Freedom camping
Freedom Camping in the Taupō District
The Taupō District is a beautiful part of the Central North Island and a great place to explore by campervan or motorhome. Taupō District Council hopes you take time to enjoy the spectacular scenery including lakes and mountains, get to know the friendly locals and experience all it has to offer.
While we're a camping-friendly district, we support responsible camping and encourage the use of commercial camping grounds, Department of Conservation camping areas and our own designated areas.
Our Freedom Camping Bylaw 2023 was designed to protect our natural environment and ensure sustainability. We allow self-contained and non-self-contained camping in different areas around the district.
Freedom Camping Bylaw 2023 (PDF, 215KB)
Self-contained camping
Certified self-contained vehicles are allowed to park overnight on any council-owned or council-managed land other than on our reserves and Ferry Road, where camping is not permitted (see the map below - areas where camping is not permitted are shown in orange).
If you are unsure of whether you can park your self-contained vehicle in an area of the Taupō District, keep an eye out for signs that show where it is not permitted. You will also need to display your current self-containment warrant to show you meet the New Zealand standard.
Time limits and hours
All campers, including those in certified self-contained vehicles, can stay for a maximum of three nights and/or four days before they need to move on.
Penalties
Please be aware, we actively enforce the rules around freedom camping in our district. If you breach the rules you could receive a $400 fine.
Non-self-contained camping
The map below shows you where you can camp on council land if you are not in a self-contained vehicle. There are three areas to choose from, each with a specific area for camping:
- Hipapatua Recreational Reserve (Reid's Farm) in Taupō
- Mangakino Recreation Reserve
- Whakamaru Recreation Reserve (drinking water is not available at this reserve)
Time limits and hours
All campers, including those in certified self-contained vehicles, can stay for a maximum of three nights and/or four days before they need to move on.
Toilet facilities
Please use public toilets or the toilets available at the designated non-self-contained camping areas.
Penalties
Please be aware, we actively enforce the rules around freedom camping in our district. If you breach the rules you could receive a $400 fine.
Camping map
Dispose of toilet waste at dump stations
Dispose of your motorhome sewage and grey water holding tanks for free at any of our designated wastewater dump stations open 24 hours a day:
Most commercial campgrounds and holiday parks have dump stations available for guests to use.
Dispose of rubbish at transfer stations
At those freedom camping sites where no bins are provided please be aware you must take all your rubbish with you as a 'pack it in, pack it out' arrangement is in place to help protect the environment.
You can dispose of your rubbish and recycling at any of our landfill and transfer stations in the Taupō District.
Learn more about transfer station locations, hours and prices
Other camping locations
Remember, not all public places in the district are managed by the Council and our freedom camping rules don't apply to these areas, such as conservation land and state highways.
Learn about freedom camping on Department of Conservation land
