Freedom Camping in Tauranga

A guide to camping at McLaren Falls Park, and the council rules that apply to freedom camping around Tauranga.

Freedom camping in Tauranga is more restricted than in many parts of New Zealand. Tauranga City Council enforces strict rules on where certified self-contained and non-self-contained vehicles can stay overnight, so options within the city itself are limited. The wider Bay of Plenty has coastal and roadside spots around Pukehina, Tahawai and along the road east to Ōpōtiki. Always check current signage and council rules before staying.

Freedom camping near me: the Tauranga freedom camping map

72 freedom camping sites and dump stations in and around Tauranga. Tap one for details and directions, or find one by tapping Freedom camping near me.

Map of 72 freedom camping sites and dump stations

Has a guide on this siteCamping site or dump stationGroup: tap to zoom in

Map data sources

Freedom camping pins set on LINZ aerial photos (CC BY 4.0). Sites, rules and facilities from Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council pages. Rules change: check the linked page before you stay.

Freedom camping guides for Tauranga

4 freedom camping guides

McLaren Falls ParkCamping, Walks and ActivitiesNo dogsMcLaren Falls Park is a 190-hectare parkland beside Lake McLaren, just ten minutes by car from Tauranga.

Ōmokoroa Freedom CampingHarbour Sites and Two Dump Stations near TaurangaFreedom camping at Ōmokoroa: three council sites for self-contained vehicles on Tauranga Harbour, the 3-night rule, two dump stations and dog rules.

Pukehina Beach Freedom CampingFour Beach Reserves near TaurangaFreedom camping at Pukehina Beach: four council reserves on Pukehina Parade for self-contained vehicles, the 3-night rule, facilities and dump stations.

Waihī Beach Freedom CampingFive Self-Contained Sites near TaurangaFreedom camping at Waihī Beach: five council sites for self-contained vehicles, the 3-night rule, seasonal closures, the dump station and showers.