Freedom camping in Raglan: Everything you need to know
Raglan is one of my favourite places in New Zealand.
The coastline here is endless, with steep cliffs, barrelling waves, and stunning sunsets. The laid back surf lifestyle goes with van lifing like Raglan Roast coffee and ginger slice. So, where can you freedom camp in your van in Raglan? You’re asking the right person.
I have freedom camped in Raglan many times in my beloved van. My favourite freedom camping spot is only a stumble away from the infamous Yot Club and all of the town’s shops and cafes.
Where can you freedom camp in Raglan?
Technically, you can freedom camp anywhere in Raglan that isn’t flagged as a ‘red zone’ on the Waikato District Council’s website - check out the raglan freedom camping map here. That means you should be able to find a quiet spot away from residential areas.
In reality, heaps of places that look like good parks have no camping signs.
There is one spot that is recognised as the unofficial Raglan freedom camping spot - on James Street, on the block between Wallis Street and Cliff Street. It’s right outside the Raglan Bowling Club.
You’ll recognise it because in the evening, vans start lining up here. There is a parking limit of eight hours, which means people tend to park up after 6pm.
The best freedom camping spot in Raglan
This freedom camping spot on James Street is only minutes away from town.
I don’t cook in this freedom parking spot because it’s right on the road. I prefer to wander into town and eat at local cafes and restaurants — it’s fun having more budget for this by saving money on accommodation and it’s a nice way to give back to the local community.
There aren’t any toilets on this block, but there are public toilets a four-minute walk away on Cliff Street, by the waterfront.
The bowling club can get rowdy on weekends if there are events there, but because it’s Raglan, things are generally pretty quiet after 11pm.
There are some streetlights here that make it quite a bright spot to park, but as long as you have curtains or an eye mask you should be all good.
Take note of the parking time limit and head off early. Go for a sunrise surf or find a waterfront spot to park up and read a book!
While you’re in Raglan, check out these awesome things to do.
You can only freedom camp in Raglan with a self-contained van
Freedom camping in Raglan — and the wider Waikato district — is only possible in a certified self-contained van. A self-contained van has a toilet, wastewater tank, and rubbish facilities.
Don’t think you’ll be able to freedom camp around Raglan in a van that isn’t self-contained. The enforcement officers will notice, trust me.
If you go rogue, Raglan freedom camping might not be so free
There is strict enforcement of freedom camping in Raglan. This is a top campervan destination, so it’s understandable that they want to keep things under control.
That means you really don’t want to park anywhere except places it’s legally allowed, or you might wake up with an infringement notice on your windscreen. Tickets are $200 a pop, so you really don’t want your weekend in Raglan to end with that.
Almost every time I’ve been in Raglan I’ve seen the officers patrolling, and the times I haven’t seen them I think I’ve just been asleep – they do the rounds at 5am to catch people before they wake up.
Seriously, don’t think you can just quietly park near the beach and get away with it. You’ll see ‘no camping’ signs in prominent places around Raglan where freedom camping is banned, so keep an eye out and take your cue from those.
If you plan on freedom camping in Raglan, follow the basic rules (which mostly boil down to being a decent person):
Use the public toilets down the road if you don’t want to use your porta potty.
Don’t dump any waste, including food waste or grey water.
Don’t be excessively noisy.
Only stay a maximum of three nights.
Head into town and support local businesses - freedom camping isn’t about being a complete freeloader!
If everyone shows respect while freedom camping in Raglan, it means the community will keep welcoming us van lifers into their town.
Thanks for reading this far! Before you go, you might also be interested in checking out these articles:
Where to find black sand beaches in the North Island (Raglan is one of them)
My experience solo travelling in New Zealand — I’ve spent months at a time travelling alone in my van
