Responsible Freedom Camping

Nelson welcomes responsible campers to enjoy our stunning natural landscapes and vibrant city life. Freedom camping is a popular way to experience the region, but it works best for everyone — campers, residents, and the wider community — when the rules are followed.

Camping in Council-controlled public places, including NZTA land, is regulated under the Nelson City Council Responsible Camping Bylaw 2025. This bylaw outlines where camping is permitted, sets time limits in certain areas, and includes other important requirements. It does not apply to Department of Conservation land, commercial campgrounds, or privately owned public spaces such as supermarket carparks.

By respecting these guidelines, you help protect our environment and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Please be aware that Nelson City Council actively enforces the rules around Freedom Camping within the Nelson area. If you breach the rules you can receive a $400 fine under the Freedom Camping Act or the Reserves Act.

See the below map for locations for self contained, non-self contained and tent camping, along with commercial campsites and dump-stations.

Responsible Camping Map

Responsible Camping Bylaw

Click here to read the Responsible Camping Bylaw

Frequently Asked Questions

Camping locations for a self-contained vehicle

Below are the sites where you can camp if you are certified self-contained:

Location	Number of Spaces	Max Stay	Detail
Wakapuaka Reserve Carpark, 460 Wakapuaka Road	Maximum of 3 self-contained vehicles	2 Nights	Map
Buxton Carpark	Maximum of 20 self-contained vehicles	2 Nights	Map
Montgomery Carpark	Maximum of 31 self-contained vehicles Freedom camping is not permitted Friday and Saturday nights	2 Nights	Map
QEII Drive Gardens	Self-contained vehicles permitted only within sealed car parking area	2 Nights	Map
Wakatu Carpark	Maximum of 19 self-contained vehicles	2 Nights	Map

The maximum period of stay in any location is two consecutive nights on no more than two separate occasions in any calendar month.
Freedom camping is restricted to the signposted or marked area.
Space will be available on a ‘first-in first-served’ basis.

Self-contained, in relation to a motor vehicle, means that the vehicle has a valid certificate of self-containment issued in accordance with section 87U(3)(d) of the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006 (but see subpart 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 1AA [of the Freedom Camping Act] for the meaning of self-contained during the transitional period).

Camping locations for a non-self-contained vehicle

If you are camping in a vehicle or a caravan that is not certified as self-contained, you may camp at the location below.

Location	Number of Spaces	Max Stay
Buxton Carpark	Maximum of 10 non-self-contained vehicles	2 Nights

No Camping Areas

Freedom camping is prohibited or restricted in some locations to protect the area, the health and safety of people visiting the area or protect access to the area.

Full list of areas is available in the Nelson City Council Responsible Camping Bylaw

Commercial Campgrounds

Please make use of the campgrounds in Nelson.

Camp	Address
Brook Valley Holiday Reserve	600 Brook Street, The Brook, Nelson
Cable Bay Holiday Park	805 Cable Bay Road, Cable Bay, Nelson
Maitai Valley Motor Camp	472 Maitai Valley Road, Maitai Valley, Nelson
Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park and Motel	230 Vanguard Street, Nelson South, Nelson
Tahuna Beach Holiday Park	70 Beach Road, Tāhunanui, Nelson

Tips for all campers and local dump stations

Keep your campsite clean and tidy - leave no sign of your stay when you leave.

Collect your rubbish and recycling then use a transfer station or dump station to dispose of it.
- There is one free public dump station in Nelson at NPD on St Vincent St. This is the correct place to safely dispose of grey and black wastewater.
- A number of free dump stations are also available in the Tasman District. See the Tasman District Council website for an interactive map.
- Recycling can be disposed of for free at the Pascoe St Transfer Station.
Vehicles and their associated possessions must remain within one single car parking space (where defined) or within 1 metre of the vehicle if a parking space isn’t defined.
Care for the environment, wildlife and public facilities such as toilets, signs and fences.
Confirm that you are allowed to camp in your spot -
- in each of the camping locations, within the green (self-contained) and blue (non-self-contained) painted parks
- in our online GIS map
- signage on site.
Consider other people nearby – share the space, keep noise to a minimum.
The Montgomery Carpark Superloo has cheap showers, lockers, towels, and laundry facilities. It also has a Family Room and an accessible changing table for adults. More information available here.
Normal parking restrictions and charges apply from 8am-5pm weekdays and 9am - 1pm Saturdays. More information available here.

Tiaki Promise

Tiaki means to care for people, place and culture. Care for New Zealand on your travels, for now and for future generations.

When you travel through Aotearoa New Zealand, you too are a part of this story. You too are part of this place. We all have a responsibility to protect it.

Find out more here.