The wilderness that surrounds Queenstown is truly special. Our soaring mountain ranges, lush native bush and pristine waterways inspire awe in all who visit. Camping is the perfect way to connect deeper with this landscape.
As you travel through our region, we invite you to be a kaitiaki (guardian) of our place, give back more than you take and take the time to understand the regulations and responsibilities around freedom camping in Queenstown.
Freedom Camping in Queenstown
Queenstown Lakes is a popular destination to explore by motorhome, campervan or camping. Campers are always welcome but are asked to share the responsibility of being guardians of our landscape, lakes and community life.
There are many excellent holiday parks, motor camps and camping grounds - equipped with bathroom facilities, laundries, Wi-Fi, kitchens, communal lounges, and playgrounds.
It is also possible to freedom camp in Queenstown Lakes, however, designated places are limited and rules apply. Freedom campers are asked to keep noise to a minimum, and leave no trace, keeping our natural environment free from pollution and waste.
What does freedom camping mean?
Freedom camping, responsible camping, or free camping is when you camp on public land that isn't a recognised camping ground or holiday park.
Who can freedom camp in Queenstown?
If your campervan or motorhome is certified self-contained (with a toilet, wastewater tank and rubbish facilities on board) then you may camp overnight for free, at certain designated spaces away from the town centres and residential areas.
How to reduce your trace on this place:
- Dispose of your wastewater at a regional motorhome dump station.
- Only dispose of your rubbish in the bins provided in town or at the council transfer station in Frankton.
- Don’t light fires.
- Leave the area as you found it.
- Consider giving back to the Love Queenstown Community Fund.
Designated Spaces
There are 141 designated spaces in 15 car parks across the district where freedom camping is permitted, in certified self-contained vehicles, subject to a set of conditions specified for each area.
These state you must:
- use a certified self-contained motor vehicle
- arrive after 6:00pm and leave before 8:00am (note times vary for some sites)
- ensure any motor vehicle, camping equipment and personal items are fully contained within one of the designated marked spaces
- not stay more than 2 nights within any 30-day period and not return to any of the marked spaces within a 30-day period
- remove all waste
- not light any fires outside of the motor vehicle
- follow all daytime parking restrictions
Freedom Camping spots
Many designated spots are first-come, first-served and fill up quickly in peak seasons. Check the interactive Responsible Camping Map before you go to confirm exact locations, conditions, and real-time availability.
Always scan the onsite QR code when you arrive to record your stay and comply with bylaw check-in requirements.
Queenstown / Whakatīpu Basin
- Boundary Street Carpark, Queenstown – 15 spaces
- Gorge Road Carpark, Queenstown – 2 spaces
- Industrial Place Carpark, Queenstown – 6 spaces
- Lakeview Carpark, Queenstown – 10 spaces
- Gray Street Carpark, Frankton – 4 spaces
- Queenstown Events Centre Carpark, Frankton – 9 spaces
- Howards Drive Carpark (Lake Hayes area) – 3 spaces
- Hansen Place Carpark, Arrowtown – 3 spaces
- Gibbston Highway/SH6 Carpark (Gibbston) – 2 spaces
- Glenorchy Domain Carpark, Glenorchy – 3 spaces
- Kingston Road/SH6 Carpark (Kingston) – 50 spaces
Wānaka / Upper Clutha Area
- Wānaka Recreation Centre Carpark, Wānaka – 21 spaces
- Beacon Point Road Carpark, Wānaka – 3 spaces
- Camp Hill Road Carpark, Hāwea – 10 spaces
Where Freedom Camping Isn’t Allowed
- Urban/town centre streets and parking spots (e.g. on-road parking in Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wānaka) are prohibited.
- Most Council reserves are prohibited (aside from a few specific exceptions like Luggate Red Bridge under separate Reserves Act rules).
- Private land and reserves not specifically designated are also off-limits without permission.
- Freedom camping may be allowed on some DOC land, but there are site-specific rules or restrictions. Always check DOC signage or the DOC website for that area.
Conditions for rural roads
Camping in certified self-contained vehicles is permitted on rural roads such as off-road laybys, however, a range of specific bylaw conditions must be met – including how close a vehicle can park to the road.
Conditions for rural roads include:
- Park only on formed gravel, metalled or sealed surfaces.
- Park at least 5 metres from marked road edge, or edge of the metal/gravel where there is no hard shoulder or seal.
- Park at least 10 metres from any water body, such as river, lake or creek.
- You cannot stay more than 2 nights within any 30-day period and not return to a location within 500 metres of where you have previously stayed.
- Keep equipment within a certain area, no fires, no camping outside the vehicle.
Other ways to lessen your impact
- Drink tap water
- Say no to single-use take away cups
- Use your own reuseable bag
- Shop without plastic
- Recycle with care
Fines for breaching the Freedom Camping Bylaw or the Freedom Camping Act start at $400.
Visit CamperMate.co.nz or download the free app for full details.
Where else can I camp in Queenstown?
Fortunately, the Queenstown region has many great camping spots, from fully serviced holiday parks to DOC campsites.
Queenstown holiday parks:
Laundry facilities, a central location, easy campervan parking and hot showers sound like your cup of tea? Head to one of our well-equipped holiday parks.
- Hampshire Holiday Parks - Queenstown, Central Queenstown
- Queenstown Holiday Park & Motels Creeksyde, Central Queenstown
- Driftaway Holiday Park, Frankton
- Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park, Arthur's Point
- Hampshire Holidays Parks - Arrowtown
- Mrs Woolly's Campground, Glenorchy
- Kingston Top 10 Holiday Park
Queenstown local DOC campsites:
Bare necessities and intimate with nature more like it for you? Go for a DOC campsite.
Here's a guide to all of New Zealand’s DOC campsites, so you can find one wherever the road may lead you.
Handy tools to help you on your travels
The CamperMate app will help you find places to book a spot to camp at around Queenstown and across the rest of New Zealand. It’s got handy filters to help you find the right camping spot for you and your vehicle.
Tread lightly while camping in Queenstown
This land is precious, and we believe it’s possible to both enjoy and take care of it. We encourage you to look after our wild spaces so that they can continue to be enjoyed by generations still to come.
While you’re camping in Queenstown, minimise your impact by respecting people, wildlife and places – check out these handy Tiaki tips for treading lightly during your Queenstown trip.
You can help protect Queenstown's landscape by donating to Love Queenstown, a local community fund that supports our region's climate, conservation and biodiversity projects that actually make an impact.
As you explore Queenstown, share your experiences with us on Instagram and #QueenstownLive.