Lake Aniwhenua: One of the Best Freedom Camping Spots?

Nestled about an hours drive to the south east of Rotorua, in the Bay of Plenty is Lake Aniwhenua. Although classed as ‘free’ there is a donation box, but well worth a donation to stay at arguably one of the best freedom camping spots in the area.

The Best Freedom Camping Spot Because….

I’ve stayed a couple of times, and the free hot showers are a contributing factor to making this one of the best freedom camping locations. That, combined with the beautiful location, scenery, and such a nice large grassed area with plenty of parking.

As well as the hot showers there’s also flushing toilets. The showers are heated by the sun – solar powered, so as long as there’s been sun they seem to be adequate for a good wash. If you’re doing the van life thing, without a shower on board, the hot showers are welcome.

Cell phone coverage is adequate on Spark and Skinny. A couple of bars in most parts of the campground – enough to get some work done on WIFI or watch YouTube once you’re done kayaking or sailing on the lake.

Part of the Rangitaiki River, Lake Aniwhenua is relatively shallow, but provides some great fishing opportunities. On a good day you should be able to catch both brown and rainbow trout.

There’s plenty of parking for vehicles of all sizes, no matter if you’re a small van, bus, motorhome or tent. You can park right alongside the lakefront, or if the ground is soggy there’s parking up the top if you don’t want to risk getting stuck. Camping is allowed in both Certified Self Contained (CSC) vehicles and non-CSC vehicles including tents.

You’re allowed to stay for a maximum of 7 nights in any 4 week period. You can read more about freedom camping in the Whakatane district here. Get along and enjoy one of the best freedom camping locations in the Bay of Plenty!

Lake Aniwhenua is awesome in the summer time, but beautiful in the change of seasons as the trees colour up. It’s idyllic in the winter, but you might want to have some good heating. Check out our article about installing a Chinese Diesel heater – whether they’re really worth it or not…

If you’re off to your next destination you might like to consider Arapuni Landing, Jones’ Landing, or Bulmer’s Landing. Another couple of great freedom camping locations, about a 2 hour drive to the west, and located about a half hour south of Cambridge.