Freedom Camping Waiomu

Freedom camping is all about the joy of spontaneity! But, while nothing beats pulling over wherever nature takes you and enjoying a night under the stars, it’s important to know there are certain rules and regulations in place that limit where you can call home for the night. These rules are in place throughout New Zealand, and if you’re thinking of taking a freedom camping trip through Waiomu, you’ve come to the right place!

Below, you’ll find details on the places you’re allowed to freedom camp in Waiomu, along with a simplified explanation of the restrictions you need to know before you hit the road.

Waiomu Freedom Camping Spots

• Waiomu Domain Beachfront Reserve
• Tapu Reserve
• Coroglen Reserve

Before we get into the details of each of these freedom camping spots, it’s important to note that you can only visit these in self contained vehicles. Get in touch with the expert team at Travellers Autobarn to learn more about hiring a campervan, and we’ll set you up with the perfect vehicle that suits your needs and meets the Waiomu freedom camping regulations.

Waiomu Domain Beachfront Reserve

As you make your way along the scenic Thames Coast Road, you’ll find Waiomu Domain Beachfront Reserve – a small but very popular freedom camping spot. What really stands out about this spot is its serene setting and coastal views that stretch across the Firth of Thames, providing the perfect spot for travellers seeking peace and a place to relax by the water.

The beach itself is stony and not particularly ideal for swimming, but it still makes a beautiful spot to stroll or unwind as you watch the local fishermen at work. You’ll also be surrounded by pohutukawa trees, which provide lots of shade on hot days, as well as opportunities to spot some native birdlife.

When it comes to the rules, you’ll need to be in a self contained campervan and you can stay here for a maximum of two consecutive nights in any calendar month, leaving before 9 am on your final morning. You also need to make sure you only park in the designated area, as not doing so can result in a fine of up to $200.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only

Tapu Reserve

Tapu Reserve sits a bit further up the coast, is a slightly more developed camp compared to Waiomu Domain. Here, you’ll find some excellent amenities that most freedom camping spots don’t offer, including toilets, making it a great place for travellers who like a bit more comfort while still keeping things fairly rustic.

Surrounded by the lush beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula, this freedom camping site is based close to the Tapu River and offers easy access to freshwater swimming and fishing. The sound of the river and the nearby bushland also creates a calming environment, and while you’re limited to a stay of just two nights each calendar month, it’s an ideal place to escape to if you’re craving a relaxing weekend away from home.

There are designated areas you’ll need to stick to, but many of the spaces here can accommodate larger vehicles, which adds to its appeal. However, as you might expect from such a well-equipped freedom camping site, places here fill up pretty quickly and are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Toilets

Coroglen Freedom Camping Reserve

The Coroglen Freedom Camping Reserve is another excellent location where freedom camping is permitted, and unlike the other two options near Waiomu, it is situated inland. This means you get more of a rural setting and a change of pace from the coastal sites, with grassy areas that act as a gateway to some awesome hiking trails. It’s also dog friendly, making it a great place to spend a couple of nights if you’re travelling with your canine companion.

Another benefit you’ll get from freedom camping here is the close proximity to the famous Coroglen Tavern, a local landmark loved for its live music and welcoming atmosphere, that gives you the perfect opportunity to break free from campervan-cooking and enjoy a night out with the locals.

While this freedom camping spot may not be as close to Waiomu as the other two permitted locations on this list (it’s about an hour’s drive away), you will find there is more open space here and fewer campers, giving you more room to roam and some valuable privacy. Just make sure you’re in a certified self contained vehicle, as this is the only permitted campervan-type allowed here.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• No Amenities – Self Contained Vehicles Only

A Note on Freedom Camping in Waiomu

It can be really tempting when you’re freedom camping to pull up in a particularly beautiful spot and spend the night there. But, there are rules and restrictions in place throughout the Waiomu area and the Coromandel Peninsula that you need to be aware of to keep your adventure as enjoyable as possible.

Here’s a simplified list of the essential things you need to keep in mind when freedom camping in Waiomu:

• Self Contained Vehicles: We’ve mentioned this above, but it bears repeating – you can only stay in the permitted freedom camping spots listed above in a self contained vehicle. This means that your campervan must have an onboard toilet and wastewater facilities, even if you’re staying at a site with good amenities on offer, like Tapu Camp.
• Don’t Overstay: All freedom camping sites in Waiomu allow an overnight stay of two consecutive nights maximum. You need to comply with this as breaking this rule may result in a fine being issued. Likewise, you need to make sure you vacate the site by the time indicated on the signs.
• Parking Regulations: You may also be fined up to $200 if you park outside of the designated area in each of these freedom camping spots, so make sure you check where these areas are when you arrive. If they are full, you’ll need to find another site to stay at.
• Take Rubbish With You: Whichever campsite you choose to stay at, make sure you adhere to the “Leave No Trace” principle by taking your rubbish with you. If there are bins available to use, make sure you use those and never leave litter lying around that could harm the local wildlife and ecosystems.

With the options above, it’s easy to find a freedom camping spot that perfectly suits your needs, whether you prefer a beach, riverside, or more rural camping experience. However, for each of them, you need to follow the rules outlined above to make sure your holiday runs as smoothly as possible.

At Travellers Autobarn, you’ll find a range of self contained vehicles that are ideal for exploring Waiomu and the surrounding area, taking all of the stress out of ensuring your campervan meets the requirements. Each of our campervan rentals comes with unlimited kilometres, too, so you’re free to explore this wonderful part of New Zealand’s north island at your own pace.

With your campervan sorted, all that’s left to do is pack your bags, hit the road, and embrace the natural beauty that Waiomu has to offer! And, before you head off, take a look at some other amazing places you can enjoy freedom camping in New Zealand.

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.