Question 1

What is ParkUp?

Accepted Answer

ParkUp is a New Zealand-based platform helping van, bus, campervan, and house-truck travellers find private places to park overnight. It sits between public freedom camping and commercial holiday parks.

Question 2

Is ParkUp a freedom camping directory?

Accepted Answer

No. ParkUp is focused on private land, host-approved stays, and respectful travel. It is not a directory of public freedom camping spots.

Question 3

Is ParkUp live yet?

Accepted Answer

ParkUp is in its early pilot stage. We are currently building the host network and improving the platform before a bigger traveller launch.

Question 4

What kinds of spaces can I list?

Accepted Answer

You may be able to list a driveway, spare car park, paddock, lifestyle block, farm area, private yard, or other safe parking space, as long as it is suitable, accessible, and you have the right to host people there.

Question 5

Do I have to provide a toilet?

Accepted Answer

No, but if there is no toilet available, the listing should generally be limited to properly self-contained vehicles. ParkUp should clearly show whether toilet access is available and whether self-contained vehicles are required.

Question 6

Can I choose who stays?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ParkUp is request-based. Travellers send a request and hosts choose whether to accept.

Question 7

Is my exact address public?

Accepted Answer

No. The exact address should only be shared after a stay request is accepted.

Question 8

What if something goes wrong?

Accepted Answer

Clear listing details, host rules, request approval, and respectful communication reduce the risk of problems. If an issue happens, hosts and travellers should contact ParkUp support. During the pilot, ParkUp may review reports manually and may remove users or listings that breach expectations.

Question 9

Am I legally allowed to host campers on my land?

Accepted Answer

It depends. Rules can vary by council, district plan, property type, facilities, number of guests, length of stay, and whether payment is involved. Hosts are responsible for checking what applies to their property. ParkUp does not guarantee that every listing is automatically permitted.

Question 10

What about insurance?

Accepted Answer

Hosts should check with their insurer before hosting. Standard home, farm, landlord, or lifestyle block insurance may not automatically cover paid or unpaid guest stays.

Question 11

Do I have to charge money?

Accepted Answer

No. Listings may be free, koha-based, work exchange, or paid. Hosts choose what suits them, subject to any legal, tax, council, or insurance obligations.

Question 12

Is income taxable?

Accepted Answer

Income from hosting may be taxable. Hosts should keep records and seek tax advice if unsure.

Question 13

Who is ParkUp for?

Accepted Answer

ParkUp is for respectful travellers in vans, campervans, buses, and house trucks who want safe, private places to park up.

Question 14

Do I need to be self-contained?

Accepted Answer

Some listings may require self-contained vehicles, especially if there is no toilet access. Travellers must only request stays that match their vehicle and facilities.

Question 15

Can I book instantly?

Accepted Answer

No. ParkUp is request-to-stay. The host approves the request before the stay is confirmed.

Question 16

Can I see reviews?

Accepted Answer

Reviews are planned as the network grows. Early on, ParkUp may rely more on clear listings, manual moderation, and direct communication.

Question 17

What should I do before requesting a stay?

Accepted Answer

Read the listing carefully. Check toilet access, vehicle size limits, pets, arrival times, stay length, host rules, and whether the site is self-contained-only.

Question 18

What is expected of travellers?

Accepted Answer

Respect the host, the land, neighbours, animals, and local rules. Leave no trace, manage rubbish and wastewater responsibly, keep noise down, and only stay where approved. See the Responsible Camping Standards for the practical expectations around waste, toilets, rubbish, land care, pets, fires, and host rules.

Question 19

What should I contact support about?

Accepted Answer

Use support for listing issues, booking/request confusion, safety concerns, inaccurate information, inappropriate behaviour, or anything that affects trust on the platform.

ParkUp FAQs

General

For hosts

For travellers

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