Nelson welcomes responsible campers who come here to enjoy our natural landscapes and vibrant city life. Freedom camping is a popular way to experience the region, and it works best for everyone—campers, residents, and the wider community—when the rules are respected.
Freedom camping is regulated under the Responsible Camping Bylaw 2025, which came into effect on 1 October 2025. To support responsible camping, overnight self-contained vehicle capacity has been increased at Buxton Square (20 spaces), Wakatu Square (19 spaces), and Montgomery Square (31 spaces, not available on Friday and Saturday nights). Camping in self-contained vehicles remains permitted at Wakapuaka Reserve and Queen Elizabeth II Drive Gardens.
Buxton Square will also provide 10 spaces for non-self-contained vehicles, selected for its proximity to 24-hour public toilets and the city centre. Please note that freedom camping is no longer permitted at Kinzett Terrace, Isel Park, and the Maitai Cricket Ground.
If you’re planning to freedom camp in Nelson, find out how to do it responsibly at our website here.
A minor correction has been made to the maps to correct the freedom camping area in Buxton Square and add clarity to the legends. The updated Bylaw is available online here.
