Last updated May 2026
The BMX Pump Track Carpark on Marine Parade is one of Napier’s designated freedom camping spots for certified self-contained vehicles — sited next to the Marine Parade Pump Track and within walking distance of the central Napier waterfront attractions. Free, three-night maximum stay, and subject to the substantially tightened Napier Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025 rules in force from 1 July 2025.
Practical Information
| Location | Marine Parade BMX Pump Track Carpark, central Napier — opposite the pump track facility |
| Maximum stay | 3 nights (per Napier Freedom Camping Bylaw) |
| Vehicle requirements | Certified self-contained vehicle ONLY — current blue/green sticker required under NZS5465:2001 / Self-Contained Motor Vehicles Act 2023 |
| Facilities | No facilities at the carpark itself; public toilets along Marine Parade nearby |
| Cost | Free |
| Monitoring | Regularly checked by Napier City Council; non-compliance fine $400 |
| Rolling 30-day limit | Maximum 10 nights freedom camping on any Napier City Council land per rolling 30-day period |
About the Site
The BMX Pump Track Carpark sits on the central Napier Marine Parade — alongside the Marine Parade Pump Track recreational facility. The central location puts certified self-contained freedom campers within walking distance of the Marine Parade gardens, Sound Shell, Pania of the Reef, National Aquarium of New Zealand, and the central city café and restaurant precinct.
The carpark itself is a plain bitumen carpark with no facilities — no toilets, no water, no waste disposal. Self-contained vehicles must carry their own toilet, greywater storage and water supply per current NZ legislation. Public toilets are available along Marine Parade nearby for non-camping visitors using the pump track and other facilities.
Freedom Camping Rules
The site is subject to the Napier Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025, in force from 1 July 2025. Key rules:
- Self-contained vehicles only — must carry a current blue or green certification sticker under NZS5465:2001 or the Self-Contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023
- 3-night maximum at this site
- 10 nights total maximum freedom camping on any Napier City Council land per rolling 30-day period
- $400 fine for non-compliance — the site is regularly monitored
- No tents permitted; no non-self-contained vehicles permitted
- No noise, no fires, take all rubbish with you
The 2025 bylaw substantially tightened the previous rules — non-self-contained vehicles were banned from all Napier freedom camping sites from 1 July 2025. The change affects backpackers and other visitors travelling without certified vehicles.
Self-Contained Vehicle Requirements
Under current NZ law, a certified self-contained vehicle must have:
- A fixed toilet (not portable) with sufficient capacity
- A freshwater tank and greywater tank of appropriate capacity
- Current certification sticker (blue or green under the new NZ Standard)
- Compliance with the Self-Contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023
Vehicles that previously used portable toilets and were certified under older standards must re-certify under the new standard. Check the SCNZ Standards site or the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) for current certification details.
Where to Learn More
Napier City Council — Freedom Camping rules — official council page with current bylaw, site list and enforcement information.
Napier City Council — Bylaw 2025 update — council news on the 2025 bylaw changes and their impact.
New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) — substantial directory of NZMCA sites, certification information and member benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the BMX Pump Track Carpark?
On Marine Parade in central Napier, opposite the Marine Parade Pump Track recreational facility.
Is the BMX Pump Track Carpark free for freedom camping?
Yes — free for certified self-contained vehicles with current blue/green sticker. 3-night maximum.
Can I camp at BMX Pump Track Carpark in a tent?
No — only certified self-contained vehicles. Non-self-contained vehicles and tent campers are prohibited from all Napier freedom camping sites from 1 July 2025.
What happens if I don’t have a self-contained sticker?
$400 instant fine and your vehicle may be moved on. The site is regularly monitored by Napier City Council.
How many nights can I stay?
3 nights maximum at this site, and 10 nights total maximum on any Napier City Council land per rolling 30-day period.
Are there toilets at the BMX Pump Track Carpark?
No toilets at the carpark itself — your vehicle must have its own fixed toilet to be eligible. Public toilets are available along Marine Parade nearby.
What changed in the Napier Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025?
Non-self-contained vehicles were banned from all Napier freedom camping sites from 1 July 2025, Foreshore Reserve was closed to freedom camping, and substantial new sites (National Aquarium carpark) opened to compensate.
For the wider Napier freedom camping options, see the freedom camping hub. Other options include Perfume Point Carpark at Ahuriri.
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