Campervans, the DOC campsites, and the freedom-camping rules

A campervan is the classic way to see the country, and the cheapest when you factor in accommodation; book early for December to February, and consider the shoulder months. Department of Conservation campsites cost little and sit in the best places; "freedom camping" is allowed only with a self-contained vehicle and only where signs permit it, and the fines for breaking the rules are steep. Supermarket food is reasonable; eating out is not. Fuel is expensive and stations are sparse in the south.