Motorhome friendly
Rotorua Lakes Council is pleased you have chosen to spend part of your mobile holiday with us here in Rotorua. Rotorua is a fantastic city with much to see and enjoy.
Check out how to be a responsible camper here.
Inner city daytime and overnight parking area
While you are in the inner city campervans are welcome to park in metred spaces in the Rotorua town centre as long as they fit completely within the white lines that define the space (width and length).
There are also limited free parking spaces for large campervans available in the Government Gardens opposite the Polynesian Spa, Hinemoa Street. The aim is to provide an easily accessible parking facility within a few minutes' walk of the inner city, museum, pools, supermarkets and the shared paths which offer a designated route walking, cycling, scootering and mobility scooters through our city to Kuirau Park and the wider suburban area.
Campervans may also stay in these parks overnight. The maximum time for overnight parking is two nights. Please note there are no toilet facilities in this area so you must be fully-self contained.
Camping is not permitted on most of our parks or neighbourhood recreation reserves, however, council does have some specified overnight camping locations around the Rotorua district.
These are:
Boyes Beach, Lake Ōkareka
Right on the lakefront, great view and awesome swimming spot. Vehicles with purpose built sleeping facilities (eg. motorhome, campervan, caravan, house bus etc) are permitted to park overnight for no more than two consecutive nights for a fee in designated spaces within the existing carpark area. No cars, utes, passenger vans etc. No tents.
Get more details about available facilities, fees and dog restrictions HERE
Further along the road is a Department of Conservation campsite where tents are permitted. Click here for more information about the DOC Lake Ōkareka Campsite
Guy Roe Reserve, Lake Rerewhakaaitu
Guy Roe Reserve is located on Brett Road, Lake Rerewhakaaitu. The reserve area, commonly known as the Homestead Arm, has been a popular fishing spot for many years. Camping is permitted on part of the reserve and an honesty box is provided for payment. The reserve is also popular for picnics and boat access to the lake. Other camping areas are also provided further around the lake by the Department of Conservation.
Trout Pool Reserve, Okere Falls
Vehicles with purpose built sleeping facilities (eg. motorhome, campervan, caravan, house bus etc) are permitted to park overnight for free in designated spaces within the existing carpark area. No cars, utes, passenger vans etc. No tents.
Lake Ōkaro Reserve
This reserve can be accessed from Waimangu Road. This lake is an important wildlife habitat for water birds such as the grey teal, paradise shelduck and dabchick. The lake is popular for trout fishing and water-skiing. Water quality is not as good as other lakes in the area due to run-off from surrounding farms. It is however quite safe for recreational activities.
Hamurana Reserve, Lake Rotorua
This reserve can be accessed from Hamurana Road. There is limited free overnight parking spaces near the edge of Lake Rotorua. Vehicles with purpose built sleeping facilities (eg. motorhome, campervan, caravan, house bus etc) are permitted to park overnight for free in designated spaces. No cars, utes, passenger vans etc. No tents. Toilets are available nearby and the maximum time for overnight parking is two consecutive nights between the hours of 4pm and 9am. Please do not park overnight anywhere else on the reserve.
Matahi Spit, Lake Rotomā
Matahi Spit (Scenic Reserve) can be accessed via State Highway 30. It is an approximately 30 minute drive from Rotorua central city. There is limited free overnight parking spaces. Vehicles with purpose built sleeping facilities (eg. motorhome, campervan, caravan, house bus etc) are permitted to park overnight for free in designated spaces. No cars, utes, passenger vans etc. No tents. Toilets are available nearby and the maximum time for overnight parking is two consecutive nights between the hours of 4pm and 9am. Please do not park overnight anywhere else on the reserve.
Camping on our Reserves
| Reserve | Campervans | Tents | Fees-Adults | Fees-Child | Under 5 | How to pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Ōkaro Reserve | Yes | Yes | $8 | $4 | Free | Via KiwiCamp or direct credit to RLC Bank account. Information and instructions are on site. |
| Boyes Beach, Lake Ōkareka | Yes | No | $20 | $10.00 | Free | administered by camp wardens |
| Guy Roe Reserve, Lake Rerewhakaaitu | Yes | Yes | $8 | $4 | Free | Via KiwiCamp or direct credit to RLC Bank account. Information and instructions are on site. |
| Trout Pool Reserve, Okere Falls | Yes | No | No fees | No fees | No fees | |
| Hamurana Reserve, Lake Rotorua | Yes | No | No fees | No fees | No fees | |
| Matahi Spit, Lake Rotomā | Yes | No | No fees | No fees | No fees |
Department of Conservation
The Department of Conservation administer six conservation campsites in the Rotorua District. For more information click here. Find out more about Freedom Camping here.
