Can you camp on DOC land?

Yes, you can freedom camp on public conservation land. Note that there is no freedom camping on Great Walk tracks where you can only camp at Conservation Campsites, or stay in huts (except for the Milford Track Great Walk which only has huts).

What is a DOC campsite?

DOC manages more than 200 campsites throughout New Zealand. They are places to relax, enjoy and explore the outdoors. Choose from forest settings, lakeshores and sandy beaches.

Can you take dogs to DOC campsites?

Dogs and other pets are not allowed in DOC campgrounds unless specified. Dogs are not allowed inside any DOC hut or lodge. In some cases, there may be a kennel beside the hut.

Is it illegal to camp in forests?

Other national parks are clear in their guidance that, although they may include areas of common-access land, wild camping is not one of the rights allowed. Making a wild camping pitch legal is as simple as asking a landowner whether it’s okay if you pitch up for a night or two.

Can you camp for free in NZ?

Responsible freedom camping can be a popular choice for some New Zealand visitors; but while it is free of charge, it is not free of responsibility. Responsible freedom camping is camping in a tent, campervan or motor vehicle on public land, on a site with minimal or no facilities, such as toilets or showers.

Can you sleep in your car in New Zealand?

Some people when travelling around New Zealand want to sleep in their car to save money on accommodation. Sleeping in your car in any public place or areas that are some “self-contained” vehicles only is illegal and getting caught could land you an instant NZ$200 fine.

Is Doc part of the government?

We are the government agency charged with conserving New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage.

Can you freedom camp at Mt Cook?

Lake Pukaki’s freedom camping site has to be one of the most visually spectacular areas in New Zealand. Pukaki is a stunning blue lake, located at the foot of Aoraki Mount Cook. The Mackenzie Basin is a large, sparsely populated area expanse of farming land.

Is freedom camping free?

Responsible freedom camping can be a popular choice for some New Zealand visitors; but while it is free of charge, it is not free of responsibility. However, there are some basic rules that all responsible freedom campers must follow.

Can you take dogs to Mt Cook?

Dogs and other pets are not allowed in Mount Cook Village, the campground, or on any of the tracks in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Bikes are not allowed on hiking tracks, but they are permitted on vehicle roads and a few cycleways, like the bike trails bordering Hooker Valley Road and Tasman Valley Road.