Freedom Camping Tauranga

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the camping scene, with stunning landscapes to sit back and admire and almost endless possibilities for exploration, Tauranga is one of the most amazing places you can enjoy freedom camping and really embrace the great outdoors.

But where is it safe and legal to enjoy freedom camping in Tauranga? That’s what we’re going to be looking at today, and below, you’ll find a list of the best Tauranga freedom camping spots.

Tauranga Freedom Camping Spots

1. Fergusson park
2. Graham park
3. Marine Park
4. Gordon Spratt Reserve
5. Motiti Reserve
6. Taylor Park Reserve
7. Kulim Park
8. Memorial Park
9. Rotary Park
10. Cambridge Park

Before we start, it’s important to note that some of the sites listed below are quite remote. With the locations being in the North of New Zealand we recommend campervan hire in Auckland. Speak with the team at Travellers Autobarn and we’ll find the perfect campervan to suit your freedom camping needs.

Fergusson Park

Matua, Tauranga

The host to multiple football and cricket games throughout the year, Fergusson Park is one of the most popular freedom camping spots in Tauranga and camping here is allowed by the Tauranga City Council.

There are three spaces in total here, and amenities are limited, so it’s most suited for self contained vehicles. The park itself has plenty of space to explore, and there is even an observatory close by that offers an incredible view of the stars on a clear night.

Fergusson Park is located close to Otumoeai Beach, too, so it’s ideal for anyone who wants to spend the afternoon relaxing on the shore or swimming in the ocean. When you’re done, the local food trucks also offer a convenient way of grabbing something to eat and afford you a night away from the BBQ!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Drinking Water
• Access From 7pm Sunday – 10am Friday

Graham Park

Bay of Plenty, Tauranga

Graham Park offers freedom camping for a self contained vehicle for up to two nights, although you’ll need to get here in good time as there is only space for two vehicles per night. There isn’t a booking system either, and spaces are offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

Located along the 9km Waikareao Estuary Walkway, here you’ll find loads of walking and cycling opportunities, and since it’s pet friendly, you’ll be able to take your canine companion on your walking adventures with you, too.

You’re also offered some of the best views in all of Tauranga here, and the sun setting over the estuary to The Mount (Mauao) is a particular highlight.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicle Camping Only
• Access Available at All Times

Marine Park

Cross Road, Tauranga

One of the largest freedom camping spots in Tauranga, Marine Park offers a total of eight spaces for self contained vehicles to spend the night. There are no day restrictions either, and access to the park is available all year round.

Like most freedom camping spots in Tauranga, the amenities here are almost non-existent, but there are a couple of nearby restaurants. There is also a clubhouse that offers the opportunity to relax with a drink while you watch the sun setting over the harbour.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Nearby Restaurants & Clubhouse
• Access Available at All Times

Gordon Spratt Reserve

Papamoa, Tauranga

Like most freedom camping spots in Tauranga, Gordon Spratt Reserve offers first-come-first-served camping, and has a total of six available spaces for self contained vehicles. It can also only be used between Sunday and Friday each week, but don’t let these restrictions put you off staying here overnight -inside allowed times- as it’s a great place for families to visit.

Covering 65 acres in total, Gordon Spratt Reserve boasts a cricket court, tennis court, and bowls court. There are also some wonderful walking trails surrounded by nature, which are ideal for stretching your legs or indulging in some bird watching.

In terms of amenities, this freedom camping spot is one of the best, and here you’ll find toilets, drinking water, and a playground for little ones to enjoy. All amenities here are also wheelchair accessible.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Drinking Water
• Playground
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Access From 7pm Sunday – 10am Friday

Motiti Reserve

Papamoa Beach, Tauranga

With an allowance of just two self contained vehicles per night, Motiti Reserve is a great place for freedom camping if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter. Access is available year-round, but you can only stay overnight for two nights per calendar month.

Its close proximity to Papamoa Beach makes it an ideal spot for long walks along the shore, and the surrounding nature, mixed with the general peace and quiet of the area, making it perfect for sitting back and relaxing. The amenities here are quite good compared to some other freedom camping spots, too, and you can find toilets and showers.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Gas BBQ
• Cold Showers
• Access Available at All Times

Taylor Reserve

Papamoa Beach, Tauranga

Another freedom camping spot within close proximity to Papamoa Beach, Taylor Reserve offers spaces for two self contained vehicles for up to two nights. Take note, though – this is one of the most sought-after spaces, so it’s highly recommended you get here as early as possible to increase your chances of getting a space.

The easy access to the beach means that, once you park overnight, you’ll be able to enjoy swimming in the ocean, relaxing on the shore, or exploring the coastline on foot. There are some excellent facilities here as well, including showers and toilets.

You’ll find a couple of picnic tables at Taylor Reserve as well, offering the perfect place to enjoy a meal and a glass of wine while you unwind with the sound of the waves behind you.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Showers
• Picnic Tables
• Access Available at All Times

Kulim Park

Otumoetai, Tauranga

Offering incredible views of Mount Maunganui (simply known as “The Mount” by locals), Kulim Park is one of the most incredible places for freedom camping in Tauranga.

Here, you’ll find spaces for two self contained vehicles, and there is a maximum stay of two nights per calendar month. So, while this means that you can’t stay here too long, it does increase your chances of getting a space. That being said, we still recommend getting here as early as possible to strengthen your chances.

There are some good amenities here, including toilets and an outdoor gym. Surrounding the area, you’ll also find some beautiful walking trails, some of which run along the waterfront, and since the site is dog friendly, you’ve got the perfect opportunity to indulge any water-loving pooch!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Outdoor Gym
• Access Available at All Times

Memorial Park

Seventh Avenue, Tauranga

Memorial Park is another great place for families enjoying a freedom camping trip, and there are six spaces for self contained vehicles to pull up for overnight parking.

Facilities here include two children’s playgrounds and a skate park, so it’s ideal if you have a little one with you with excess energy to burn! You’ll also find a miniature golf course, mini railway, and a state of Humpty Dumpty. We told you it was a great place for family adventures!

Of course, you don’t need to be travelling with family to enjoy staying here, and the surrounding walks are perfect for couples or solo adventurers looking to reconnect with nature. When you’re ready to call it a day, the free barbecue facilities offer a super convenient place to cook a meal before settling down for the night.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Drinking Water
• Playgrounds
• Skate Park
• Miniature Golf Course
• Miniature Railway
• Barbecues
• Access Available at All Times

Rotary Park

Bay of Plenty, Tauranga

Another good spot for those looking for a quiet place to enjoy freedom camping, Rotary Park is accessible to self contained vehicles at all times and has three designated areas. It is first-come-first-served, though, so it’s best to get here in plenty of time to stand a chance of getting a space.

The views at Rotary Park are incredible, and the site looks out over Welcome Bay. There are some beautiful walks to enjoy here, too, or you can simply relax with a drink on the provided picnic tables. Other amenities here include toilets, showers, and barbecue facilities.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Picnic Tables
• Toilets
• Showers
• Barbecue Facilities
• Access Available at All Times

Cambridge Park

Te Reti, Tauranga

Cambridge Park is an excellent spot for freedom camping if you’re looking to mix nature and activities, as the 58-acre space it occupies has wildlife areas, walking paths, and even a BMX track!

Tent camping isn’t permitted, but self contained vehicles can claim one of the six free camping spots and stay for a maximum of two nights. Despite the wide range of activities to enjoy here, amenities are limited to toilets and drinking water, but this is still more than some other freedom campers are offered elsewhere.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets
• Drinking Water
• Access Available at All Times

With so many amazing opportunities to freedom camp, Tauranga really is one of the best places on the North Island to get back to nature, relax, and spend some quality time with your family. However, as you may have noticed, self-contained vehicles are usually the only way to embrace freedom camping at the sites we’ve listed above.

So, to make sure you don’t run int issues, contact Travellers Autobarn. Our expert team will walk you through everything you need to know about a certified self contained vehicle, help you find the best option for your needs, and get you on your way to your freedom camping adventure!

A Quick Note on New Zealand Freedom Camping

1. In order to access these spots, you’ll need to own or hire a self contained vehicle, which can be 10%-40% more expensive than hiring a non self contained vehicle. So, make sure you factor this into your overall travel budget.
2. As many freedom camping spots come with very few amenities, it can get incredibly cold. Even during November, temperatures can fall as low as 0°C overnight.
3. A lot of freedom camping spots do not have a booking system and, as such, operate on a first-come-first-served basis, which might create some anxiety over gaining a space.
4. You can, if you wish, purchase a DOC Campsite Pass, and this allows you to stay at Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites for 30 nights and for as little as $95 per person.