Last updated June 2026
The BMX Pump Track Carpark on Marine Parade is one of Napier’s designated freedom camping spots for certified self-contained vehicles, located next to the Marine Parade Pump Track and within walking distance of central Napier waterfront attractions. Free with a three-night maximum stay, the site operates under the Napier Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025 rules in force since 1 July 2025.
Practical Information
| Location | Pump Track (Ellison Street) carpark, Marine Parade, central Napier |
| Maximum stay | 3 nights |
| Vehicle requirements | Certified self-contained vehicles only with current blue or green sticker |
| Facilities | No facilities at the carpark; public toilets along Marine Parade nearby |
| Cost | Free |
| Monitoring | Regularly checked by Napier City Council |
| 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 central Napier’s Marine Parade alongside the pump track recreational facility. This central location places 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 surface with no on-site facilities such as toilets, water or waste disposal. Self-contained vehicles must carry their own fixed toilet, greywater storage and freshwater supply in line with current New Zealand legislation. Public toilets are available along Marine Parade for non-camping visitors.
Freedom Camping Rules
The site is subject to the Napier Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025. Key rules include certified self-contained vehicles only, a three-night maximum stay at this site, a city-wide rolling 30-day limit of 10 nights on any Napier City Council land, and a prohibition on tents and non-self-contained vehicles. No fires, no noise after hours, and all rubbish must be taken away. The site is regularly monitored.
Self-Contained Vehicle Requirements
Under current New Zealand law, a certified self-contained vehicle must have a fixed toilet with sufficient capacity, a freshwater tank, a greywater tank, and a current certification sticker (blue or green under NZS5465:2001, with transition to green stickers required by 7 June 2026). Vehicles previously certified under older standards must re-certify. Check the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association or official standards resources for details.
Where to Learn More
Napier City Council Freedom Camping rules: official page with current bylaw, site list and enforcement information.
Napier City Council Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025: full text of the bylaw effective from 1 July 2025.
New Zealand Motor Caravan Association: certification information and member resources for self-contained vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the BMX Pump Track Carpark?
On Marine Parade in central Napier, at the Pump Track (Ellison Street) carpark opposite the pump track facility.
Is the BMX Pump Track Carpark free for freedom camping?
Yes, free for certified self-contained vehicles with a current blue or green sticker. Three-night maximum stay applies.
Can I camp at the BMX Pump Track Carpark in a tent?
No, only certified self-contained vehicles are permitted. Tents and non-self-contained vehicles are prohibited at all Napier freedom camping sites.
What happens if my vehicle does not have a self-contained sticker?
Non-compliant vehicles face enforcement action including fines. The site is regularly monitored by Napier City Council.
How many nights can I stay?
Three nights maximum at this site, with a city-wide limit of 10 nights on any Napier City Council land per rolling 30-day period.
Are there toilets at the BMX Pump Track Carpark?
No toilets or other facilities at the carpark itself. Your vehicle must have its own fixed toilet. Public toilets are available along Marine Parade nearby.
What changed with the Napier Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025?
The bylaw, effective from 1 July 2025, restricts freedom camping to certified self-contained vehicles only and lists specific permitted sites with varying stay limits. Foreshore Reserve carpark is prohibited.
Is the Foreshore Reserve carpark still available?
No, the Foreshore Reserve carpark on Marine Parade is prohibited for freedom camping under the current bylaw.
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