In a self-contained vehicle?
If you are in a self-contained vehicle you can camp anywhere in our district except in the prohibited areas. You can stay up to 3 nights in each area.
Note: Some areas have restrictions. Self-contained camping at The Point in Ngaruawahia is restricted to a designated area and it can’t be used if the area is required for events. At St Stephens Car Park in Tuakau you can only camp in a self-contained vehicle between the hours of 6pm and 10am and you can’t stay for more than two nights.
Not in>
You can camp at Onewhero Domain and Te Kauwhata Domain but you can’t camp in these areas for more than 2 nights if you aren’t self-contained. It is free to camp in these areas.
Otherwise you’ll need to stay in a holiday park, campground
or a Department of Conservation>
Freedom>
If you are driving a certified self-contained vehicle, please dispose of your grey water (sink and shower) and toilet waste in a safe and environmentally sound way at an approved dump station. It is recommended that you dispose of your waste every 2-3 days.
You’ll find dump stations in the following areas:
Freedom Camping Act 2011 and our Freedom Camping Bylaw 2016
Under the Waikato District Council Freedom Camping Bylaw (2016), you can receive a $200 fine if you do not comply with the rules. You can also be fined for littering or making too much noise.
Camping Grounds
Ngaruawahia Domain
Vehicles can park overnight from 10pm – 9am in the designated parking area at The Point, outside the Squash Club.
St. Stephen’s car park, Tuakau
Vehicles are welcome 6pm – 10am for a maximum of two nights.
Lake Hakanoa Motor Caravan Park
5 Taihua St, Huntly Phone: 07 828 8363
Mobile: 027 497 8925
Email: davecarol@xtra.co.nz
With stunning views over Lake Hakanoa, the camp is close to a fully equipped gymnasium, a heated swimming pool and several kilometres of picturesque walkways. The camp has power sites, non-power sites, cabins, and campervans are welcome. Camp managers are Dave and Carol Franks.
Please contact the camp for a list of prices.
Raglan Holiday Park Papahua
61 Marine Parade, Raglan Phone: 07 825 8283
Email: stay@raglanholidaypark.co.nz
Office hours: 8am – 8pm. Winter hours may vary.
A large picturesque family camp with accommodation to suit every budget – from tent and powered sites to bunk-rooms, cabin and tourist flat accommodation. The park is an easy five minute walk to the town centre where you can enjoy shopping, restaurants and the charm of Raglan. A popular fishing spot with lovely beach walks, and close to a golf course and surf beaches.
Please contact the camp for a list of prices.
Reserves
Wainui Reserve – Ngarunui Beach
Wainui Reserve is located above Raglan’s stunning Ngarunui Beach and offers spectacular views plus a variety of recreational opportunities including swimming, surfing, kite flying and hang gliding.
The Wainui Reserve also hosts music events at the reserve’s amphitheatre, and subject to council agreement, weddings can be held at the reserve.
Ngarunui Beach is patrolled by lifeguards over the summer months and is the Waikato’s most popular beach.
Manu Bay
Manu Bay is a popular site for surfing by local, regional, and international surfing communities. Surfing events are held at Manu Bay attracting large crowds. Manu Bay has a boat ramp is also a popular site for fishing.
Whale Bay
Whale Bay is famous for its surf break and a popular holiday destination. This is not a swimming beach but surfers brave the rocks to enjoy one of the fastest left-hand breaks around. There is a grassed area suited for picnicking where visitors can take in the stunning seascape.
Sunset Beach
Travel to Port Waikato and at the south end of the town you will find Sunset Beach. Another surfer’s gem, this beach is picturesque with its black sand and striking rock formations. Port Waikato is well-known for its whitebait which are plentiful at the mouth of the Waikato River.
Dog parks
Huntly>
A fenced area on the shore of Lake Hakanoa situated at the end of Onslow Street in the Huntly Domain.
Riverview>
Located along the Waikato River on Riverview Road.
Fairfield Avenue
Fenced dog park on the corner of Fairfield Avenue and Graham Place.
Regent Street>
The grassed area from Great South Road to the end of area bordering Turangawaewae Marae.
Great South Road
The fenced area on the corner of Great South Road and Ellery Street.
Waipa Esplanade
Waipa Esplanade Reserve from the Pony Club along the grassed area to the area below Princess Street.
Pokeno Domain
Located in the Pōkeno Domain on Avon Road next to the tennis courts.
Aro Aro Reserve
The fenced area on the corner of Wallis Street and John Street known as Aro Aro Reserve.
Papahua Domain
Beach area located west of Raglan Holiday Park Papahua only.
Wainui Reserve carpark to Ngarunui Beach
From the Wainui Reserve carpark at the western end of Te Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive to 300 metres south of the northern walkway at Ngarunui Beach below the Wainui Reserve.
Beach area
Beach areas from the wharf, the Cliffs, Cox’s Bay, Lorenzen Bay, The Doughboys and Moonlight Bay.
Tamahere Park
Located at the end of Devine Road.
Tamahere dog exercise areas map
Te Kauwhata
Te Kauwhata Recreation Reserve
Located in the fenced area on the Te Kauwhata Recreation Reserve.
Tuakau
Les Batkin Reserve
Located in Les Batkin Reserve, from Tuakau Bridge to (but excluding) the toilet block and from the carpark entrance to the northern boundary.
Alexandra Redoubt Reserve
Located on Alexandra Redoubt Reserve in the specified area.
Kowhai Reserve
The grass area at the end of Kowhai Street known as Kowhai Reserve
Karioitahi Beach
The beach area known as Karioitahi beach. Note: Part of this beach is managed by Auckland, as indicated by the white shaded area on map.
Whangarata Domain
The fenced area in Whangarata Domain. Note: This reserve is available as a dog exercise area only until it is required as a cemetery, estimated in 2025.
Centennial Park
Reserve located alongside Bollard Road, Tuakau.