What better way to make the most of the glorious landscapes that can be found all over New Zealand/Aotearoa than to get right amongst it! Camping is the perfect experience to complement all your road trip journeys, and so we’ve compiled the best of the best when it comes to free and cheap spots. 

With your Thrifty rental car, these camping spots not only provide great accommodation options, but also a gateway to new adventures. From beautiful bays to majestic mountains, nothing quite beats sleeping under the stars and waking up to breathtaking views of picture-perfect landscapes at the foot of your bed. 

Relax by the Water at Kai Iwi Lakes 

Prepare to pick your jaw up off the floor at this spectacular camping spot. Kai Iwi Lakes, located in Northland on the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui, is simply stunning with its shimmering turquoise water and porcelain white sand. The best part of this beautiful spot is that you don’t just have to stop by on a visit—you can settle down for a stay! Kai Iwi Camp offers two campsites to choose from: Promenade Point and Pine Beach Campground. Both are visually sensational and are close to a range of activities to enjoy, although Promenade Point is slightly cheaper if you’re looking to save a few extra dollars. Pine Beach offers both powered and unpowered campsites for you to choose between, while Promenade Point is only non-powered. Once you’ve set up your castle and settled down into the campsite, make sure to explore the Kai Iwi Lakes lookout, as well as tackle the Lake Taharoa hiking trail. This area is home to the kind of views you’ll need to see to believe! 

Cruise Around the Coast to Kaiaua Beach 

Located about 60 kilometres from the city of Gisbourne/Tairāwhiti, Kaiaua Beach is perfect for a night or two under the stars to escape the city lights. This coastal hotspot is a freedom camping location, meaning that you can camp here for free as long as you follow New Zealand’s freedom camping rules and recommendations. You’ll also need to book a permit at Kaiaua Beach before you set up camp—but trust us, it’s worth it. How does waking up to the sound of the ocean sound? Or watching the sunrise over endless blue? This coastal campsite is one you’ll remember forever and is kept even more beautiful by the campsite’s commitment to zero waste. 

Marvel at the Mountains at Kaikōura 

If a South Island/Te Waipounamu adventure is more your speed, boy, do we have the spot for you! Located on the east coast, Kaikōura combines the majestic beauty of the mountains with the endless glory of the ocean. About a 2.5 hour drive from Christchurch/Ōtautahi, Kaikōura makes for an ideal camping getaway filled with bucket loads of adventure. The Kaikōura Top 10 Holiday Park is a hotspot for campers, providing a plethora of facilities and situated close to a bunch of the thrill-filled adventures. Their affordable non-powered campsites are suitable for everyone from families to couples to solo explorers, and they even come with access to a shared kitchen, bathroom and stunning views! There are a range of activities to be enjoyed within the confines of the park, however the real adventure can be found on the coast. A region famous for its incredible marine life, there’s no going past making a splash in the ocean and seeing what curious creatures you can spot. 

Relax with a Splash at Kowhai Point Campsite 

For another thrilling South Island camping adventure, Kowhai Point Campsite is sure to supply the goods. This beautiful camping spot is not only one of the most sensational spots in sight—it’s also completely free! Located in the spectacular region of Marlborough/Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka-a-Māui, Kowhai Point Campsite is situated right on the Wairau River. Fishing and swimming are all the rage at this campsite, so if you’re looking for a spot to kick back and relax by a soothing stream of water, Kowhai Point has your name written all over it. There are only 9 non-powered tent sites to choose from, so you can be sure the area is kept quiet and peaceful. All you’ll be able to hear is the birds singing and the river flowing. 

From sleeping under the stars to camping by the river, from exploring the sweeping mountains to relaxing by the water, there are plenty of beautiful and affordable camping spots to discover all across New Zealand in your Thrifty rental car.