There are plenty of beautiful camping spots in Christchurch, Akaroa and Banks Peninsula for you to enjoy. To protect our environment we have different rules depending on if you are staying in a tent, car or campervan.
In light of the Government's decision to move to COVID-19 Alert Level 4 from midnight Wednesday 25 March, our public campsites will be closing to visitors.
No one should be freedom camping or staying in public places.
If you are unable to return home immediately you may be able to access temporary accommodation for self-isolation, more information is on this website.
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Our campgrounds offer different experiences from small, relaxed seaside sites through to larger fully serviced holiday parks. All our campgrounds welcome different ways of camping, from tents to campervans.
Take a look at:
Be responsible campers and help us to protect our environment.
The Freedom Camping Act allows for the Council to issue a fine of $200 if someone is found freedom camping, or making preparations to freedom camp, in a local-authority area and in breach of the Council's Bylaw, including any temporarily closed sites.
Full details are in the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2015(external link).
Post
Post a cheque for your freedom camping infringement to:
Christchurch City Council
PO Box 73013,
Christchurch 8154.
In person (cash, cheque or eftpos)
You can pay in person at Council service centre(external link).
Phone (24 hours a day)
You can pay over the phone using any major credit card. Call the Customer Call Centre on 0800 800 169.
Check the Department of Conservation(external link) website for more campsites and camping tips and activities.
You need to stay at a campground where there are facilities you can use. Camping in a tent or vehicle without certified on-board facilities is not permitted anywhere in Akaroa or Banks Peninsula.
Full details are in the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2015(external link)(external link).
Some of the roads in Akaroa and Banks Peninsula are narrow, steep and unsealed with limited places to turn around. For everyone's safety we advise that you don't travel on roads marked 'Not suitable for campervans' or '4WD drive only' unless you are in a suitable vehicle.
To plan your journey, check the road conditions and get more information, visit www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/christchurch(external link)
Akaroa has narrow streets and limited parking at busy times - for daytime parking, larger vehicles are encouraged to park near the Akaroa boat ramp area.
Wherever you decide to park, please park considerately, and in a park that is the right size for your vehicle.
