Last updated May 2026
Foreshore Reserve Carpark at Westshore on Napier’s northern edge was previously the city’s main non-self-contained freedom camping site — 8 marked spaces, two-night maximum, and the only Napier site that accepted vehicles without certified self-contained sticker. Important: under the Napier Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025, freedom camping has been CLOSED at the Foreshore Reserve Carpark from 1 July 2025. This page documents the change and points freedom campers to current alternative sites.
Current Status — Closed to Freedom Camping
| Status | CLOSED to freedom camping from 1 July 2025 under the Napier Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025 |
| Reason | Council policy change — non-self-contained vehicles banned from all Napier freedom camping sites |
| Carpark itself | Still open as a regular public carpark for beach access and recreation |
| Alternative sites | BMX Pump Track Carpark, Perfume Point, northern Marine Parade carpark, National Aquarium carpark — all self-contained only |
What Changed in the 2025 Bylaw
Napier City Council’s Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025, in force from 1 July 2025, substantially tightened the rules across all Napier freedom camping sites:
- Non-self-contained vehicles banned from all Napier freedom camping sites city-wide
- Foreshore Reserve Carpark closed to freedom camping entirely (was the only non-self-contained site)
- Westshore Beach Reserve closed to freedom camping
- New designated spaces added at the northern Marine Parade carpark and the National Aquarium of New Zealand carpark — both self-contained only
- All remaining sites: maximum 10 nights per rolling 30-day period on any Napier council land
- $400 fine for non-compliance — regularly enforced
Why the Change?
The 2025 bylaw was passed after substantial community concern about freedom camping behaviour at the previously-permitted non-self-contained sites — particularly at the Foreshore Reserve. Issues included overflowing portable toilets, human waste in the dunes and reserve, and visitor disruption. The bylaw response was to require all freedom campers to have certified self-contained vehicles with fixed toilets and greywater storage.
The change brings Napier in line with the wider national shift toward self-contained-only freedom camping under the Self-Contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023.
Alternative Freedom Camping Sites in Napier
Visitors planning freedom camping in Napier now need a certified self-contained vehicle and should use one of the council-designated sites:
| BMX Pump Track Carpark | Central Marine Parade — 3-night maximum, self-contained only |
| Perfume Point Carpark | Ahuriri inner harbour — 4 spaces, 2-night maximum, self-contained only |
| Northern Marine Parade carpark | New 2025 site — self-contained only |
| National Aquarium carpark | New 2025 site — self-contained only |
Tent campers and visitors without certified self-contained vehicles now need to use a formal campground or holiday park in or near Napier — the Kennedy Park Resort, Westshore Holiday Park, or any of the substantial commercial options.
Using Foreshore Reserve as a Regular Carpark
The Foreshore Reserve itself remains a public reserve and the carpark is still open for daytime use — beach access, picnics, walking, fishing, surfing. The Westshore Beach is one of Napier’s main beach destinations, and the reserve is one of the most popular northern-edge picnic sites. The change is only to freedom camping use; day-use visitors are completely unaffected.
Where to Learn More
Napier City Council — Freedom Camping rules — official council page with the current bylaw, all designated sites and enforcement details.
Napier City Council — Bylaw 2025 update — council news article explaining the change to Foreshore Reserve and the wider rule tightening.
Hawke’s Bay NZ — Freedom Camping in Napier — visitor information with current rules and alternative camping options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freedom camp at Foreshore Reserve in Napier?
No — freedom camping has been closed at Foreshore Reserve Carpark from 1 July 2025 under the Napier Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025.
Why did Foreshore Reserve close to freedom camping?
Substantial community concern about behaviour at the previously-permitted non-self-contained site — overflowing portable toilets, human waste in the dunes, and visitor disruption.
Can non-self-contained vehicles freedom camp anywhere in Napier?
No — non-self-contained vehicles are banned from all Napier freedom camping sites from 1 July 2025. Use formal campgrounds or holiday parks instead.
Is the Foreshore Reserve still open?
Yes — the reserve itself and the carpark remain open for daytime use, beach access, picnics, walking. Only freedom camping is prohibited.
Where can I freedom camp in Napier now?
BMX Pump Track Carpark, Perfume Point, northern Marine Parade carpark, and the National Aquarium carpark — all certified self-contained vehicles only.
What if I’m in a tent or non-self-contained van?
Use a formal campground or holiday park such as Kennedy Park Resort or Westshore Holiday Park.
What’s the fine for freedom camping at Foreshore Reserve?
$400 instant fine if you freedom camp at a site that doesn’t permit it. Sites are regularly monitored.
For the current Napier freedom camping rules, see the freedom camping hub. Allowed sites include BMX Pump Track Carpark and Perfume Point.
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