Outdoor Next / Field notes

Outdoor guides

Practical advice for the campsite, the trail and the journey in between.

23 guides

AI illustration · Not a place photograph
Generic AI-generated camping artwork, not a photograph of this campsite. It does not represent the site's actual landscape, pitches or facilities.
Artwork: Outdoor Next / AI-generated artwork / AI-generated illustration / Details
New Zealand · Your camping group
Accessible Camping in New Zealand: Check the Whole Stay
Plan accessible camping in New Zealand with specific checks for arrival, pitches, toilets, kitchens and backup arrangements, without relying on an icon.
AI illustration · Not a place photograph
Generic AI-generated camping artwork, not a photograph of this campsite. It does not represent the site's actual landscape, pitches or facilities.
Artwork: Outdoor Next / AI-generated artwork / AI-generated illustration / Details
New Zealand · Camping skills & planning
Campfire and Camping Stove Safety in New Zealand
Check fire restrictions, land-manager permission and camping stove instructions before cooking outdoors in New Zealand, with a practical no-flame backup plan.
AI illustration · Not a place photograph
Generic AI-generated camping artwork, not a photograph of this campsite. It does not represent the site's actual landscape, pitches or facilities.
Artwork: Outdoor Next / AI-generated artwork / AI-generated illustration / Details
New Zealand · Your camping group
Camping With Dogs in New Zealand: Plan the Whole Trip
Plan camping with dogs in New Zealand by checking each overnight, day walk and stop separately, with a practical permission record and backup care plan.
Photo: Rebecca Orpin / Department of Conservation (NZ) · CC BY 4.0
Moke Lake Campsite near Queenstown, a specific example of a DOC lakeside camping area. Photograph date not supplied by DOC.
Photo: Rebecca Orpin / Department of Conservation (NZ) / CC BY 4.0 / Details
New Zealand · Camping skills & planning
Best Camping Spots in New Zealand: How to Choose
Compare DOC campsites, holiday parks and freedom camping, then shortlist places by access, facilities, bookings and the conditions for your trip.
AI illustration · Not a place photograph
Generic AI-generated camping artwork, not a photograph of this campsite. It does not represent the site's actual landscape, pitches or facilities.
Artwork: Outdoor Next / AI-generated artwork / AI-generated illustration / Details
New Zealand · Camping skills & planning
Camping in the Rain in New Zealand
Decide whether a wet camping trip should go ahead, then organise a suitable pitch, protected sleeping gear and safe meal options for New Zealand conditions.
AI illustration · Not a place photograph
Generic AI-generated camping artwork, not a photograph of this campsite. It does not represent the site's actual landscape, pitches or facilities.
Artwork: Outdoor Next / AI-generated artwork / AI-generated illustration / Details
New Zealand · Camping skills & planning
Camping with Children in New Zealand
Plan a manageable family camping trip in New Zealand, with a suitable campsite, clear supervision, simple meals, dry sleeping gear and a flexible routine.
AI illustration · Not a place photograph
Generic AI-generated camping artwork, not a photograph of this campsite. It does not represent the site's actual landscape, pitches or facilities.
Artwork: Outdoor Next / AI-generated artwork / AI-generated illustration / Details
New Zealand · Camping skills & planning
Choosing a Campsite in New Zealand
Choose a New Zealand campsite by checking access, water, toilets and weather exposure, then assess your tent pitch before you unpack for the night.
Photo: Rebecca Orpin / Department of Conservation (NZ) · CC BY 4.0
Moke Lake Campsite near Queenstown, a specific example of a DOC lakeside camping area. Photograph date not supplied by DOC.
Photo: Rebecca Orpin / Department of Conservation (NZ) / CC BY 4.0 / Details
New Zealand · Camping skills & planning
DOC Campsites: Booking, Facilities and What to Bring
Plan a DOC campsite stay by checking the site's booking process, facilities, water and access. Understand Campsite Pass limits and prepare before arrival.
Area context · Photo: Wainuiomartian · CC BY-SA 4.0
Evans Bay boatsheds and marina in a 2006 photograph. Area context only; the designated camping bays at the south end of the marina car park are not shown.
Photo: Wainuiomartian / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Details
Wellington · Freedom camping rules
Evans Bay Marina Self-Contained Camping, Wellington: Rules and Spaces
Evans Bay Marina camping rules from the September review. Reconfirm the designated area, vehicle length limit and current access with Wellington City Council.
Area context · Photo: Daderot · CC0 1.0
Auckland's waterfront skyline and Sky Tower, photographed in 2024. City context only, not a designated freedom camping area.
Photo: Daderot / CC0 1.0 / Details
Auckland · Freedom camping rules
Freedom Camping in Auckland: Council Rules, Restricted Spots and Campgrounds
Auckland freedom camping checks, local restrictions and campground alternatives. Reconfirm current site maps and the council's 2026 notices before travelling.
Area context · Photo: Michal Klajban · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Avon River and central Christchurch in 2019. City context only; the riverbank is not presented as a freedom camping site.
Photo: Michal Klajban / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Details
Canterbury · Freedom camping rules
Freedom Camping in Christchurch (CHCH): Rules, Maps & Limits
Christchurch and Akaroa freedom camping rules: green warrants, prohibited areas, two-night limits and the separate coastal-zone limit.
Area context · Photo: Avenue · CC BY-SA 3.0
Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu from the gondola viewpoint in 2009. Town and landscape context only, not a guide to permitted overnight parking.
Photo: Avenue / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Details
Otago · Freedom camping rules
Freedom Camping in Queenstown: Rules, Designated Carparks & Alternatives
Freedom camping in Queenstown is for certified self-contained vehicles only, in designated carparks or eligible rural roads. See sites, time limits and fines.
Area context · Photo: Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0
Lake Rotorua's shoreline at Sulphur Point in 2017. Landscape context only; this reserve view does not show a designated camping area.
Photo: Krzysztof Golik / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Details
Bay of Plenty · Freedom camping rules
Freedom Camping in Rotorua: Council Sites, Stay Limits and Fees
Rotorua Lakes Council lists three free sites for self-contained vans and three paid lake reserves, all with a two-night limit per calendar month.
Area context · Photo: Phillip Capper · CC BY 2.0
Taupo township, Lake Taupo and the Waikato River outlet in a 2005 aerial photograph. Area context only; this historical view does not identify current camping areas.
Photo: Phillip Capper / CC BY 2.0 / Details
Waikato · Freedom camping rules
Freedom Camping in Taupō: Council Rules, Sites and Dump Stations
Taupō council camping areas, green-warrant requirements and dump stations, including Mangakino's shorter two-night and summer one-night limits.
Area context · Photo: Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0
Lake Wanaka from the town waterfront in 2017. Area context only; the shoreline and visible parking are not identified as permitted overnight sites.
Photo: Krzysztof Golik / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Details
Otago · Freedom camping rules
Freedom Camping in Wānaka (Wanaka): Rules, Designated Sites & Roys Peak
Freedom camping in Wānaka is for certified self-contained vehicles at a few designated carparks. See the QLDC sites, hours, Roys Peak car park rules and fines.
Area context · Photo: Tom Ackroyd · CC0 1.0
Wellington Harbour from Roseneath in 2021. Harbour context only; no designated overnight parking spaces are identified.
Photo: Tom Ackroyd / CC0 1.0 / Details
Wellington · Freedom camping rules
Freedom Camping in Wellington: Rules, Allowed Sites and No-Camping Areas
Wellington City camping sites, vehicle limits and campground alternatives. Current local access needs council confirmation; parking charges may also apply.
Area context · Photo: Johnragla · CC BY-SA 4.0
Waterside buildings at the head of Gulf Harbour, photographed in 2014. Area context only; this is not Hammerhead Reserve's designated overnight parking area.
Photo: Johnragla / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Details
Auckland · Freedom camping rules
Gulf Harbour Freedom Camping: Hammerhead Reserve Rules
Gulf Harbour Hammerhead Reserve camping conditions from the September review, with current-map checks and campground alternatives.
AI illustration · Not a place photograph
Generic AI-generated camping artwork, not a photograph of this campsite. It does not represent the site's actual landscape, pitches or facilities.
Artwork: Outdoor Next / AI-generated artwork / AI-generated illustration / Details
Waikato · Regional guides
Hahei Camping: Beachfront Sites and Cathedral Cove Planning
Compare Hahei and Hot Water Beach camping, with tent and campervan site choices, booking checks, council restrictions and current Cathedral Cove access advice.
Area context · Photo: Christopher Crouzet · CC BY-SA 3.0
Lake Pukaki from its southern shore in 2013. Lake context only; The Pines camping zones are not shown or identified.
Photo: Christopher Crouzet / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Details
Canterbury · Freedom camping rules
Lake Pukaki Overnight Campervan Parking & Freedom Camping Rules
The Pines at Lake Pukaki: previously checked camping conditions, current-access caveats and campground alternatives. Reconfirm with LINZ or council.
AI illustration · Not a place photograph
Generic AI-generated camping artwork, not a photograph of this campsite. It does not represent the site's actual landscape, pitches or facilities.
Artwork: Outdoor Next / AI-generated artwork / AI-generated illustration / Details
Canterbury · Regional guides
Lake Tekapo Camping: Lakes Edge, Tent Sites and Local Walks
Plan Lake Tekapo camping with Lakes Edge site choices, Lake Alexandrina enquiries, tent and campervan differences, arrival checks and Mt John walking advice.
Photo: Ed Kruger / Abaconda Management Group · CC BY-SA 2.0
A historical campground scene at Mount Maunganui. The source identifies the town but not the park's operator; it does not establish current facilities or layout.
Photo: Ed Kruger / Abaconda Management Group / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Details
Bay of Plenty · Regional guides
Mount Maunganui Camping: Closures, Alternatives and Planning
Plan Mount Maunganui camping with the Beachside Holiday Park closure, Papamoa campground alternatives, tent and campervan choices, and walking access checks.
Illustrative photograph · Photo: Frederick Shaw · Unsplash License
Preparing a sleeping bag and mat outdoors; location and temperature rating are unverified.
Photo: Frederick Shaw / Unsplash License / Details
New Zealand · Camping skills & planning
New Zealand Camping Checklist
A practical camping checklist for shelter, sleeping, food, water, clothing and safety. Adapt it to your campsite, forecast and planned walks.
AI illustration · Not a place photograph
Generic AI-generated camping artwork, not a photograph of this campsite. It does not represent the site's actual landscape, pitches or facilities.
Artwork: Outdoor Next / AI-generated artwork / AI-generated illustration / Details
Waikato · Regional guides
Raglan Camping: Holiday Parks, Van Sites and Coastal Walks
Compare Raglan camping at Papahua and Solscape, with tent and van differences, arrival checks, council freedom-camping boundaries and local walking options.