Freedom Camping Rotorua

With its mix of forest and lakes, Rotorua is one of the most incredible places you can visit, and while there aren’t very many sites compared to other areas of New Zealand, you’re still offered some amazing freedom camping experiences. Finding these few freedom camping spots can be difficult, though, and that’s why we’ve done the hard work for you.

Below, you’ll find a list of the best freedom camping sites in Rotorua, along with a list of the amenities you can take advantage of at each of them. So, whether you’re craving an adrenaline-fuelled adventure or simply want to kick back and relax in nature, you’ll be offered an unforgettable experience in each of these spots.

Are you ready? Let’s start our adventure!

Rotorua Freedom Camping Spots

1. Trout Pool Road
2. Hinemoa Street Car Park
3. Mataiawhea Street/Lakefront Drive Car Park
4. Hamurana Reserve
5. Lake Aniwhenua

As mentioned previously, there aren’t very many freedom camping sites in Rotorua, and the best way of accessing each of them is by hiring a campervan. Speak to the expert team at Travellers Autobarn today, and whether you’re travelling solo or with your family, we’ll match you with the perfect campervan that fits your needs.

Trout Pool Reserve

Okere Falls, Rotorua

At Trout Pool Reserve, you’ll find designated spaces for campervans, camper trailers, and RVs to spend the night, but tent camping is not permitted. You’ll also need to be in a self contained vehicle to camp here, as amenities are limited to toilets.

One of the best things about freedom camping here is the beautiful surroundings, and you’ll find yourself nestled within native bush with plenty of walking trails to discover, many of which lead straight to the magnificent Okere Falls.

As the name of this campsite suggests, it’s also close to a lake that is perfect for spending the afternoon fishing or kayaking, or simply relaxing by the crystal clear waters.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets

Hinemoa Street Car Park

Government Gardens, Rotorua

Located with Rotorua’s Government Gardens, Hinemoa Street Car Park is a great place to pull up for the night if you’re in a self contained vehicle and need a safe, comfortable space to sleep before heading onto the next leg of your road trip.

The car park itself isn’t particularly remarkable, but the immediate surrounding area offers some beautiful views of the surrounding area. Likewise, its location offers you the opportunity to explore the Government Gardens at your own pace, where you’ll find historic landmarks, rose gardens, and several geothermic pools.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicle Camping Only

Mataiawhea Street/Lakefront Drive Car Park

Mataiawhea Street, Rotorua

Another fantastic yet basic freedom camping site in Rotorua, Mataiawhea Street/Lakefront Drive Car Park is suitable for self contained vehicles to spend the night. However, there are only three designated spaces, so you’ll need to plan ahead and get here early if you want to increase your chances of staying here.

Once you’re parked up, you’ll find yourself in the beautiful Lakefront Drive area, which is a hotspot for walking and enjoying some beautiful views across the water. There are also shops, bars, and restaurants to enjoy here, so it’s an ideal location if you want a fun night out.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicle Camping Only

Hamurana Reserve

Lake Rotorua, Rotorua

Just a short 20-minute drive from Rotorua City Centre, you’ll find Hamurana Reserve, which has ten designated spaces for campervans, camper trailers, and RVs. You’re also allowed to spend two consecutive nights here in any calendar month, as long as you’re only parked up between 4 pm and 9 am.

Like most of the freedom camping spots in Rotorua, there aren’t any onsite amenities so it’s best to stay here in a self contained vehicle. There are toilets nearby, though, which is useful if you find yourself in a pinch!

While things are pretty basic here, you do have immediate access to Lake Rotorua, which is ideal for swimming and water sports or simply for enjoying a peaceful walk along the water’s edge as the sun sets.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicle Camping Only

Lake Aniwhenua

Bay of Plenty, South East of Rotorua

While Lake Aniwhenua isn’t close to Rotorua City Centre, an hour’s drive will get you here and it’s certainly worth the effort for the beautiful views and facilities, which include hot showers and flushing toilets.

There are plenty of spaces available here throughout the year, and campervans, RVs, and big rigs are welcome here. The time limits here are also pretty generous, and you’re allowed to stay for up to seven nights in any four-week period.

As you’d expect from a freedom camping site with a lakeside location, there are excellent fishing opportunities here. Likewise, it’s ideal for those who enjoy water sports, and you’ll also be surrounded by native bush that is ready to be explored.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Flushing Toilets
• Hot Showers

While there aren’t very many freedom camping sites in Rotorua, those that can be enjoyed offer a good variety of options for all tastes. Whether you want to spend your afternoon fishing by a lake or explore the Government Gardens safe in the knowledge you’re already parked up for the night, you’re guaranteed to find a site that fits your needs.

However, as most are pretty basic and only suitable for self contained vehicles, you’ll need a campervan. Contact the expert team at Travellers Autobarn today and talk to us about campervan hire in New Zealand. We’ll find a campervan that perfectly suits your needs and get you on the road to your freedom camping adventure!

A Quick Note on New Zealand Freedom Camping

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Most freedom camping sites operate on a first-come-first-served basis, so there can be a certain level of stress when trying to find a space.
4. 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.