Wellington is more than just a ferry terminal — it’s 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 Rēinga 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, you’ll find our top picks for paid campgrounds, freedom camping spots, and key services to help you wrap up your North Island adventure stress-free.
🚐 Need a Campervan for Your Journey?
Looking to explore Aotearoa – New Zealand by road? Start by comparing motorhome options with Motorhome Republic. It’s a simple way to find the best fit for your travel style — whether you’re after a cosy van for two or a fully equipped home on wheels.
🏨 Paid Holiday Parks with Full Facilities
Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park – Lower Hutt (Moera)
- Type: Holiday park | Cost: From ~$30pp
- Facilities: Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, communal kitchen & bathrooms, laundry, BBQ, playground, dump station, spa, Wi‑Fi, rec room
- Why it’s great: Spacious park just 15 min 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 wash .
Kiwi Holiday Park – Upper Hutt
- Type: Holiday park | Cost: ~$25pp
- Facilities: Powered sites, modern bathrooms, laundry, dump station, BBQ areas, playground, 5 GB free Wi‑Fi
- Why it’s 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 – New Zealand are bookable directly through the holiday park’s website or apps like CamperMate and Rankers. If you’re looking for cabins or motel-style units instead, many of these can be booked via Booking.com or Tripadvisor
And don’t forget Travel Insurance that covers campervan trips — especially handy if you’re carrying gear or heading remote.
🚐 Freedom Camping (Self-Contained Only)
Battle Hill Farm Forest Park – Pauatahanui
- Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
- Facilities: Farm and forest walkways, basic toilets (day-use), river access
- Why it’s great: A peaceful, rural escape with trails and forest close to central Wellington.
- Tips: Part working farm—avoid 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 tracks
- Why it’s great: Shaded hillside spot with river and forest walks—a lovely stop outside Hutt Valley.
- Tips: Adhere to bylaw rules and campsite signs to avoid fines (e.g. no lakeside misuse) .
Porirua – Camp Elsdon Carpark
- Type: Freedom camping | Cost: Free
- Facilities: None onsite (near public facilities
- Why it’s great: Handy for a stopover before entering Wellington—close to beaches and town amenities.
- Tips: Stay in designated bays; great for a quick rest or early start.
🌳 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).
🧰 Essential Services & Pit Stops
| Service | Locations & Info |
| Dump Stations | On-site at Wellington TOP 10; 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 |
✅ Quick Safety & Bylaw Tips
- Wellington area enforces freedom camping rules strictly—only in signed, self-contained zones
- Dump & fill stations often carry signs saying NO overnight stay—park elsewhere if staying over.
- Fines of up to $400 apply for breaches
⛴️ 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 tō aroaro ki te rā, tukuna tō ataarangi ki muri i a koe
Turn and face the sun and let your shadow fall behind you
E huri tō aroaro ki te rā, tukuna tō ataarangi ki muri i a koe
Turn and face the sun and let your shadow fall behind you