Wellington is more than just a ferry terminal â itâs your final stop on the North Island before crossing the Cook Strait to the South. Whether you’re finishing a big road trip from Cape RÄinga or heading down from Tongariro, Rotorua, or Taranaki, this vibrant capital region offers the perfect blend of urban convenience, coastal views, and campervan-friendly stays. Below, youâll find our top picks for paid campgrounds, freedom camping spots, and key services to help you wrap up your North Island adventure stress-free.
đš Paid Holiday Parks with Full Facilities
Wellington TOPâŻ10 Holiday Park â Lower Hutt (Moera)
- Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$30pp
- Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, communal kitchen & bathrooms, laundry, BBQ, playground, dump station, spa, WiâFi, rec room
- Why itâs great: Spacious park just 15âŻmin from the city, with family-friendly amenities and easy access to Wellington via public transport.
- Tips: Pre-book for events and weekends; great services like linen hire and car washâŻ.
Kiwi Holiday Park â Upper Hutt
- Type: Holiday park | Cost: ~$25pp
- Facilities: Powered sites, modern bathrooms, laundry, dump station, BBQ areas, playground, 5âŻGB free WiâFiâŻ
- Why itâs great: Perfect mid-way rest stop before entering Wellington, near river walks and attractions.
- Tips: Ideal for families or travellers wanting a clean, accessible base in the Hutt Valley.
Ready to book your campground? Most campervan sites in Aotearoa â New Zealand are bookable directly through the holiday parkâs website or apps like CamperMate and Rankers. If youâre looking for cabins or motel-style units instead, many of these can be booked via Trip.com or Tripadvisor
And donât forget Travel Insurance that covers campervan trips especially handy if youâre carrying gear or heading remote.
đ Freedom Camping (Self-Contained Only)
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park â Pauatahanui
- Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
- Facilities: Farm and forest walkways, basic toilets (day-use), river accessâŻ
- Why itâs great: A peaceful, rural escape with trails and forest close to central Wellington.
- Tips: Part working farmâavoid spring lambing closures. No dump or power; self-contained only.
Kaitoke / Belmont Regional Park (Lower Hutt)
- Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
- Facilities: Public toilets, picnic areas, stream / walking tracksâŻ
- Why itâs great: Shaded hillside spot with river and forest walksâa lovely stop outside Hutt Valley.
- Tips: Adhere to bylaw rules and campsite signs to avoid fines (e.g. no lakeside misuse)âŻ.
Porirua â Camp Elsdon Carpark
- Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
- Facilities: None onsite (near public facilities
- Why itâs great: Handy for a stopover before entering Wellingtonâclose to beaches and town amenities.
- Tips: Stay in designated bays; great for a quick rest or early start.
đł DOC / Conservation Camping
While there are no formal DOC campgrounds within metro Wellington, nearby Akatarawa Forest and Battle Hill offer bush-washed freedom camping experiences worth exploring (see above).
𧰠Essential Services & Pit Stops
| Service | Locations & Info |
| Dump Stations | On-site at Wellington TOPâŻ10; Upper Hutt Kiwi Holiday Park; Evans Bay Marina (Harbour End)⯠|
| Public Toilets | Evans Bay Marina; Regional Parks (Hutt, Belmont); Porirua town-centre |
| Laundromats | On-site at holiday parks; city/pop-up laundries in Hutt Valley and central Wellington |
| Supermarkets | Countdown & New World in Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua |
| Fuel & Food Stops | Ferry terminals (Interislander, Bluebridge), café stops in Evans Bay & Petone |
â Quick Safety & Bylaw Tips
- Wellington area enforces freedom camping rules strictlyâonly in signed, self-contained zonesâŻ
- Dump & fill stations often carry signs saying NO overnight stayâpark elsewhere if staying over.
- Fines of up to $400 apply for breachesâŻ
âŽïž Crossing Between Islands?
If you’re heading to or from the North Island, be sure to book your Ferry Crossing. Both Interislander and Bluebridge offer campervan options and scenic Cook Strait crossings.
E huri tĆ aroaro ki te rÄ, tukuna tĆ ataarangi ki muri i a koe
Turn and face the sun and let your shadow fall behind you
Why Book Your Campervan with Motorhome Republic?
With dozens of trusted rental brands in one place, Motorhome Republic makes it easy to compare, choose and book the right campervan for your Aotearoa â New Zealand adventure. From budget-friendly options to premium motorhomes, youâll find something that suits your travel style and trip length.
We love recommending them because their booking process is simple, their customer service is excellent and they work with top suppliers across the country. Whether you’re picking up in Auckland, Christchurch or somewhere in between â itâs a hassle-free way to get on the road faster.
âBooking was easy, support was great and we got the perfect camper for our road trip. It was exactly what we hoped for.â
â Feedback from a Motorhome Republic customer
đżLooking for more travel inspiration?
- Read about the Best Times to Visit Aotearoa â New Zealand
- Improve your cultural connection by Mastering MÄori Pronunciation
- Have a laugh with our fun Kiwi Slang Guide
- Explore 10 Enchanting Landscapes you wonât want to miss
E huri tĆ aroaro ki te rÄ, tukuna tĆ ataarangi ki muri i a koe
Turn and face the sun and let your shadow fall behind you