Freedom camping
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.
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 - Please note* Bulmer’s landing has been closed for the past month as we repaired a damaged toilet block caused by vandalism and endeavoured to re-establish grass adjacent to the boat ramp which had been damaged by disruptive vehicle behaviour. Since last summer we received a number of complaints about antisocial vehicle behaviour on the reserve, with concerns for the safety of smaller children. A gate has been installed at the toilet block to prevent vehicle access to the southern end of the reserve. This allows families, particularly those with smaller children to enjoy the reserve without any danger from vehicle activity.
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.
Turata Reserve at Kihikihi
Contained camping: up to two consecutive nights stay permitted
Conventional camping: no conventional overnight camping is permitted
- Access via Havelock Street
- Turata 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:
