There are a number of reserves, roads and car parks in Tauranga where self-contained mobile homes can freedom camp.
The rules for freedom camping in New Zealand have changed, and are now law.
For more information on this:
Freedom camping changes
You can only stay in any one location for two nights per calendar month.
If you want to freedom camp in Tauranga, you must be in a certified self-contained vehicle that complies with the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023. If you don’t have a self-contained vehicle with the necessary certification, you will need to find a campground.
When freedom camping in a permitted location in Tauranga, it must be within the designated area and you must comply with councils Freedom Camping bylaw. If the designated area is inaccessible for whatever reason, you may not park nearby to freedom camp. You can only stay in any one location for two nights per calendar month, however you can visit other permitted locations. You must park legally and comply with noise requirements.
Freedom campers who do not adhere to these rules, may be issued with an infringement notice. Infringement notices can vary in fee amounts from $400 to $1200, which are set by the New Zealand Government.
Infringement fees and penalties table (277kb pdf)
Please see the factsheet below for more information regarding freedom camping in Tauranga.
Freedom camping factsheet (90kb pdf)
Freedom camping reserves
There are 25 reserves available for overnight parking; however all have restrictions on spaces and days.
Reserve |
Days |
Number of spaces |
Fergusson Park |
7pm Sunday – 10am Friday only |
Three |
Gordon Spratt Reserve |
7pm Sunday – 10am Friday only |
Eight |
Greerton Park |
7pm Sunday – 10am Friday only |
Six |
Mitchell Park |
Available at all times |
Two |
Pemberton Park |
7pm Sunday – 10am Friday only |
Two |
Waipuna Park |
7pm Sunday – 10am Friday only |
Four |
Beach Road Reserve |
Available at all times |
Two |
Carlton Street Reserve |
Available at all times |
Eight |
Cambridge Park |
Available at all times |
Six |
Graham Park |
Available at all times |
Three |
Harrisons Cut |
Available at all times |
Two |
Kulim Park |
Available at all times |
Two |
Marine Park 1 |
Available at all times |
Eight |
Marine Park 2 |
Available at all times |
Three |
Matua Saltmarsh |
Available at all times |
Three |
Maxwells Road Esplanade |
Available at all times. Sealed car park at Ngatai Road end only. |
Two |
Memorial Park |
Available at all times |
Six |
Motiti Reserve |
Available at all times |
Two |
Rotary Park |
Available at all times |
Three |
Stella Place |
Available at all times |
Three |
Taylor Reserve |
Available at all times |
Two |
Tye Park |
Available at all times |
Two |
Waikareao Foreshore |
Available at all times |
Three |
Whareroa Reserve |
Available at all times |
Four |
Mount Greens car park |
Must fit within the confines of a marked and formed parking space from 7am to 8pm. Between the hours of 8pm to 7am vehicles must be parked within the area marked as car parking spaces, but are not restricted to occupying a single space. |
Ten |
Roads and car parks
You can freedom camp on a number of roads and at a number of car parks in the city, but you can’t park in front of a private home or business. Some places you can’t park overnight are:
- Marine Parade or The Mall, Mount Maunganui
- Maunganui Road car park or City Council Administration car park
- any road with a speed limit over 50km/hr or any service lane.
- Macville Park
- Omanu Surf Club car park,
- Sulphur Point
- Cliff Road car park
- Greerton Road car park,
- Turret Road
- Shadelands Lane
- Ocean Downs Reserve
- Papamoa Domain
- The foreshore side of Harbour Drive.
What happens if I break the rules?
Council can issue infringement notices to anyone caught breaching the freedom camping bylaw. You may also be liable for prosecution. Our freedom camping bylaw sets out all of the places you can and cannot freedom camp.
Pay freedom camping infringement online
Freedom Camping Bylaw 2019 (36.6mb pdf)