Freedom Camping Hastings

If you’re feeling the call of a road trip and want to add both freedom and flexibility to your adventure, Hastings is the perfect destination. Located in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay region, this part of New Zealand is home to world-class wineries and some incredible natural landscapes, and with several freedom camping spots dotted throughout, you’ll have no shortage of places to park up and call home for the night.

However, it is important to understand that you can’t just camp anywhere in Hastings, and you’ll need to make sure you’re in an area designated by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council if you want to avoid getting fined! Don’t worry, though – we’re here to help. Below, you’ll find all the information you need to find the perfect freedom camping spot in Hawkes Bay and to make planning your holiday even easier, we’ve included information on what you can see and do close to each.

Ready to find your next camping spot? Let’s see what’s out there!

Hastings Freedom Camping Spots

• Eastbourne Street West Carpark
• Evers-Swindell Reserve
• Clifton Road Reserve
• Haumoana Domain
• Pakowhai Country Park
• Maraetotara Falls Reserve
• Richmond Road Reserve
• Puketapu Domain
• Dartmoor Bridge Reserve

As the list above shows, there are plenty of legal freedom camping spots to pull up at Hawkes Bay. But it’s not just the spots you need to be aware of – you also need to make sure you’re in a certified self-contained vehicle if you want to stay at any of them. With Travellers Autobarn, you can hire a certified self-contained campervan in Auckland with ease, taking one more worry away and getting you on the road even sooner.

Eastbourne Street West Carpark

Distance from Hastings: 750m / 2 minutes

Starting right in the heart of Hastings, Eastbourne Street West Carpark is the perfect base for exploring the town on foot. It is quite a basic spot, and the views aren’t particularly scenic, which you might expect from a freedom camping area set in the middle of town, but its convenient location more than makes up for that.

There are some important things you need to know before you decide to pull up here, though. First of all, the maximum vehicle length permitted here is 12 metres, so if you’re in a campervan longer than this, you’ll need to look elsewhere. You’re also limited to a maximum stay of 2 nights per calendar month, and you can only park between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. There aren’t any on-site facilities, but you will find public toilets nearby and a dump station less than 10 minutes away at Henderson Road Refuse Transfer Station.

For local attractions, one of the most popular spots nearby is the Hastings City Art Gallery, which is less than a 10-minute walk from the Eastbourne Street West Carpark and showcases work by both local and national artists. Also, if you’re visiting on a Sunday, it’s definitely worth visiting Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market. It’s a 7-minute drive and gives you the chance to stock up on fresh produce and baked goods before heading off on the next leg of your adventure.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Public Toilets
• 10 Minutes from a Dump Station

Evers-Swindell Reserve

Distance from Hastings: 10km / 12 minutes

A little more scenic than Eastbourne Street West Carpark, Evers-Swindell Reserve is close to the Clive River and is a fantastic spot if you’d prefer a camping spot close to town but still far away enough to provide a peaceful camping experience.

The usual rule applies here, and you’ll need to be in a certified self-contained vehicle to camp overnight. Sites are also offered on a first-come-first-served basis, and you’re a 1-minute walk from Clive Public Toilet. A couple of important things to note, however, is that you’re limited to a maximum stay of 2 nights in a 30-day period and no camping is allowed on the sealed carpark beyond the boat ramp at the far end of the reserve, so make sure you stick to the signposted areas only.

While the reserve is quiet, there are some great opportunities for adventure and culture nearby. Waitangi Regional Park is less than 2km away, where you’ll find a beautiful wetland area teeming with birdlife that’s perfect for nature lovers. You’re also a 10-minute drive from Brookfields Vineyards, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting while surrounded by beautiful scenery.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Public Toilet
• Pet Friendly

Clifton Road Reserve

Distance from Hastings: 13km / 15 minutes

A fantastic spot if you want to be as close to the beach as possible, Clifton Road Reserve is around 15 minutes from Hastings and gives you the opportunity to wake up to amazing views while enjoying a laid-back atmosphere. This is also the largest freedom camping reserve provided by Hastings District Council, so it’s ideal if you’re concerned about grabbing a space elsewhere. Just keep in mind that spaces are still offered on a first-come-first-served basis, so it’s worth arriving early.

You’ll also, as always, need to be in a certified self-contained vehicle to camp here, and you’re limited to a maximum of 2 nights per month. In terms of amenities, you’ll have access to two 24/7 flush toilets, and drinking water is available, but the real draw here is those unbeatable ocean views.

If you can drag yourself away from admiring the views, you’re just 20 minutes from the world-famous Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony, which is home to one of the largest gannet populations in the world and a must-visit for nature lovers. A 20-minute walk from the campsite will also take you to Clearview Estate Winery, where you can spend an afternoon indulging in some award-winning wines and a delicious meal.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Flush Toilets
• Drinking Water

Haumoana Domain

Distance from Hastings: 13km / 15 minutes

Just up the road from Clifton Road Reserve, Haumoana Domain is another great spot to set up camp if you want to relax by the ocean. It’s also very close to the banks of the Tukituki River, adding to the relaxing atmosphere and offering both ocean and riverside views.

Spots here are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, and these can fill up quickly, so we recommend arriving early if you want to grab a space. You can stay here for 2 nights in any calendar month and the only amenities you’ll find here are public toilets, but the views surrounding the site make up for the lack of facilities.

If you’re a motor enthusiast, you’ll be thrilled to find out that you’re only 5 minutes from the British Car Museum here, which houses over 450 vehicles in an eccentric collection. Or, if you’d prefer to explore out in nature, a 20-minute drive will take you to the Hawke’s Bay Trails, where you can trek along the coast and through vineyards. Also, on the subject of vineyards, Elephant Hill Winery is less than 10 minutes away and is the perfect place to sample some of the region’s finest wines, accompanied by views of the Pacific Ocean.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Public Toilets
• Pet Friendly

Pakowhai Country Park Car Park

Distance from Hastings: 6km / 8 minutes

If you’re looking for a spot that feels a little more rustic and with plenty of birdwatching opportunities, Pakowhai Country Park Car Park is an excellent spot.

When it comes to the rules of freedom camping here, there are some very important things you need to know. To start with, the carpark here is owned by Hastings District Council but the reserve is owned by Hawkes Bay Regional Council. The main thing to note about this is that no overnight camping is allowed on any land owned by Hawkes Bay Regional Council, so while the carpark allows freedom camping, the reserve itself does not. If you can find a space in the car park (spaces are offered on a first-come-first-served basis), you’re limited to a maximum of 2 nights per month, and you won’t find any facilities at all.

As long as you’re happy with this set-up, you’re perfectly located to explore the regional park and the Karamu Stream that flows alongside it. There’s also the opportunity to explore some of Hastings’ cultural sites from here, including the Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre, which is a 10-minute drive and hosts a range of live performances and events all year round. You’re also 7 minutes from The Figgery Cafe & Shop, where you can sample and purchase locally grown figs and fig-based treats.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Pet Friendly
• No Amenities – Self-Contained Vehicles Only

Maraetotara Falls Reserve

Distance from Hastings: 20km / 20 minutes

This is the spot to head to if you’re craving that no-frills, back-to-nature freedom camping experience. Set along Maraetorara Road, Maraetotara Falls Reserve is a small site surrounded by native bush that is perfectly located for exploring some of the region’s most beautiful places.

We’ll look at these in a moment, but let’s detail the freedom camping rules here, first. This spot, like all others, is only suitable for certified self-contained vehicles, and you’re limited to a maximum stay of 2 nights in a calendar month. Pets are welcome here, as long as they remain on leash at all times, but there are no facilities, so you’ll need to be a confident, self-sufficient camper to spend a couple of nights here.

Once you’re settled in here, the first place you should explore is the Maraetotara Falls, a beautiful waterfall less than 20 minutes on foot from the campsite which isn’t only amazing to look at but cascades into a pool that is perfect for a cooling dip on a hot day. You’re only just 25 minutes from Te Mata Peak, where you can hike or drive to the summit for panoramic views of Hawke’s Bay. And, to end a day of exploring in the perfect way, take the 8-minute drive to Craggy Range Vineyard for a wine tasting paired with a delicious meal.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self-Contained Vehicles Only

Richmond Road Reserve

Distance from Hastings: 15km / 17 minutes

Heading back towards the coast, Richmond Road Reserve is a freedom camping spot that has the perfect blend of seclusion and convenience, with a quiet setting that is less than 20 minutes from town. There aren’t any amenities here, though, so you’ll need to keep this in mind before you pull up.

If you’re comfortable with this, you can camp here overnight for a maximum of 3 nights, which is more than most other places in the area. There are quiet hours enforced between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., which you’ll need to abide by, but this actually just adds to the peaceful atmosphere, giving you the chance to relax to the sound of the crashing waves.

With Hawkes Bay being so famous for its vineyards, one of the best places to visit when camping at Richmond Road Reserve is Trinity Hills Wines, which is 25 minutes away and gives you the opportunity to sample some incredible wines in a beautiful countryside setting. You can also take a 15-minute drive to the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre to learn all about bees and honey production before enjoying different varieties of honey and picking up a few naturally-sweet souvenirs.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self-Contained Vehicles Only

Puketapu Domain

Distance from Hastings: 21km / 22 minutes

Located around 20 minutes from Hastings in the peaceful rural village of Puketapu and alongside the Tutaekuri River, Puketapu Domain is a seasonal freedom camping spot that opens at the start of daylight savings in spring and closes at the end during autumn.

The standard rule of camping in a certified self-container vehicle applies here, and spots are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. If you’re able to grab a space, you’re welcome to camp overnight for up to 2 nights in a calendar month. There are also some great facilities on offer here, including public toilets, BBQ facilities, and a cricket pitch.

If you’re keen to get active, the Puketapu Loop Cycle Trail starts just 10 minutes away and takes you through orchards, vineyards, and along the Tutaekuri River, with spots to take in and photograph the view along the way. 10 minutes from the Cycle Loop also takes you to Pernel Fruitworld, where you can pick up fresh, locally grown fruits and real fruit ice creams. And, if you fancy a night away from campervan cooking, The Puketapu Hotel and its fabulous restaurant is just 15 minutes away.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Public Toilets
• BBQ Facilities
• Cricket Pitch
• Pet Friendly

Dartmoor Bridge Reserve

Distance from Hastings: 30km / 30 minutes

The furthest freedom camping spot from Hastings on our list, but still within only 30 minutes, Dartmoor Bridge Reserve is located along the Mangaone Stream and is the perfect spot to fully immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the countryside.

Certified self-contained campervans are welcome to stay overnight here for a maximum of 2 nights in any calendar month. The only things to keep in mind are that all spaces are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, and there are no facilities available.

One of the most popular attractions close by is the Dartmoor Bridge itself, which is just a 5-minute walk from the reserve and is a beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic surrounded by countryside with the gentle flow of the river passing by. The Abbey Winery and Brewery are just 30 minutes away, too, where you can sample both craft beer and wine.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Pet Friendly
• No Amenities – Self-Contained Vehicles Only

With a mixture of town-based, coastal, and countryside freedom camping spots available, Hastings has something for every kind of camper and is one of the best-equipped places for freedom camping on the North Island. However, as we’ve highlighted throughout this guide, you absolutely must be in a certified self-contained campervan to enjoy freedom camping in any of these spots.

At Travellers Autobarn, we have a huge fleet of suitable freedom camping vehicles for every need, from solo travellers to family trips. Even better, our campervan rentals include free unlimited kilometres as standard, so you can explore Hastings in your own time, discover some other places to enjoy freedom camping in New Zealand and extend your holiday. All that’s left to do now is pack your bags and get ready to create memories that are guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Thinking of exploring other areas of New Zealand’s North Island? Here are some articles you might enjoy:

• Freedom Camping Near Auckland
• North Island: Top 9 Freedom Campsites
• Guide to Freedom Camping in NZ
• Freedom Camping North Island

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.