Find a camp

Search for campsites, holiday parks, and DOC sites near where you're heading. We pull from the Department of Conservation and OpenStreetMap so you get DOC camps and holiday parks in one place.

How to find New Zealand campsites and holiday parks

Touring Brain's camp finder pulls together three different sources of NZ overnight stop data so you don't have to keep four browser tabs open while you're planning. Department of Conservation campsites, commercial holiday parks, and freedom camping spots from OpenStreetMap all sit in one searchable list, with a map view, facilities filters, and one-tap directions through to Google Maps.

Search by NZ town and we'll show you camps within a sensible distance — usually a 50 km radius. Filter by what you actually need: powered sites for caravans, dump stations for motorhomes, water, toilets, showers, dog-friendly. Each result shows the name, distance, what's there, and a "More info" link out to the source plus a "Get directions" button that opens Google Maps with the location pre-loaded — handy when you've decided where to stop and you want satnav from where you are right now.

The data behind the camp finder is open: DOC publishes its campsite metadata under Creative Commons BY 4.0, and OSM contributors keep the freedom-camping picture surprisingly current. Holiday parks come through OSM too. We refresh the underlying dataset regularly, but you should always check availability with the camp before you arrive — particularly DOC sites in peak season, which can fill up fast.

Frequently asked questions about NZ campsites

What's the difference between freedom camping and a holiday park?

Freedom camping is staying overnight on public land outside a designated campground. It's regulated locally — councils set their own bylaws, and many require you to be in a certified self-contained vehicle (CSC). Holiday parks are commercial campgrounds with powered sites, amenities and a per-night fee. DOC sites sit in between: official, often very basic, sometimes free, sometimes a small fee, in stunning locations.

Can I rely on availability shown here?

The camp finder shows whether a camp exists, not whether sites are available tonight. Especially over summer and Easter, ring ahead. DOC sites can be booked through the DOC website. Holiday parks usually take phone or email bookings.

Do you list dump stations?

Yes — dump-station info is included where the camp itself has one or sits next to a public dump point. Use the facilities filter to narrow the list to camps with a dump station. For a comprehensive standalone NZ dump station map, the NZMCA's published list is also worth keeping bookmarked.

How accurate are the fees?

DOC publishes per-person fees for its campsites and we surface those. Holiday park prices change frequently, so we don't try to display them — assume "give them a ring or check their website." Many freedom camping spots are free but check local council signage on arrival.

Do I need a self-contained certification (CSC)?

For freedom camping in many NZ council areas, yes. CSC certification means your motorhome or caravan can hold three days of waste and water without using external facilities. Holiday parks and DOC sites generally don't require CSC, but some council-run freedom camping spots only allow CSC vehicles. Check signage when you arrive.

Does this work for tourists renting campervans?

Yes. The camp finder is just as useful for international visitors picking up a Britz, Maui, Jucy or Apollo rental as it is for NZ residents in their own van. Search any NZ town you plan to overnight in and you'll see DOC sites, holiday parks and freedom-camping spots together. Rental campervans are usually CSC-certified, which means most council freedom-camping areas are open to you — but always check local signage on arrival, as bylaws differ by council.

More tools for New Zealand touring

• Plan a route — get a full trip with weather and camps surfaced along the way.
• 3-day weather briefing — wind, rain and gust forecasts before you commit to a leg.
• Towing calculator — check tow rating, ball weight and ATM against NZ legal limits.
• Motorhome GVM check — make sure your payload is under gross vehicle mass.
• Tyre safety check — read your DOT code for tyre age and get correct pressures.
• Pre-departure checklist — nothing forgotten before you hit the road.