Holiday Park (Privately managed campsite) Vehicle: Any vehicle. Fully equipped facilities: hot showers, kitchen, laundry, power, Wi-Fi, etc. Paid accommodation, approximately $20–$50 NZD per person per night DOC Campground (Nationally managed public campsite) Vehicle: Any vehicle. Managed by the Department of Conservation Mostly located in scenic areas, costing $0–$25 NZD per person per night Annual passes can be used, but some campsites are excluded Usually only basic facilities available Self-contained Free Campground Vehicle: Only for Self Contained vehicles. Self Contained Laws After June 7, 2026, only green stickers will be valid.Requirements for self-containment: Water supply system that stores and conveys water securely Fixed toilet that collects human waste securely Wastewater system for greywater and blackwater Sink that drains to the wastewater system Means of loading water securely Means of disposing of wastewater hygienically Secure rubbish storage Ventilation system for odour removal Must use a certified self-contained vehicle Mostly at government-designated locations, such as by lakes or parking areas Free Parking Vehicle: Not necessarily allowed. Overnight stays are not always allowed; make sure it is marked “Overnight Parking Allowed.” Private Campgrounds Vehicle: Not necessarily all types allowed. Usually operated by individuals or farm wineries, offering diverse styles Some provide unique experiences, such as farm animals, hot springs, or fishing Summary Table Legend Allowed Not Allowed Not necessarily Campsite TypeSelf-containedNon-self-containedNotesHoliday ParkAllowedAllowedFully equipped facilities, paidDOC CampgroundAllowedAllowedAnnual passes available, only basic facilitiesSelf-contained Free CampgroundAllowedNot AllowedVehicle must have a green certified sticker (after June 7, 2026)Private CampgroundsAllowedMaybeDiverse facilities and experiencesFree ParkingMaybeMaybeConfirm if “Overnight Parking Allowed” Important A campsite does not automatically allow tent pitching; check the rules carefully. Fines Fines of $400–$800 may apply for not following the rules. Commonly Used Software CamperMate Showers Laundry Toilets RANKERS BlueBridge Ferry 10% Discount DOC Campsite Marked Animals Encounter Trail track Farmer Market Shared Features Both apps include: Campsites Drinking water Supermarkets Free Wi-Fi Fuel stations Sources Holiday Parks NZ | TOP 10 Holiday Parks top10.co.nz Holiday Parks New Zealand | Plan Your NZ Holiday Park Adventure holidayparks.co.nz Stay at a campsite | DOC doc.govt.nz