We have a variety of paid and non-paid camping opportunities in the Whakatāne District - the choice is yours. We just ask you to treat the environment, residents and fellow visitors with consideration and respect.
Where you can freedom camp
You can freedom camp in a certified self-contained vehicle on most council-controlled public land in the Whakatāne District, including most roadsides. Freedom camping in a non-self-contained vehicle, tent or other structure is permitted only at Aniwhenua Reserve for seven consecutive nights.
Some areas around the Whakatāne District need protecting, and all camping is therefore prohibited in those areas. Camping in other areas is restricted and subject to specific conditions. All prohibited and restricted areas are clearly signposted. These areas are regularly monitored and enforced.
Prohibited areas:
- Muriwai Drive
- Kōhī Point Scenic Reserve
- Rex Morpeth Road
- Mahy Reserve
- Wharekura East Reserve
- Ocean Road and Park, 243 Pohutakawa and Otao North Reserves
- Goodwins Landing
- Uretara East and West
- Otao South Reserve
- Ōhiwa Harbour Wharf Carpark
- Braemar Springs
- Western Coastal Reserve (Excluding No.2 carpark)
- Awatarariki Debris Flow Area
Freedom camping is also prohibited in all reserves under the Reserves Act 1977.
Restricted areas:
- McAlister Street Carpark
- West End Road, Carpark, and Reserve
- Maraetōtara Reserve
- Eastern end of Harbour Road and Port Ōhope Reserve
These restricted areas above are subject to the following conditions:
- Vehicles must display a current self-containment certificate
- Vehicles may only be parked in designated camping areas
- A maximum stay of three consecutive nights in any one location within a four-week period
Freedom camping map
Click on a spot on the map to find out where freedom camping is restricted or prohibited.
Responsible freedom camping
We aim to keep our freedom camping areas as clean as possible for everyone to enjoy. You can help by managing your rubbish and recycling. While there are bins in our freedom camping areas, they are for litter only. If large amounts of rubbish or big items are put in these bins, they will fill up and no-one will be able to use them.
- Red bins are for rubbish only - after you have taken out all your recycling.
- Blue bins are for clean glass bottles and jars.
- Yellow bins are for clean, mixed recycling (paper, cardboard, tins, cans, plastics). Please note we only accept grade 1, 2 and 5 plastics in our mixed recycling any other plastics should go in your rubbish.
Find out more about rubbish and recycling in our district
What happens if I break the rules?
Council can issue instant $400-$800 fines to anyone caught breaching the freedom camping bylaw. You may also be liable for prosecution. These are set by the New Zealand Government.
Freedom Camping infringement offences and penalties (via mbie.govt.nz) - (PDF, 277 KB)
Homelessness
Those experiencing homelessness are not subject to freedom camping infringements and penalties. Enforcement officers will refer these people to social support agencies when appropriate.
Camping grounds
There are many paid camping grounds within the District, most with full facilities.
- Riverside Whakatāne Holiday Park
- Thornton Beach Holiday Park
- Pikowai Campground
- Ōhope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
- Awakeri Hot springs
- Ōhope Christian Camp
- Murphy’s Holiday Camp
- Matatā DOC Camp
More information
For more information on camping in public places in the Whakatāne District, please contact Whakatāne District Council or the Whakatāne Information Centre.
Whakatāne District Council
- 07 306 0500
- info@whakatane.govt.nz
Whakatāne Visitor Centre
- Contact the isite via their website »
- 07 306 2030
- 0800 942 528
- whakataneinfo@whakatane.govt.nz