Where Can I Camp?

Wānaka is the perfect place to explore by motorhome, campervan or camping. However it is important you know where to go.

Wānaka is a brilliant place to explore by motorhome, campervan or tent. To keep your trip smooth, it’s important to know where you can camp and what’s changed.

Camping in Wānaka feels different. The mountains, the lake and the bright southern stars invite you to slow down and stay a little longer. You still can, but the rules around freedom camping in the Queenstown Lakes District have changed. Queenstown Lakes District Council’s new Freedom Camping Bylaw came into effect on 1 December 2025, so if you’re travelling by campervan or motorhome, here’s what you need to know. Understanding these rules helps you enjoy a safe, hassle-free stay.

As Wānaka moves towards a regenerative tourism future, we ask visitors to play their part in caring for the region while enjoying its natural beauty.

Camping in Wānaka is affordable with sites starting from $8 per night. For a full list of options click here. Alternatively visit CamperMate.co.nz and download the free app for details.

Wānaka is one of the most pristine parts of the world – here’s some tips to help keep it this way.

Freedom camping is not permitted in urban areas, which means on-road parking spaces (think parallel or angle parks) are off limits for overnight stays.
If you’re travelling in a certified self-contained vehicle, you can camp at one of 15 designated carpark sites across the district, with 141 spaces available in total. Each site has its own conditions, so make sure you check the details before you settle in for the night.
Certified self-contained vehicles can also park up on rural roads and off-road laybys, though there are specific rules to follow, including how close you can park to the road.
Fines for breaching the bylaw start at $400, so it pays to do your homework before you go.

You can find more information on the full Freedom Camping Bylaw here.

Freedom camping is no longer permitted in urban areas. That includes on-road parking spaces like parallel or angle parks.
If you’re travelling in a certified self-contained vehicle, you can stay overnight at one of 15 designated carpark sites across the district (141 spaces in total). Each site has its own conditions, so check the details before you settle in.
Certified self-contained vehicles can also camp on rural roads and off-road laybys, provided you meet the bylaw conditions, including rules around how close you can park to the road.
Most Council reserves are off limits for camping under the Reserves Act. The exception is Luggate Red Bridge Reserve, where freedom camping is allowed subject to the conditions on signage at the reserve.
If you don’t comply with the Freedom Camping Bylaw, you risk a $400 fine. Camping illegally on a reserve carries an $800 fine.
Along with the Bylaw restrictions, most Council reserves are prohibited for camping under the Reserves Act. Freedom camping at the Luggate Red Bridge Reserve will continue to be allowed, subject to conditions set out on signage located at the reserve.
Before you hit the road, check out the Responsible Camping Map to find designated freedom camping sites, prohibited areas, public facilities, serviced holiday parks and Department of Conservation campsites across the district.

Certified self-contained vehicles only.

If you want to freedom camp at any of the QLDC designated sites, your vehicle must meet the updated New Zealand Standard for self-containment. It must have a toilet built in, plus proper wastewater and greywater storage, all clearly certified and stickered. Think of it as your passport to camping in spots away from formal campgrounds. Not sure if your vehicle qualified? You can find out here.

If your vehicle doesn’t meet this standard, then freedom camping here is not allowed. To find out more, visit the QLDC website.

Head to a designated site.

If you travel by non-self-contained campervan, car, or you’re pitching a tent, you need to stay in a holiday park, a Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite, or any other designated area. The QLDC and DOC websites list spots that offer what you need: clean facilities, good company, and no worries about fines.

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

You can dispose of rubbish at the transfer stations in Frankton and Wānaka, and recycle at the Wakatipu Recycling Centre or Wānaka Wastebusters (fees apply).

Please don’t use public litter bins for campervan waste. Fines may be issued for rubbish dumping. Here are some ways to minimise your waste during your trip.

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

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!

Where can I learn more?

Before you hit the road, visit the QLDC Responsible Camping page, check out their Responsible Camping FAQs, and the DOC website. There you’ll find updated maps, guidance on rubbish disposal and toilet facilities, and more detail on self-containment standards. Do your homework now so you can relax later.