Where Can I Camp?

The Wanaka region is the perfect place to explore by motorhome and campervan or pitch your tent and watch the sun go down across the mountains

In the spirit of manaakitanga, our community not only takes a hosting responsibility but also one of guardianship over our beautiful environment. As Wanaka works towards being a sustainable visitor destination, we ask that visitors play their part in contributing to our regions well-being while enjoying our magnificent natural resources.

Camping in Wanaka is affordable with sites starting from $8 per night. For a full list of options click here

Wanaka is one of the most pristine parts of the world - here's some tips to help keep it this way.

Holiday Parks & Campsites Around Wanaka

Camping Never Looked So Good

Freedom camping and 'parking up' overnight

Under Queenstown Lakes District Council Bylaw, it is not permitted to freedom camp or 'park up' in an occupied vehicle overnight in a public place in any town. 

Where can I camp?

Use the maps below to see where you can and cannot camp.

View online map

Non freedom camping zones

Is your campervan self-contained?

If your campervan is fully self contained (with a toilet, waste water and rubbish facilities on-board) then you may camp overnight for free on most land administered by Council away from the town centres and residential areas. There is some public land including DoC reserves which are excluded. Observe all no camping signs. Please check the maps for clarification.

In return you must:

  • Be away from the town centres and residential areas within the district.
  • Dispose of your waste water at one of  the waste disposal dump stations and dump your rubbish at the Council transfer stations or dump stations.
  • Not light any fire.
  • Leave the area as you found it, free of litter.
  • Stay a maximum of two nights

If you do not have a fully self contained campervan then you can stay in a camping ground or the two areas marked as 'Un-restricted camping areas' in this map

Freedom camping in the No Freedom Camping Zones is not permitted and is likely to result in an infringement notice for which a fine of $200 is payable.

Recycling

All commonly recyclable materials can be disposed of at the Wanaka Recycling Centre (on Ballantyne Road). Many holiday parks also encourage guests to be sustainable by providing on-site recycling facilities.

Rubbish disposal

Small amounts of rubbish can be disposed of in the bins provided around town. Larger quantities of rubbish can be disposed of at the Wanaka Landfill on Ballantyne Road, even after hours if in a blue council bag. All holiday parks and camping grounds also have rubbish disposal facilities for guests.

Sewage cassettes and sink-water tanks

Motorhome and campervan black and grey water cassettes/tanks can be emptied free of charge 24 hours a day at the Wanaka Showgrounds, corner of Brownston and McDougall Street. A motorhome dump station is also available at the Boundary Creek camping area. Most Wanaka holiday parks also have dump stations available for guest use.

Motorhome travel in other parts of New Zealand

The www.camping.org.nz website is a useful information tool for planning motorhome travel in New Zealand.  There are helpful tips on how you as a visitor can engage in responsible tourism and also links to regional information on camping regulations and motorhome facilities.

If in doubt, assume nothing – always ask!