08 July, 2024
- Updated
Last updated on 08 July, 2024
Posted by Marty | Spaceships Crew
Camping in New Zealand has always been made easy by the Department of Conservation aka DOC. It's the government agency responsible for preserving our country's natural and historic heritage. They manage national parks, conservation areas, and historic sites, ensuring that everyone can enjoy and explore New Zealand's beautiful outdoors while protecting its unique ecosystems and wildlife.
So when you're camping at a DOC campsite, you are staying at sites managed by this awesome organisation dedicated to conservation and outdoor recreation.
And to make things even easier DOC has introduced a new version of their famous DOC Campsite Pass, a kind of an all-access pass to (almost) all DOC campsites around New Zealand. It is a way of prepaying for your stays at these amazing DOC campsites. You pay one fee for the pass and can book the particular DOC campsite when ready to spend a night (or more) there.
Booking a DOC campsite with the pass: For bookable campsites, make your reservation online beforehand. For non-bookable ones, just show up and register on-site.
Benefits of a DOC campsite pass
Convenient - pay once and stay up to purchased number of nights at a DOC campsite. Remember, you can only use the pass for up to 7 nights in a 30-day period at one campsite.
Cost-effective - one fee to cover your stays up to the purchased max number of stays at DOC campsites.
Flexible – choose to stay for a few days or for a few weeks in one or different campsites
A DOC campsite pass was a great and easy way to camp your way around New Zealand and see our unique and beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Prices of the new DOC Campsite Pass
The price system of the DOC Campsite Pass is just as easy.
Adult 18 years plus: $95.00 for the 30-night pass and $195 for the 1 year (365-night) pass
Child/Youth 5-17 years: $47.50 for the 30-night pass and $97.50 for the 1 year (365-night) pass
Infant 0-4 years: Free (on both versions of the DOC Campsite Pass)
Most DOC campsites are suitable for all types of campervans: self-contained and non-self-contained. If a DOC campsite is only for a particular campervan category you'll find the info in the free camping app and the DOC website.
Spaceships campervans are perfect for camping at DOC campsites. You are allowed to drive on gravel or dirt roads so you can reach even the most remote campsite. And DOC campsites are located in amazing places.
Where can the DOC Campsite Pass be used?
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at most DOC conservation campsites across New Zealand, but there are some exceptions. The pass is valid for both bookable and non-bookable campsites, but you need to check if a campsite requires booking in advance.
Tips when using the DOC Campsite Pass on your road trip in New Zealand.
Book DOC campsites in advance to secure spots, especially at popular sites & during peak season, which is usually between 1 October and 30 April.
Some sites may be excluded or have additional fees, like powered campsites.
