There are many places you can camp in the Westland District, ranging from fully serviced holiday parks to Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites. Westland District Council encourages campers to be responsible, treat our environment with care and respect our communities.
Check out our Responsible Camping Brochure which includes tips for minimising waste.
Freedom Camping is only permitted if your vehicle is certified self-contained.
Learn more about the new regulations in place for certifying self-contained vehicles here.
The Westland District Council has three responsible freedom camping sites across the District alongside the numerous campsites provided by commercial operators and the Department of Conservation. Learn more about where these campsites are located below.
Please note that Council reserves are not permitted for freedom camping (under the Reserves Act) and fines may be issued for rule breakers.
Where can I camp in Westland District?
1. In and around Kumara
2. In and around Hokitika
3. In and around Ross
4. In and around Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
5. In and around Paringa & Haast
Where are our Responsible Freedom Camping Sites?
There are three more formalised responsible freedom camping sites in the Westland District. These are located in:
1. Kumara Domain, Seddon Street (Kumara)
2. Woodstock Domain, 47 Back Creek Road (Rimu/Woodstock)
3. Paringa Salmon Farm, 6156 Haast Highway (Paringa)
These sites are operated by our local communities. Please be prepared to pay the required donation fee for using their facilities.
Do I need a Certified Self-Contained Vehicle?
If your vehicle is not certified self-contained or you wish to camp in a tent please stay with one of our commercial operators.
Check out our brochures above which have maps of the commercial operators across the District.
Where can I dump waste from my Certified Self-Contained Vehicle?
Council dump stations are available in the following locations:
1. Hokitika - Oxidation Ponds, SH6
2. Franz Josef - Between Cron Street and SH6
3. Haast - by the toilets on Marks Road
Camping Resources
Find out more information about campsites and freedom camping on these websites:
• Motor Camps
• Rankers
• Campermate
• Department of Conservation – Camping on the West Coast
• Department of Conservation – Freedom Camping
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