More Places, More Adventures
It began in 1991, when a single member generously opened her property to fellow travellers for overnight parking.
Since then, the NZMCA pop scheme has grown into a uniquely New Zealand network of private overnight parking locations stretching from one end of the country to the other—each offering NZMCA members a safe, welcoming place to stop and rest for the night.
Today, POPs offer far more than just a place for NZMCA members to park overnight. They open the door to authentic and often unexpected New Zealand experiences, either free of charge or for a reasonable fee or donation.
POP sites range widely, from suburban homes and rural properties to business premises, golf clubs, and locations of historical or tourist significance. Reflecting the diversity, generosity, and community spirit that lie at the heart of motor caravanning in New Zealand.
What is a POP?
A POP site can be located on private land, whether residential, commercial, or rural.
The site must be safe and secure, large enough to accommodate at least one motor vehicle, be tidy and well maintained, with no rubbish or debris, and any grass kept at a reasonable height.
The ground should be even, with no large holes or dips and the site must be easily accessible. Sites should also be affordable for members.
Find a use for your unused space. Generate more visibility for your business. Meet new people and build connects.
Regulations and Requirements
In some instances resource consent may be required.
The need for a resource consent largely depends on the location and scale of your POP site, the planning rules that apply to your property, and whether a donation or fee is charged for overnight camping.
Many POP sites throughout New Zealand are able to operate without a resource consent. However, others may require one due to the location, nature of the activity, or local planning requirements. In some areas, the resource consent process is reasonably straightforward, while in others it can become time‑consuming and costly.
If you ask visitors to pay a donation or charge a fee (regardless of the amount) to park overnight, you may be required to apply for an exemption under the Camping‑grounds Regulations 1985.
If you are unsure whether your POP site requires a resource consent or an exemption under the Camping‑grounds Regulations, we recommend contacting your local council and asking to speak with a duty planner.
If the advice provided by the duty planner is unclear, or if the council confirms that a resource consent or exemption is required, please contact NZMCA. We have a small team of in‑house planning and policy professionals who may be able to provide high‑level guidance on the appropriate next steps.
Guidance on exemptions for the camping-grounds Regulations 1985
How it works
There are no charges to join. Sign up online and we will create a detailed listing to showcase your property.
Once your listing is setup and ready for review we will create an owner login to our website. This allows you to view your listing as members see it and amend it at anytime by logging into the NZMCA website. Add new photos and see what members thought about their stay in the comments.
Your listing will be displayed on our Online travel directory and NZMCA app. It will be visible to over 123k currently active members.
-
Point Pleasant Golf clubPoint Pleasant Golf club -
ArmigersArmigers -
Crow TavernCrow Tavern -
Maniototo GolfManiototo Golf -
Damfam VineyardDamfam Vineyard
-
Point Pleasant Golf clubPoint Pleasant Golf club
-
ArmigersArmigers
-
Crow TavernCrow Tavern
-
Maniototo GolfManiototo Golf
-
Damfam VineyardDamfam Vineyard
Frequently asked questions
No. Anyone with suitable land can apply to become a park over property.
Having facilities is not a requirement. A firm, flat and accessible parking space is the priority; facilities are welcome but not necessary.
How much you charge is totally up to you. Just as a point of reference, the current average is $5 per person, per night for a site with no amenities and up to $30 for a camping ground with facilities. Because rates are not printed, you can change them and adjust them any time.
It’s your prerogative to host non-NZMCA members but be mindful that should potential issues arise, it would be far easier to track down members. Just make sure you have details like vehicle registration or NZMCA membership numbers (number stickers are stuck to the NZMCA red wing decal on the back or front of the vehicle).
We have signage available to indicate that your property is listed under as a POP. If you feel that is not sufficient, please contact us as the NZMCA Wings logo is trademarked and has specific design terms for its use and duplication.