My understanding is that NZ is clamping down on freedom camping due to the negative affects its had on the environment. Irresponsible freedom campers have wreaked havoc with improper litter, grey water and human waste disposal.

Freedom campers aren't popular with the local residents.

Contact the Campervan and Motor Home Club - there should be one in NZ otherwise contact the Australian one CMCA http://www.cmca.net.au
They are affiliated with NZ and will be able to get you up to date info.

We had no trouble freedom camping but it was ten years ago. Generally we kept away from the main tourist places but did camp at places like a foreshore carpark. We toured for ten days and only paid for one night and a water board park $2/night/pp. (We travel the same way in Austrlia in our own van and have never stayed in a commercial caravan park)

Generally don't be obvious (with a small van that is a lot easier). Stay only one night in any given place. Stay our of town in a forest or lookout etc. Leave early in the morning. Clean up after yourself. Take some garbage bags and clean up the site if it needs it. Tuck yourself away from plain site. Don't set up awnings and the like unless it is a campground. Don't camp in view of a campground/caravan park. Be sensible and courteous.

If you are "older looking" you will "get away" with more as you won't look like free loading hippies or backpackers. Claim ignorance of old age and humbly apologise. We have only been approached twice in 20 years and were politely asked not to do it again. No fines etc. NZ May be different as Mel says and she is the resident expert.

Generally they have to prove you stayed overnight which means checking on the site three times during the night. As you will be in the low season few councils or police are going to about late at night.

It is interesting to note that Australia is going the opposite way to NZ. The CMCA is actively encouraging towns to be RV Friendly and have overnight spots. Towns are realising that there is money to be had other than camping fees from RV Tourists. Many RV Tourists such as ourselves will not stay where we are not welcome and there not spend ANY money in that town.

Enjoy yourself and be sure to spend money in places where Campervans are wlecome and TELL them. Businesses will soon get the idea.

Best not cheap beware MILEAGE add ons...

KEA Campers has motorhome and campervan rental locations in New Zealand,Depots are located in Auckland and Christchurch.
nzrentals.keacampers.com/en/Default.aspx

www.escaperentals.co.nz/photos.asp youngerbackpacker crowd.
land

www.bedmobils.com/camper/new-zealand-travel-information.html ·

Shop around above based on budget not too cheap they are clamping down a lot on free camping usually carrentals.com cheap unlimited miles guest houses hostelbookers.com
cheapest bestway to go for me these days.

Good luck be careful many touts scammers here and there.

Oh my gosh! I did not mean to imply that we are only wanting to "free camp"! There is very little of that in Canada, except Walmart and some shopping mall parking lots, gag. We are perfectly fine with paying for camping and certainly do not want to offend the NZ people.
melnq8, I believe the reasons you list is also why Canada has discouraged free camping, many people just do not pick up their trash
We are in our early 50's, peterSale, and are not looking so much for economy travel as for self serve go as we please travel. We do like to travel in comfort, however, no hostelries or shared accommodations, did that all in the early years, ha. Will check out the CMCA site, thanks
qwovadis thanks to you for all the above sites, will look into them as well.

No worries, Colleen, I think we all realize you're just exploring your options. I zeroed in on the freedom camping bit as it was in the news a lot while we were in NZ in June.