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.
Wastewater Dump Stations
A wastewater dump station is a small facility designed to protect public health and the environment by ensuring the proper disposal of wastewater from recreational vehicles e.g. motorhomes, campervans, and boats.
Public Wastewater Dump Stations:
Cambridge
Matos Segedin Drive
Cambridge
Site ID 1624
Latitude: -37.89986
Longitude: 175.45596
Cost - FREE
Te Awamutu
Mobile Service Station
133 Arawata Street
Te Awamutu
Site ID 1799
Latitude: -38.00921
Longitude: 175.32694
Cost - FREE
Private Wastewater Dump Stations:
Private dump stations are located on sites that are managed by contactors who have costs to administer this type of septic waste.
Cambridge Top 10 Holiday Park
32 Scott Street
Leamington
Cost - $10 per use
Lake Karāpiro Campground
601 Maungatautari Road
Cambridge
Cost - $6 per use
For more Public Dump Station sites around the country, head to the New Zealand Motorcaravan Association (NZMCA) website.
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.
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.
Find other short and long term camping sites in the Waipā District at one of the following locations:
