Freedom camping in Wellington

Find out the rules around freedom camping, and the sites we recommend for camping in Wellington.

What's on this page

Rules for freedom camping Where can I freedom camp? Places you can't camp Public dump stations Fines

General rules for freedom camping

  • Only certified self-contained vehicles displaying a current warrant card can freedom camp in Wellington.
  • You may stay at one of our two freedom camping sites. Please only park in a designated freedom camping park (check maps on-site).
  • You may stay in an on-street parking (just keep within any time limits if any are in place) or other paid parking facilities.
  • Freedom camping is not permitted in any of our reserves, coastal areas, parks, sportsfields, and play area carparks.
  • If your vehicle is not certified self-contained, you need to stay at other places such as a campground.

Park Rangers monitor sites and recreational carparks 7 days a week including public holidays. If you breach the Public Places Bylaw 2022 you could receive a $400 fine.

If you are still unsure about where you can freedom camp, please call us on 04 499 4444 anytime.

Where can I freedom camp in Wellington?

Restricted camping on public land is allowed in Wellington City for self-contained vehicles only.

Free sites in Wellington City

You can stay for a maximum of four nights in any single calendar month. If you stay longer, you can be fined.

On your departure day please vacate the freedom camping site by 4pm as this frees up a park for people who need one.

Central city on-street parking is free from 8pm to 8am. Most on-street parking in the suburbs is free with no time restrictions. Please be considerate of others living in surrounding areas.

Free sites in Porirua

Paid overnight parking options in Wellington City

  • Barnett Street car park on the Wellington waterfront is available to freedom campers with self-contained vehicles for $30 per 24 hours. (Note: Because this area is used by the Harbourside Market on Sunday mornings, you can't park at Barnett Street carpark overnight on a Saturday.)
  • Cuba Street Motorhome Park (electricity only), 25 Garrett Street, Te Aro, Wellington
  • Capital Lodge Motor Inn Wellington, 1 Newlands Road, Newlands

Other paid overnight parking options in the Wellington region

 

Responsible camping brochure with map

(6.2MB PDF)

Download our brochure with information about responsible camping and a map of freedom camping sites in Wellington.

Places you can't camp

Camping is not permitted in an area on any land managed under the Reserves Act and Wellington Town Belt Act. This includes:

  • all Council reserves
  • coastal areas
  • parks
  • sports fields
  • beaches
  • play area carparks.

Read section 13 of the Public Places Bylaw 2022 to find out more.

Public dump stations

Wellington's purpose-built stations for responsible disposal of waste and sewage are located at:

Fines

Freedom camping offences may be subject to an infringement notice (Section 27(6), Freedom Camping Act 2011) and a fee of $400.

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

Disputing an infringement

If you have been issued with a freedom camping infringement, you can dispute this by calling us on 04 499 4444 or visiting us at our Service Centre, 12 Manners Street.

Information on how to dispute a fine can be found on the back of your infringement notice.

Please note that it is up to freedom campers to know the rules around freedom camping and we will only issue a waiver in special circumstances.

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