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Camping and campervans in Christchurch and Akaroa

There are plenty of beautiful camping spots in Christchurch, Akaroa and Banks Peninsula for you to enjoy. To protect our environment we have different rules depending on if you are staying in a tent, car or campervan.

Know where to campCamping in a tent or a vehicle without on-board facilities

If you are camping in a tent or sleeping in a vehicle without facilities, you need to stay in a camping ground that has facilities you can use.

The map below will show you where to stay.

Self-contained campervans (freedom camping)

If your campervan is certified self-contained, with a toilet, wastewater and rubbish facilities on-board, then you may freedom camp in some areas in Christchurch, Akaroa and the Bank Peninsula.

Camping in town centres, some resident settlements, and in Council parks and reserves isn't allowed.

The map below shows you where you can and can’t stay, as well as camping grounds, dump stations, rubbish and recycling facilities, and public toilet locations. You can also use camping apps, like CamperMate(external link).

See our Freedom Camping Bylaw for more information.

Our campgrounds offer different experiences from small, relaxed seaside sites through to larger fully serviced holiday parks. All our campgrounds welcome different ways of camping, from tents to campervans.

Take a look at:

Be responsible campers and help us to protect our environment.

  • Respect nearby residents and wildlife.
  • Park considerately, not blocking any roads, driveways or tracks.
  • Use our free public toilets or your onboard toilet. It’s not permitted to go to the toilet beside the road, in the bush, on the ground, on the beach, or in a river, creek or lake.
  • Only empty your campervan toilet at a dump station, use our map to find the closest one.
  • Take your rubbish with you, or put it into a Council rubbish bin. If the bin is full, please phone us on (03) 941 8999 or 0800 800 169.
  • Lighting campfires can pose a risk to the community and the environment, and the rules change from place to place. Use a gas fire if cooking food, and be sure that it is clear of any flammable material.

The Freedom Camping Act allows for the Council to issue a fine of $200 if someone is found freedom camping, or making preparations to freedom camp, in a local authority area and in breach of the Council's Bylaw, including any temporarily closed sites.

Full details are in the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2021(external link).

Freedom Camping Infringements can be paid in person or by phone.

In-person

You can pay in person at a Council service centre(external link).

Phone (24 hours a day)

You can pay over the phone using any major credit card. Call the Customer Call Centre on 0800 800 169.

Check the Department of Conservation(external link) website for more campsites and camping tips and activities.

Appeal a freedom camping infringement

Apply

Camping in a tent or a vehicle without certified on-board facilities

You need to stay at a campground where there are facilities you can use. Camping in a tent or vehicle without certified on-board facilities is not permitted anywhere in Akaroa or Banks Peninsula.

Full details are in the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2021(external link).

Narrow, steep and unsealed roads

Some of the roads in Akaroa and Banks Peninsula are narrow, steep and unsealed with limited places to turn around. For everyone's safety we advise that you don't travel on roads marked 'Not suitable for campervans' or '4WD drive only' unless you are in a suitable vehicle. 

To plan your journey, check the road conditions and get more information, visit journeys.nzta.govt.nz/christchurch(external link)

Campervan parking in Akaroa

Akaroa has narrow streets and limited parking at busy times - for daytime parking, larger vehicles are encouraged to park near the Akaroa boat ramp area. 

Wherever you decide to park, please park considerately, and in a park that is the right size for your vehicle.

Our Freedom Camping Bylaw was made in 2021 under the Freedom Camping Act of 2011. 

This bylaw controls freedom camping in certain areas owned or managed by the Council in order to protect these areas, including protecting access to the areas and the health and safety of people using them.

View our Freedom Camping Bylaw 2021.

If you want to give us a suggestion, compliment or complaint, you can provide feedback.