New Zealand’s Matakana region is the kind of place that feels like it was made for freedom campers, with lots of beautiful spots to park up for a night or two and experience that “back to nature” holiday you’ve been craving. Picture yourself waking up to the sound of crashing waves or being surrounded by trees as you fall asleep, all while being within easy reach of an interesting market town. It’s all possible here, and the best way of exploring it all is by campervan.
However, as with all parts of New Zealand, there are some important things you need to know about freedom camping in Matakana, including where you’re legally allowed to camp. To make this easier, we’ve listed everything you need to know below.
Let’s hit the road – Matakana is waiting!
Matakana Freedom Camping Spots
- 8 Church Hill Carpark
- Parry Kauri Park
- Port Albert Wharf Reserve Car Park
- Whisper Cove at Snells Beach
- Wellsford Community Centre Grounds
- 118 Rodney Street Parking
Before we take a closer look at these freedom camping sites, it’s important to note that you can only camp in Matakana in a certified self-contained vehicle. To learn more, contact the team at Travellers Autobarn and find out how to hire a campervan in Auckland for your Matakana adventure.
8 Church Hill Carpark
Distance from Matakana: 9.5km / 10 minutes
If you’re after a freedom camping spot that is close to Matakana Village Centre, 8 Church Hill Carpark is a great choice. This is a simple, no-frills location where you can camp for a maximum of one night in a two-week consecutive period, as long as you are in a certified self-contained vehicle. You also need to make sure you’re in one of the five designated spaces and that you vacate the space by 9 am on the second day. Also, since the sites are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, it’s a good idea to arrive as early as you can if you want to increase your chances of grabbing a spot.
While this freedom camping site isn’t the best option for a longer-term stay, it is just 10 minutes away from Matakana Farmer’s Market, which is held every Saturday, making it ideal for travelling foodies! Just keep in mind that there are no facilities, so while it’s conveniently located, don’t expect to find toilets or showers.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- No Amenities – Self-Contained Vehicles Only
Parry Kauri Park
Distance from Matakana: 12km / 15 minutes
This is a great spot for nature lovers to pull up, with not only the chance to freedom camp surrounded by kauri trees but also the opportunity to spot some local wildlife and explore some beautiful walking tracks, including a 20-minute loop that takes you past the famous McKinney Kauri, which is estimated to be over 800 years old. Or, if you’re looking for an indoor activity, you’re just a 1-minute walk from the Warkworth District Museum, where you can learn more about the region’s history.
In terms of rules, you’ll need to be in a certified self-contained vehicle to camp at Parry Kauri Park, and you’re limited to a maximum stay of two nights in any four-week period. You’ll also need to park in the designated freedom camping area, and you’ll need to vacate by 9 am on the third day. In terms of amenities, you won’t find much, but there are some picnic tables scattered around the park you’re welcome to use.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Picnic Tables
Port Albert Wharf Reserve Car Park
Distance from Matakana: 37km / 35 minutes
Not too far away from Matakana Village Centre at just 35 minutes, Port Albert Wharf Reserve Car Park is also only 45 minutes from the coastal town of Omaha Beach, giving you the opportunity to explore both inland and the coast. It’s also one of the larger freedom camping spots near Matakana, with 10 designated spaces for certified self-contained vehicles.
Your maximum stay here is two nights in any four-week period, and you’ll need to vacate by 9 am on your final day. Spots are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, and as far as amenities are concerned, you’ll find a public toilet block and a drinking water supply.
While you’re here, take the time to explore the town of Port Albert, which was once a planned settlement for immigrants from England. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, a 12-minute drive takes you to Atiu Creek Regional Park, where you’ll find plenty of walking trails and birdwatching opportunities.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- Public Toilets
Whisper Cove at Snells Beach
Distance from Matakana: 9km / 10 minutes
If you’re feeling drawn to the coast, Whisper Cove at Snells Beach is another fantastic freedom camping option. Just 10 minutes from Matakana Village Centre, it’s a bit more secluded than the campgrounds further inland, and while it’s located in the popular Snells Beach area, it still has a sense of privacy and a quiet, relaxing atmosphere.
The overnight rules here are pretty simple. You’ll need to be in a certified self-contained vehicle and only park in one of the marked spaces, of which there are only two (adding to that sense of privacy). You’re also limited to a maximum of two nights in a four-week period, and you’ll need to leave by 9 am on your final day.
When it comes to things to enjoy in the area, one of the most popular attractions close by is Scandrett Regional Park, which is a 12-minute drive away. There are plenty of walking trails with amazing coastal views here, and when you’re done exploring this park, you’re also only 30 minutes from an excellent beach hiking adventure in Tawharanui Regional Park.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- No Amenities – Self-Contained Vehicles Only
Wellsford Community Centre Grounds
Distance from Matakana: 26km / 30 minutes
If you’re passing through Wellsford late and need a space to pull up for the evening, Wellsford Community Centre Grounds is a great choice. There’s room for five certified self-contained campervans here, and its also close to the town’s amenities, including supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants, making it a super convenient option if you need to recharge and restock before heading off to your next destination.
As far as the rules are concerned, you’ll need to park in the designated spaces, which are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. There’s a one-night maximum stay in a four-week period policy in place here, too, and you’ll need to make sure you’ve left the site before 9 am the following morning. You won’t find any amenities either, so make sure you are well-prepared for your overnight stay before you pull up.
The main attraction in this area is Wellsford Town Centre itself, but if you’re looking for something to do en route, Pakiri Beach is 30 minutes away, where you can walk along the coast or even enjoy a horseback ride along the beautiful, sandy shores.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- No Amenities – Self-Contained Vehicles Only
118 Rodney Street Car Parking
Distance from Matakana: 26km / 30 minutes
Another freedom camping spot located in Wellsford and only 30 minutes form Matakana, the car parking area at 118 Rodney Street is a simple and straightforward option that offers easy access to town and the opportunity to explore Wellsford and its surroundings.
There are five designated freedom camping spots here, and you must make sure that you park within these. If they’re full, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Also, you’re limited to a maximum stay of one night in a four-week period, and you’ll need to be gone by 9 am on the second day. And, of course, you’ll need to be in a certified self-contained vehicle.
Assuming you’re happy with these rules, you’ll find yourself perfectly situated to explore the Dome Forest Lookout, with the parking area only 20 minutes away. Or, if you’re interested in history, the Albertland Heritage Museum is a five-minute walk from 118 Rodney Street and is packed with interesting artefacts and stories of the region’s early settlers.
FEATURED AMENITIES
- No Amenities – Self-Contained Vehicles Only
A Note on Freedom Camping in Matakana
While you might be tempted to pull up along the side of the road or in any other area if you find the freedom camping spots above are full, doing so can result in receiving a fine.
A full list of restricted areas is available from the Auckland Council website, along with access to a copy of the Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw 2022. But, to make things easier to understand, the most important thing to know is that freedom camping in Matakana is banned in the following areas:
- Helensville Civic Centre Grounds
- Kumeu Library & Council Services
- Leight Library & Grounds
- Pakiri Hall Grounds
- Ti Point Walkway
- Waimauku War Memorial Hall
- Warkworth Town Hall Grounds
Whether you want to spend the night near the ocean on Snells Beach or surrounded by nature in Parry Kauri Park, there’s no shortage of beautiful spots to pull up and freedom camp in and around Matakana. But to make your journey as comfortable as possible and avoid running into any trouble, contact Travellers Autobarn and hire a certified self-contained campervan. Our campervan rentals also come with free unlimited kilometres, so you can hit the road with complete freedom, explore Matakana, and even extend your trip and discover all the other freedom camping in New Zealand.
Thinking of travelling through other parts of New Zealand? Here are some other articles you might find useful:
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
About 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.