedom camping sites operate on a first-come-first-serve basis, so there can be a certain level of stress when trying to find a space.
- Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites allow you to extend your stay beyond the usual limit as long you have a DOC Campsite Pass. Many people find these hugely beneficial, and for as little as $95 per person, you can stay for up to 30 nights.
SEE OUR CAMPERVANSAbout the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.
