Freedom Camping Laws in New Zealand

New Zealand boasts some of the most majestic scenery on the planet. To really partake of that natural splendour, there is nothing to beat freedom camping. But are you aware of the laws which govern freedom camping in NZ?

In this post, we’re going to review the regulations you need to know. But first, let’s talk a little bit about freedom camping.

What is Freedom Camping?

“Freedom camping” is a term which is specific to New Zealand. It is defined by the NZ government as camping, “on public land that isn’t a recognised camping ground or holiday park.”

The basic rule is simple. If you are on DOC (Department of Conservation) or local council land, and there is not a sign posted saying that camping is not allowed, then you can freedom camp.

But there are some detailed regulations which you need to know about in order to make sure you are not breaking the law.

Freedom Camping Laws and Regulations to Know About

Where You Can and Cannot Freedom Camp

• Do not camp on private land.

• Do not park on public land if you see a sign telling you it is not allowed. This sign includes a pictogram of a caravan and a tent which is inside a red circle with a bar going across it.

• If your vehicle is not self-contained, you cannot park anywhere you see a blue sign featuring a pictogram of a white caravan with its own toilet facilities. The words “Self Contained” are written beneath it.

• You may not camp at a Māori burial site (urupā).

• You may not be able to camp at a site which is home to a protected species (the rules for conservation areas can vary, so you should look them up for the area which interests you for camping).

• There might be other special sites you also cannot legally camp at. Be on the lookout for signs indicating that camping is prohibited.

• Freedom camping on council land tends to be limited strictly to self-contained vehicles. You must follow all applicable bylaws for the council and district in question. These might place specific parameters on where you can camp and how long you can park there. It is common, for instance, to need to drive out of town at least a kilometre before you can legally camp for the night.

• You are expected to conduct yourself politely and not to violate the rights of other people. That means you should not be excessively noisy, violate other persons’ space, or behave in a rowdy or menacing manner.

• If an enforcement officer tells you to leave a site, you must do so, whether or not you agree. If you resist, you could be fined.

What Type of Vehicle You Can Use for Freedom Camping

The previously linked government page says, “Your vehicle may need to be self-contained depending on the bylaws” which apply in a particular region.

If you want to maximize your freedom to camp almost anywhere you choose (especially close to towns), you definitely need a self-contained vehicle.

This could be a campervan, RV, motor caravan, motorhome, regular van, or other type of vehicle.

That vehicle must pass inspection and receive the self-containment certification sticker.

That means that it will require the following:

• Freshwater, graywater, and blackwater tanks with the capacity to support as many people as there are berths in the vehicle for a minimum of three days.

• A sink, a toilet, and a rubbish bin which meet specific requirements.

Make sure you have the certification sticker before you start freedom camping. Even if a vehicle meets the requirements for certification, it is not legally “self-contained” until it passes inspection and you can display the sticker.

It should be noted that over the years, repeated violations of pollution laws by campers without self-contained vehicles has led to enforcement officials really cracking down since last year.

The easiest way to stay on the right side of the law is to hire a self-contained vehicle for your vacation and only dispose of your waste at dump stations.

If you do that, in most cases, you should be just fine. Just pay attention to signage so that you do not mistakenly park somewhere that is prohibited.

Freedom Camping Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t:

• The entire point of the regulations concerning self-contained vehicles is to try and prevent pollution. So do not leave toilet paper, excrement, or rubbish of any sort at a site.

• Do not argue with enforcement officers or ignore their requests to see your certification or other information. You can get a fine if you do this.

• Never damage or vandalize a site in any way. You should leave it exactly the way you found it.

• Don’t use detergents in streams, lakes, or other bodies of water.

• Never harm vegetation. If you want to build a fire, do so out of sticks that are already laying around, or purchase firewood. Do not cut down trees or branches.

Do:

• Properly dispose of waste. That means heading to a dump station. Don’t know where to find one? Check the closest i-SITE (visitor centre).

• Clean up after yourself. Wastewater and human waste are not the only pollutants you should not leave at a site. You should not leave any sort of litter behind you. Dispose of it in a trash or recycling bin, or take it with you when you go.

What Happens if You Break Freedom Camping Laws?

If you violate freedom camping laws, you could receive a fine. At the low end, that fine could be $200, which is what you could expect for the majority of violations.

But there are a couple of violations which can incur a much heftier fine. If, for example, you are “behaving illegally towards an enforcement officer,” the fine could be $5,000. And if you dump on public ground instead of at a dumping station, the fine can be $10,000.

Failure to pay your fine on time can stop you from exiting the country at customs. So try not to incur any fines, and if you do, make sure you get them paid within 28 days to avoid additional penalties.

Conclusion: Follow Freedom Camping Laws and Enjoy the Experience

Freedom camping truly does give you the freedom to explore New Zealand at your own pace, parking in any beautiful spot on public land where camping is not prohibited. So long as you are following all regulations to the letter, you should be able to enjoy a smooth, flexible, affordable vacation in your self-contained campervan or motorhome.