Camping in Wellington

If you're looking to do some camping in Wellington, check out the sites we recommend in and around the city.

What's on this page

Self-contained campervans Public dump stations Places you can't camp Fines Camping outside the city
 

Self-contained campervans

Overnight parking in Wellington

If you arrive after 4pm in our peak season, November to April, you will probably find our campgrounds are already full. You need to make arrangements to stay at a facility in the Wellington region. See Campermate app for availability.

Barnett Street Car Park on the Wellington Waterfront is not available to freedom campers.

Full-service campervan parks in Wellington

If you need a serviced motorhome carpark in Wellington, visit:

Freedom camping

Restricted camping on public land is allowed in Wellington City for self-contained campervans at the following two sites:

  • Southern end of the Marina car park at Evans Bay (271KB PDF)
  • Te Kopahou Reserve entrance car park at Te Kopahou Reserve (274KB PDF)
    Note:
    Fishing, gathering and harvesting is prohibited at Te Kopahou Reserve.
    Watch for extreme weather. This area often has high winds so make sure you secure your rubbish and belongings so they don't get blown around.

Freedom camping restrictions

  • You can camp at either of these sites for a maximum of four nights in any single calendar month. If you stay longer, you can be fined.
  • Make sure you only park within the areas designated for self-contained campervans.
  • These sites are not suitable for tents.
 

Public dump stations

Wellington's three purpose-built stations for responsible disposal of waste and sewage are located at Evans Bay Marina, Ngaraunga Gorge and Tawa Swimming Pool.

Find a public dump station

 

Places you can't camp

Reserves

Camping is not permitted in Wellington's reserves, including the Town Belt.

Along the coast, this includes:

  • Balaena Bay
  • Dorrie Leslie Park
  • Moa Point
  • Princess Bay
  • Tarakena Bay
  • Wahine Park

Wellington City

 

Maps - Prohibited Areas for Camping in Wellington

(1.8MB PDF)

See these maps of other areas in Wellington city centre where camping is prohibited.

 

Fines

Freedom camping offences may be subject to an infringement notice (Section 27(6), Freedom Camping Act 2011) and fee of $200. 

What to do if you receive a fine

If you receive an infringement notice from an Enforcement Officer, you can pay the fee online using your credit card (use the Camping payment type) or at the Wellington City Council Service Centre, 12 Manners Street, Wellington.

Pay camping infringement fines
 

Camping outside the city

The following sites are between 20km and 50km from Wellington City and include options for those camping in tents as well as for campervans:

Hutt Valley

Kapiti

Porirua

Free overnight campervan parking in Porirua

You can park your campervan overnight for free at four sites in Porirua, about 20km outside Wellington:
Overnight campervan parking - Porirua City Council

Related links