Freedom camping

Nelson City Council is pleased you have chosen to spend part of your camping holiday with us here in the top of the South Island.  Nelson is a fantastic city with much to see and enjoy, especially with three magnificent National Parks on its doorstep. To make sure the region stays beautiful and accessible for all to enjoy Nelson City Council has some rules relating to overnight camping that you need to  be aware of.

No provision for camping on Council land

As per the Camping Bylaw adopted in May 2011, Council does not provide any sites on Council land where self contained or non-self contained vehicles are permitted to camp overnight. Campers are instead encouraged to use the various camping ground options available. These include a low service/low cost option of $6 per person per night at the Maitai Valley Motor Camp with the option of using the full range of camp ground services on a user pays basis.

Penalties

Please be aware that Council enforcement officers have the ability to issue $200 instant fines for those not complying with the bylaw and a maximum fine of up $20,000 can be imposed.

Where can I camp?

Motor camps

The following campgrounds provide complete self-contained and non-self-contained services for campers:

Motorcamps in Nelson City

Camp

Features

Tahuna Beach Holiday Park

Self catering and self contained accommodation, through to budget accommodation. Sites for campers, caravaners, backpackers, whether camping in motor homes, caravans, tents or budget cabins.

Brook Valley Holiday Park

Good sheltered sites for tents, powered sites and various grades of cabins. Ablution blocks located nearby for campers convenience.

Maitai Valley Motor Camp

Nestled among 10 acres of native bush and trees. Peaceful surroundings with river, swimming hole and golf course close by. Clean, tidy facilities and grounds for your enjoyment and use. Camp sites, cabins and caravan hire.

Nelson City Holiday Park and Motel

Clean, tidy facilities and grounds for your enjoyment and use. Tent sites may be available on request, three standard cabins, TV room.

Find out more about Nelson's motorcamps including their fees.

Dump stations in Nelson Tasman

  • Nelson Public Dump Station, Mobil Tahunanui, 28 Tahunanui Drive
  • Nelson Public Dump Station, BP Truck Stop in Hay Street, Port Nelson
  • Tahuna Beach Holiday Park, 70 Beach Road, Nelson
  • Maitai Valley Motor Camp, Maitai Valley, Nelson
  • Brook Valley Motor Camp, Brook Valley, Nelson
  • Nelson Cabins & Caravan Park*, 230 Vanguard Street
  • Richmond Public Dump Station, In Jubilee Park, Gladstone Road
  • Richmond Motel and Top 10 Holiday Park*, 29 Gladstone Road, Richmond, Nelson
  • Club Waimea*, 345 Lower Queens Street, Richmond

* Residents only: Users must be staying at the holiday park to use the dump station

Parking on the side of the road or in a park

Council has put rules in place to ensure that our City remains an attractive place for all to visit.

Parking for the night on the sides of roads or other parks and reserves in the Nelson City area is not permitted whether you are in a fully self - contained campervan or just a camping vehicle.

Section 11.0 of the Parking and Vehicle Control Bylaw states:

No person, or persons, shall use any tent, caravan or other vehicle for the purposes of accommodation when that tent, caravan or other vehicle is erected or parked on any road, public place, public reserve, or any other land under the control of the Council, other than in a camping ground licensed under the Camping Ground Regulations 1985.

Violation of the Bylaw is enforced; so please play it straight and follow the rules. Responsible behaviour will assist in enhancing the experience of all visitors to Nelson and contribute to our region’s reputation as a great visitor destination.

More information

You can find more information about camping throughout New Zealand at the www.camping.org.nz website.

Also, here's more information on camping grounds and policies at Tasman District Council.

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