Freedom Camping Hanmer Springs

For anyone looking for a budget-friendly holiday, freedom camping is the ultimate solution. And, with its beautiful forests, thermal pools, and charming village vibe, Hanmer Springs on New Zealand’s south island is one of the most interesting places you can visit, whether you want to unwind, explore, or both!

But, as with all areas throughout New Zealand, there are some very important things you need to know before loading up your campervan and heading to Hanmer Springs. So, to make things easier, we’ve put together this guide on the specifics of where you can stay, what amenities you can expect at each permitted freedom camping spot, and simplified information on the rules and regulations you’ll need to follow.

Join us as we take you through the ultimate guide to freedom camping in Hanmer Springs!

Hanmer Springs Freedom Camping Spots

• Hanmer Springs River Reserve
• Chisholm Carpark
• Hanmer Springs War Memorial Hall Car Park (Cheltenham Street)

While each of the spots listed above allows freedom camping, one of the most important things to note is that you can only camp in these places if you’re in a certified self contained vehicle. Contact Travellers Autobarn to learn more about hiring a campervan, and we’ll help get you on the road to adventure in a suitable vehicle, whether your on your family holidays or travelling solo.

Hanmer Springs River Reserve

If you’re looking for a freedom camping site with a bit of space and beautiful riverside views, you should head straight to Hanmer Springs River Reserve. You’re allowed to stay here for a maximum of two nights in a 30-day period, so it’s perfect for a brief, quiet and tranquil getaway but not a long-term base.

The amenities here are fairly basic, but there is a public toilet that you are welcome to use. There are also only 10 sites here, which means you aren’t going to be cramped up next to other explorers, but they are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, so you’ll need to arrive early if you’re hoping to grab a nice spot! If you do manage to get here in good time, make sure you’re only parking in the designated areas – otherwise, you may end up with a fine.

When you’re set up and ready to start exploring the area, you’re only a short walk from the famous Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. This is the ideal place to unwind after a long hike or simply kick back and soak in the natural mineral waters. Or, if you’re a little more keen on outdoor activities and adventure, you’ll find several excellent walking trails in the Hanmer Forest Park, with the Conical Hill Walkway being the most popular.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Public Toilets

Chisholm Carpark

Perfect for a quick overnight stop, Chisholm Carpark is located withing walking distance to the town centre and allows two vehicles per night between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. With this in mind, you’ll want to arrive as early as you can to secure a spot, and once you’ve claimed one, you can stay here for a maximum of two nights in a calendar month.

It’s very important to note that you must be in a self contained campervan to stay here, though. Not only because it’s part of the local bylaw (more on that later), but also because there are zero toilet facilities or amenities here. However, don’t let that put you off too much, as given its close proximity to the village, you’re not far from public toilets, shops, and cafes.

In fact, this close proximity is one of the best things about pulling up here for a break, especially if you’re itching to get out from behind the wheel and let someone else cook for you! You’re also close to Hanmer Springs Animal Park, where you can see farm animals, try your hand at mini golf, and enjoy the playground, all of which are particularly useful if you’re travelling with children.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only

Hanmer Springs War Memorial Hall Car Park (Cheltenham Street)

Looking for a quiet campsite in more of a central location? Hanmer Springs War Memorial Hall Car Park (which is located on Cheltenham Street) is the ideal choice, giving you close access to everything in the village. You do need to keep in mind that you’re only allowed to freedom camp here between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., and there’s a two-night maximum stay in any calendar month. But, stay inside the designated camping area, and you’ll have a great place for staying overnight.

Don’t expect any amenities here, but since you’re so close to the village, it won’t take too long to find public toilets or shops where you can stock up on supplies and drinking water.

As well as being within easy walking distance of the village and everything it offers, you can also head to Hanmer Springs Bungy Jump from here. This is the perfect way to get an adrenaline rush and do something truly memorable on your road trip. Or, if you’d prefer to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, you aren’t too far from some local walking trails that end with a gorgeous view.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only

A Note on Freedom Camping in Hanmer Springs

While freedom camping is by far the best way to explore Hanmer Springs, you do need to follow some local rules implemented by Hurunui District Council. Don’t worry; they aren’t too difficult to abide by, and to make things easier to understand, we’ve broken them down into simpler terms.

To start with, you can only freedom camp in a self contained campervan, which essentially means your vehicle is capable of managing its own waste.

Secondly, you can only camp in designated areas. This is simply to make sure there aren’t too many freedom campers in one location and that there is still plenty of space for local residents to use Hanmer Springs’ infrastructure. Likewise, you can only camp for a maximum number of nights and, often, within a specified timeframe.

Now, while it can be tempting to stay a little longer than is allowed, doing so can result in penalties of around $200. So, stick to the rules, move on when you need to, and you can enjoy your freedom camping trip without worrying about an expensive fine!

Whether you want to spend your time here relaxing in thermal pools or trekking through Hanmer Forest Park, there’s an activity and a freedom camping spot for everyone to enjoy. So, if you’re ready to hit the road and start exploring, reach out to Travellers Autobarn to hire a campervan with unlimited kilometres and get the adventure started.

The adventure doesn’t have to end in Hanmer Springs, either! There are loads of places you can enjoy freedom camping in New Zealand, so why not extend your trip and see the very best this beautiful country has to offer?

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.