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10 reasons to go camping in Taranaki: what to see & do

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Taranaki offers a great camping choice from classic no frills by the beach to comfortable holiday parks. Be prepared to leave the pet at home as most places will not accept your pooch in the peak summer season. Freedom camping is allowed in Taranaki check out online resources in section freedom camping for up to date information.

Getting there

FREEDOM CAMPING TARANAKI

Freedom camping map New Plymouth District is an awesome place to enjoy the great outdoors. Click online resources for up to date information.

Self-contained freedom camping

Self-contained freedom campers can stay a maximum of three nights in any 30-day period at any single location, excluding banned areas listed below.

Banned areas – No freedom camping is allowed:

  • Back Beach bottom car park
  • Ōākura beachfront
  • Fitzroy Beach car park
  • East End Beach car park
  • Kawaroa Park
  • Waiwhakaiho River Mouth
  • Weld Road
  • Ahu Ahu Road
  • Corbett Park
  • Two areas at Tongaporutu
  • Battiscombe Terrace, with the exception of six marked spaces

Note these banned areas could be altered, check beforehand to ensure you have the correct information.

Lake Rotomanu - Taranaki, New Zealand
Lake Rotomanu, Taranaki

Non self-contained freedom camping

Non self-contained freedom campers may stay for a maximum of one night in a 30-day period at any of the restricted areas listed below, and must freedom camp in the marked spaces. The available spaces will be filled on a first come first served basis.

Restricted areas – areas where non self-contained freedom camping is allowed:

  • Lake Rotomanu, New Plymouth – four marked spaces for non self-contained freedom camping.
  • Battiscombe Terrace, Waitara – six marked spaces for freedom camping.

Freedom camping in New Plymouth

To find out all the regulations that apply to freedom camping please read the freedom camping bylaw. The main rules that apply are listed below.

Freedom camping bylaw

When you are visiting please:

  • park in parking areas
  • dispose of all waste and rubbish appropriately
  • be considerate of other users of the area, and your effect on them and the environment around you.
Aerial view on Taranaki coastline with a small river and New Plymouth and Mount Taranaki on the background. Taranaki region, New Zealand
New Plumouth coastline

You may be asked to move by an enforcement officer if:

  • you are not parked legally
  • you are preventing others from undertaking legitimate activities in the area
  • you have stayed more than three nights (self-contained) or a single night (non-self-contained) in the same public place
  • you light any fires
  • you are not complying with the noise requirements as set out in the operative District Plan
  • camping would create a health hazard
  • the public place is required for another purpose
  • camping would obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic
  • the ground conditions are unsuitable for camping or camping will damage the area
  • camping is not allowed at that site.

Freedom campers who do not comply with the Freedom Camping Bylaw will be liable to a $200 fine.

Te Rewa Rewa whale ribbed bridge with stunning views of Mt Taranaki, New Plymouth, New Zealand
New Plymouth, New Zealand

Campgrounds South Taranaki

For up to date information on basic campgrounds, freedom camping in South Taranaki check the local council online resource for information.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

Waitoetoe Campsite: Places to stay in Taranaki

Camp in a picturesque setting overlooking the black sands of Waitoetoe Beach on Taranaki’s west coast. A good spot for kicking back and relaxing. Basic camping with bookings not required, first come, first served basis. Only accessible on foot with minimal facilities, this is the spot for those seeking a back to basics holiday. The campsite is a paddock that is occasionally grazed by stock. Free, maximum 4 night stay. Park your vehicle at the Waitoetoe Road end and follow the rough track down to the camping area – approximately 300m away.

 

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