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Last time in NSW/Australia it was quite easy to find good parking-places for my small motorhome, partly INside the villages, but mostly at official parkinglots with a public toilet, somewhere between giant trucks and other motorhomes etc.
Is that the same in New Zealand ?
Are autorities more strict about that kind of "camping" ??
I will never put out any chairs or table, I dont even cook outside, I simply want to park the car and take a sleep and move on next morning !
With "official parkinglots" I mean rest-area along highways and other roads, such "Rest and revive-places" that are announced along the bigger roads !
I also saw some of the official "free campingsites" BUT never used them for various reasons !
Yes, the authorities are more strict on that and you're likely to be moved on if spotted. The Department of Conservation run very basic campervan grounds around the country - a simple toilet, some running water and possible a shower block but probably no power. See http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/conservation-campsite-information/
I haven't seen many rest & revive places here - they have lay-by stops along some roads but I think they're only sort of fifteen minute stops. People aren't expected to pitch up there for 8 hours. Whether you'd be moved on from there or not I don't know. Most of them are well away from urban areas and parking wardens and police aren't likely to be there much.
Most truckies tend to stop in truck parks next to cafes on the main roads away from towns and cities. I have no idea whether they sleep in cabs or not (but suspect they do). You really need a truckie or a truck stop owner to tell you about that - I'm neither!
it's called freedom camping in nz and there has been a big push against recently - litter and all that sort of stuff - toileting - big fines apparently
if you google freedom camping nz i am sure you will come upon the latest bother
it is tougher in nz i would think than it is in oz
In some areas freedom camping is not allowed anymore, for example in Abel Tasman National Park and in the Catlins. There are different rules in every region. In some regions or towns the rules are enforced, in others not, depending on how big the problem with freedom campers is. In the Queenstown region officers check on parked cars and vans and wake you up in the middle of the night and ask you to leave.
I have just travelled two weeks in the Catlins and other remote areas of Southern NZ and still seen people do freedom camping despite the signs, many people even sleeping in station wagons. Most were German... I have no problem with it as long people camp up for the night if they do it next to a toilet block. But I have seen places where you did not dare to walk a few metres from the parking lot because the whole area was defacated and littered with toilet paper, and stinking terribly. It is scandalous that some tourists treat the country like one giant toilet block.
The solution really is to drive to one of the DoC campsites where you pay NZ$ 5 to 6 pp only. Most are at really scenic spots.
In some areas there are signs telling you where you can park over night for free.
I would also warn to camp just anywhere because there have been assaults and burglaries. So be considerate. NZ is not a crime-free paradise.
well, I think I rather take an ordinary rentalcar then and cheap hotels !
Motorhomes might make sense for families, but not for me as a single traveller !
