Evans Bay Marina Car Park is Wellington’s most central freedom camping location, sitting on Evans Bay Parade in Kilbirnie about 4.4 kilometres from the CBD. It has 51 designated spaces for self-contained vehicles, toilets that remain open through the night, and drinking water on-site. As freedom camping goes within a New Zealand capital city, it is about as convenient as it gets — with the harbour on one side and the city accessible by road in under ten minutes.
Practical Information
| Location | Evans Bay Parade, Kilbirnie — 4.4km from Wellington CBD |
| Spaces | 51 designated freedom camping spaces |
| Cost | Free |
| Maximum stay | 4 nights per calendar month |
| Vehicle requirement | Certified self-contained vehicles only — certification must be current and on display |
| Tents | Not permitted |
| Toilets | Public toilets open all night |
| Drinking water | Available on-site |
| Dump station | Available nearby |
| Enforcement | Wellington City Council Rangers patrol regularly — $400 fine for bylaw breaches |
About Evans Bay Marina Freedom Camping
Evans Bay Marina is managed by Wellington City Council as a designated freedom camping area under the Freedom Camping Act 2011. The car park is beside the marina and the Evans Bay waterfront, with the harbour visible from most spaces. The location is popular and can fill up quickly, particularly in summer and on weekends — arriving by late afternoon is advisable to secure a space. Once the 51 designated spaces are occupied, you must find alternative accommodation elsewhere.
Only certified self-contained vehicles are permitted. Self-contained certification means the vehicle has its own toilet and grey water containment meeting the NZS 5465 standard — a current compliance certificate must be displayed. Non-self-contained vehicles, tents, and makeshift setups are not allowed and are subject to a $400 fine if found in breach of the Freedom Camping Bylaw. Council rangers patrol the area regularly including public holidays.
The 4-night-per-calendar-month limit applies to all freedom camping sites in Wellington, including Evans Bay. This means if you use Evans Bay for 4 nights this month, you cannot legally return to any Wellington freedom camping site until the following month. The rule is strictly enforced. For longer stays in Wellington, commercial campgrounds at Hutt Valley and the Kāpiti Coast are the practical alternatives.
What’s Nearby
Evans Bay Marina is a useful base for exploring central Wellington. The airport is about 3km away. Rongotai, Kilbirnie, and Miramar are all within easy driving distance, and Courtenay Place and the CBD are accessible in under 10 minutes. Supermarkets, fuel, and services are all within a short drive. The Evans Bay waterfront itself has a pleasant walkway along the harbour edge, and the marina is active with yachts and motorboats throughout the year.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council — Freedom Camping in Wellington — full information on all designated freedom camping sites in Wellington, rules, certification requirements, and bylaw details.
CamperMate — Evans Bay Marina Carpark — current visitor reviews, space counts, and real-time availability information from fellow freedom campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Evans Bay Marina freedom camping free?
Yes — there is no fee to camp at Evans Bay Marina. Only certified self-contained vehicles are permitted.
How many nights can I stay at Evans Bay Marina?
A maximum of 4 nights per calendar month across all Wellington freedom camping sites combined. This is strictly enforced.
Do I need a self-contained certificate to stay at Evans Bay Marina?
Yes — your vehicle must have a current NZS 5465 self-contained certification on display. Non-certified vehicles will be fined $400.
Are there toilets at Evans Bay Marina freedom camping?
Yes — public toilets are available on-site and remain open through the night.
How far is Evans Bay Marina from Wellington CBD?
About 4.4 kilometres — roughly 10 minutes by car.
What if Evans Bay Marina is full?
If the 51 designated spaces are taken, you must find alternative accommodation. Wellington City Council’s freedom camping page lists all designated sites across the city.
Can I stay in a tent at Evans Bay Marina?
No — tents are not permitted. Only certified self-contained vehicles are allowed in the designated freedom camping spaces.
For the full list of Wellington freedom camping options, see the Freedom Camping in Wellington guide. Te Kopahou Reserve at Owhiro Bay is a second designated Wellington freedom camping site with a coastal outlook on the south coast.
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