Queenstown is a popular destination for travellers who want to experience the beauty and adventure of New Zealand’s South Island. Many visitors choose to camp in Queenstown, as it offers a more affordable and authentic way to enjoy the natural surroundings. However, freedom camping in Queenstown is not as easy as it may seem. There are strict rules and regulations that you need to follow if you want to camp for free in Queenstown, and there are also some challenges and risks that you need to be aware of. In this article, we will explain what freedom camping is, where you can and cannot do it in Queenstown, and what are the alternatives if you want to camp in Queenstown.
What is Freedom Camping?
Freedom camping is a term used to describe camping on public land that is not a designated campground or holiday park. Freedom camping usually means camping for free, without paying any fees or charges. However, freedom camping also means camping without any facilities or services, such as toilets, showers, water, power, or rubbish bins. Freedom camping requires you to be self-sufficient and responsible for your own waste and impact on the environment.
Where Can You Freedom Camp in Queenstown?
Freedom camping is extremely limited in Queenstown. You cannot camp for free anywhere without a certified self-contained vehicle. A certified self-contained vehicle must have a toilet, fresh water storage, waste water storage, and a rubbish bin with a lid. It must also have a self-containment certificate warrant card displayed at all times.
Certified self-contained vehicles can park for a maximum of four nights per calendar month on public land outside of the restricted zones outlined on the Queenstown Lakes District Council website. However, there are very few places where you can do this legally and safely in Queenstown, as most of the public land is either within the restricted zones or unsuitable for camping due to traffic, noise, or environmental issues.
Some of the places where you can freedom camp in Queenstown with a certified self-contained vehicle are:
- Twenty Five Mile Stream: A scenic spot along the Queenstown-Glenorchy Road, about 27km (17 miles) from Queenstown. There are no facilities here and no toilets.
- Kawarau Bridge Car Park: The place where people bungy jump from the Kawarau Bridge, just off State Highway 6. There are toilets here but no other facilities.
- Crown Range Road Summit Car Park: A high-altitude car park with amazing views over the valleys and lakes, on the southern end of the Cardrona Valley. There are no facilities here.
Where Can You Not Freedom Camp in Queenstown?
You cannot freedom camp anywhere within the city limits or residential areas of Queenstown. This includes the town centre, Frankton, Fernhill, Sunshine Bay, Kelvin Heights, Arthurs Point, Lake Hayes Estate, Shotover Country, Jacks Point, and Quail Rise. You also cannot freedom camp on any Department of Conservation (DOC) land or reserves, such as Moke Lake or Bob’s Cove.
You cannot freedom camp anywhere where there is a sign that says “No Camping” or “Camping Prohibited”. You also cannot freedom camp anywhere where it would be unsafe, inconvenient, or disrespectful to other people or the environment.
If you are caught freedom camping illegally in Queenstown, you may face a fine of up to $200 or have your vehicle impounded.
What are the Alternatives to Freedom Camping in Queenstown?
If you want to camp in Queenstown but do not have a certified self-contained vehicle or do not want to deal with the hassle and uncertainty of freedom camping, there are some alternatives that you can consider.
One option is to stay at one of the many campgrounds or holiday parks in Queenstown or nearby areas. These places offer a range of facilities and services for campers, such as toilets, showers, kitchens, laundry, power, wifi, and rubbish disposal. They also offer different types of accommodation options, such as tent sites, powered sites, cabins, or motels. Some of the campgrounds or holiday parks in Queenstown are:
- Lakeview Holiday Park: A centrally located holiday park with stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. It offers tent sites, powered sites, cabins, and motels.
- Creeksyde Holiday Park: A quirky and eco-friendly holiday park within walking distance from the town centre. It offers tent sites, powered sites, cabins, and motels.
- Twelve Mile Delta Campsite: A DOC campsite along the Queenstown-Glenorchy Road, about 12km (7 miles) from Queenstown. It offers non-powered sites only.
- Glendhu Bay Motor Camp: A spacious and scenic holiday park on the shores of Lake Wanaka, about 10km (6 miles) from Wanaka. It offers tent sites, powered sites, cabins, and motels.
Another option is to stay at one of the many hostels or budget accommodations in Queenstown. These places offer a more comfortable and social way to stay in Queenstown without breaking the bank. They offer different types of rooms and beds, such as dorms, private rooms, or apartments. They also offer shared facilities and services such as bathrooms, kitchens, lounges, wifi, and activities. Some of the hostels or budget accommodations in Queenstown are:
- Nomads Queenstown Hostel: A modern and lively hostel in the heart of Queenstown. It offers dorms and private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
- Pinewood Lodge: A relaxed and spacious lodge with a range of accommodation options from dorms to apartments. It offers shared facilities such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry and parking.
- Melbourne Lodge Bed & Breakfast: A cosy and friendly bed and breakfast with stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. It offers private rooms with shared or ensuite bathrooms and breakfast included.
- Adventure Queenstown Hostel: A boutique and social hostel within walking distance from the town centre. It offers dorms, female-only dorms, private rooms and family rooms with shared facilities.
- Driftaway Queenstown: A flashy new holiday park on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. It offers cheap cabins and camping facilities for campervans and tents.
- YHA Queenstown Lakefront: A cosy and friendly hostel with lake views and a short walk from the town centre. It offers dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms.