As well as sites for tents and campervans, holiday parks often have backpacker and motel accommodation.

Many have communal lounges and all have shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Campsites are more basic but they’re often found in stunning natural settings and they are very cheap – sometimes even free! Top 10 Holiday Parks offer budget accommodation in 50 locations around New Zealand. It’s not all about camping – although they do have powered and non-powered sites – some parks also have cabins and motel rooms. Join the Top 10 Club for discounts. For back-to-basics camping, the Department of Conservation operates more than 250 camping grounds. They can be very basic but on the upside you can often stay for free (or at just a small charge) and they are found in wild and wonderful places on conservation land.

Freedom Camping

In many parts of New Zealand freedom camping is only permitted in fully self-contained campervans with toilet, shower and grey water storage. Adhere to the freedom camping etiquette: choose legal spots; never, ever leave rubbish behind; don’t pollute waterways with soap; and never use the outdoors as a toilet. For more info, visit the Camping in New Zealand website.