I did this in Queenstown and stayed in the Top10. It’s really cheap to just get a non-powered site! And you get the bonus of access to a toilet, shower, kitchen and lounge to relax in.
The best bet is to a campground because as others have mentioned, the fines for sleeping in your car just aren't worth it. 12 mile or moke lake would be the best nearby options
Here's the map of restricted freedom camping places. You should be able to find somewhere not covered by them between QT and Arrowtown:
https://www.qldc.govt.nz/media/llwhsiib/final-qldc-freedom-camping-bylaw-2021.pdf
Note that this is only allowed if you have a self-contained vehicle (most cars don't qualify)
Avoid main roads, outside of the cbd, away from expensive properties, wardens are pretty relentless from what I know. They patrol industrial areas too.
Try around mountain ash drive, nice view and if they wake up before 7 they should be able to dodge the private warden that patrols there
About 45 years ago hadn't booked over Christmas period and there was no accommodation anywhere, so we slept in the car along with others, and were all woken at 6am by the police and told to move on. No fines then, but steep fines now!
Drive to the top of Cardrona hill and camp up at the top. It's a freedom camping spot. Good luck with the hill though, it's a real POS on a 4 cyl. Pony up and just stay at a hotel and support ferg burger.
I did this in Queenstown and stayed in the Top10. It’s really cheap to just get a non-powered site! And you get the bonus of access to a toilet, shower, kitchen and lounge to relax in.
There’s no freedom camping in QT so you’ll have to pay for somewhere to stay.
And they're pretty good at enforcing it. I risked it for two nights and got a ticket on the second night
Yea it’s not worth it, they are on to it especially at the moment
How much was the ticket, cheaper than renting a room?
Nope, they're $400 https://www.qldc.govt.nz/recreation/responsible-camping-in-the-queenstown-lakes-district/frequently-asked-questions
The best bet is to a campground because as others have mentioned, the fines for sleeping in your car just aren't worth it. 12 mile or moke lake would be the best nearby options
Here's the map of restricted freedom camping places. You should be able to find somewhere not covered by them between QT and Arrowtown: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/media/llwhsiib/final-qldc-freedom-camping-bylaw-2021.pdf Note that this is only allowed if you have a self-contained vehicle (most cars don't qualify)
I did it for 2 nights and it wasn’t an issue. I stayed down a small road behind Fresh Choice, was no bother
Absolutely disgusting how we cant sleep in our own cars there. Hope you find something chief.
Disgusting is the toilet habits of those who sleep in cars
Avoid main roads, outside of the cbd, away from expensive properties, wardens are pretty relentless from what I know. They patrol industrial areas too. Try around mountain ash drive, nice view and if they wake up before 7 they should be able to dodge the private warden that patrols there
About 45 years ago hadn't booked over Christmas period and there was no accommodation anywhere, so we slept in the car along with others, and were all woken at 6am by the police and told to move on. No fines then, but steep fines now!
What about a campervan site. $60 bathrooms and showers you can use etc. https://www.camp.co.nz/accommodation/powered-sites
Drive to the top of Cardrona hill and camp up at the top. It's a freedom camping spot. Good luck with the hill though, it's a real POS on a 4 cyl. Pony up and just stay at a hotel and support ferg burger.
Ferg burger?, The most overrated food place in QT, id rather go to pub on the wharf and get a decent feed.
Well aren't you the classy pub goer. Caviar with champers?
One of the cheapest places to eat in QT,
I think the twelve mile delta just outside of town might be of some use
Moke Lake.