Freedom camping
COVID-19 UPDATE
At Alert Level 2 Self-contained camping at the sites listed below is permitted but please
* keep physical distancing from people not in your group (ideally 2m)
* keep any group sizes to under 10
* keep a record of where you've been and who you've seen and
* wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.
If you are unwell, please call your GP or Healthline if you have cold or flu-like symptoms and do not use the reserve’s facilities to reduce the risk of transmission to other reserve users. Under Level 2: Reduce, there remains a risk of the virus re-emerging so we all still need to do our part to reduce this risk. Thank you for your co-operation.
Types of camping
Camping in the Waipā District is regulated by reserve management plan policies for each park and reserve and covers two different types; contained and conventional.
- Contained camping refers to self-contained motor homes and camper vans that require self containment certification.
- Conventional camping refers to any tent, caravan or other vehicle that does not need to be certified as a self contained unit.
We recommend Camper Mate app for finding camping areas, public toilets, parks and reserves around New Zealand.
Click here for a map of all sites
Contained Camping Guidelines
Please enjoy your stay at one of our camping areas and respect our guidelines.
- A maximum stay of two consecutive nights.
- Park only in the designated parking area.
- Please take all your litter with you.
- Fires are not permitted on any public conservation land including parks, reserves, campgrounds or DOC Areas.
- Dogs must be on a lead at all times when on Council parks and reserves, unless the areas are designated otherwise.
- If you see there is more than the allocated number of campers at a site, please move on to another available campground.
Where can I camp?
Mighty River Domain – Lake Karāpiro
No
restriction on number of nights permitted for contained or conventional camping
- Access via 601 Maungatautari Road
- Charges apply
- Mighty River Power Domain Reserve Management Plan.
- More information on Accomodation
Arapuni lakeside reserves
Contained camping: up to two consecutive nights stay permitted
Conventional camping: no conventional overnight camping on any lakeside reserve permitted
- Arapuni Landing
access via Arapuni Landing Road off Te Ana Road. - 15 Camper Max per night - Bulmer’s Landing
access via Bulmer’s Road. - 10 Camper Max per night
Karāpiro lakeside reserves
Contained camping: up to two consecutive nights stay permitted
Conventional camping: no conventional overnight camping on any lakeside reserve permitted
- Moana Roa Recreational Reserve
access via SH1. - 15 Camper Max per night - Keeley Recreational Reserve
access via SH1. - 15 Camper Max per night - Horahora Domain
access via Maungatautari Road. - 30 Camper Max per night
Lake Ngāroto
Contained camping: up to two consecutive nights stay permitted
Conventional camping: only permitted in association with and for the duration of an event on the site, to a maximum of five consecutive days
- Access via Bank Road
- Lake Ngāroto Reserve Management Plan
Kihikihi Domain
Contained camping: only permitted in association with and for the duration of events on the site
Conventional camping: no conventional overnight camping is permitted
- Access via Dick, Grey, Oliver, or Atkinson Street
- Kihikihi Domain Reserve Management Plan.
Rata-tu Reserve at Kihikihi
Contained camping: up to two consecutive nights stay permitted
Conventional camping: no conventional overnight camping is permitted
- Access via Havelock Street
- Rata-tu Reserve Management Plan.
Urban reserves
Areas like playgrounds, sports fields, cycle ways etc
Contained and conventional camping is only permitted on specific designated camping grounds, or in association with a scout or similar youth event, circus or market event pre-approved by council in all cases.
- Charges apply
- Waipa Urban Reserves Management Plan.
Find other short and long term camping sites in the Waipā District at one of the following locations:
