We didn't really have a culture of summer travelling and staying in hotels, or even usually motels - I grew up camping with my parents, and occasionally staying in a camping ground (most small towns have one) that means hot showers and a tent or cabin (bring a sleeping bag) - as the article says we have had a sudden influx as the GFC retreats ... we're also seeing a lot of Chinese visitors who used to only take block bookings in hotels from coach tours and now are becoming more adventurous and travelling by themselves like you are.

Really as a rule we don't have a problem with "freedom camping" - it's what I grew up doing, a very kiwi thing - and many (I think most) people would like to encourage it ... except for the problem with foreign freedom campers not cleaning up after themselves (if you are planning on crapping on the side of the road please bring a chemical toilet)