Campervans & camping

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of taking your accommodation with you on your travels.

Porirua City is a campervan and camping-friendly city. We have four reserves that provide free overnight campervan parking (provided the campervan is self-contained) as well as private campsites and campervan parks.


Freedom Camping Survey

Help us improve freedom camping in Porirua by telling us a little bit about yourself and your experience at our freedom camping sites. The survey is anonymous and we don’t need any personal information. You can find the survey here


Camping

There are no free camping spots for tents around Porirua City. Instead we have the purpose-built Camp Elsdon near the centre of town providing you a safe and secure, not to mention beautiful, camping experience. Camp Elsdon has a lodge, dormitories, campground with campervan and tent sites, as well as a laundry, dump station … and even a donkey and miniature ponies. Battle Hill Farm Forest Park on Paekākāriki Hill Road is managed by Greater Wellington Regional Council and has paid sites for camping and campervans. If you're a member of the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association you can also enjoy its purpose built site in Plimmerton.

Campervans – freedom camping sites

  • Be self-contained
  • Park within designated areas and not obstruct other vehicles parking
  • Move on by request (during events)
  • Be under 7.5 metres in length, except for Ngāti Toa Domain where oversized vehicles are permitted
  • Camping is for a maximum of three nights per calendar month.


Ngāti Toa Domain

There are limited spots available for overnight parking for up to three nights. It’s a great spot that allows you to wake up next to the ocean. The maximum stay at the domain is 3 nights. 


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Ngāti Toa Domain is perfect for...

Cheering our favourite teams on at the sports grounds, escaping the wind and rain to play cricket in the Mana indoor facility, sleeping under the stars (in our RV) and having a BBQ.

Bradeys Bay Park

You can also park overnight at Bradeys Bay Park around Paremata Road, giving you uninterrupted views of the inlet. The park has space for 3 motorhome vehicles per night, and the maximum stay is 3 nights.


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Spinnaker Lookout Walkway

A favourite with the locals. Within minutes of entering the walkway you will find yourself in the middle of a forest, under a canopy of massive trees that drain out all the noise from the area, with only birds chirping up. There are several access points (easiest one to find is on Spinnaker Drive itself) and clear signposts.

Onepoto Esplanade Reserve

Wake up and watch the sunrise out east at Porirua Harbour, Titahi Bay. Space is limited to three motorhomes a night and stays are restricted to 3 nights.



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Sunsets

Watch a beautiful sunset at one of our many beaches. This sunset was captured in Titahi Bay looking towards Camborne.

Motukaraka Point Reserve

There is a beautiful spot to park overnight at Motukaraka Point Reserve (Grays Road) on the northern side of Pāuatahanui Inlet. The Motukaraka Point freedom camping area is restricted to a maximum of three motorhome vehicles, per night.


Battle Hill

Tent sites are available at Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, in a beautiful rural setting just 16km drive from Porirua city centre. The park is managed by Greater Wellington Regional Council. Camping fees are $8 per night for adults.


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Battle Hill Forest Park

Allows you a hands-on experience on a working farm with more than 100 sheep, along with regenerated native bush, wetlands, and sensational views across Pāuatahanui Inlet. It is also a great place to camp. 


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