Freedom Camping

New Zealand is blessed with an abundance of secluded and scenic spots ideal for freedom camping. In order to maintain the privileges of freedom camping, and ensure the protection of our environment, it is important everyone camps responsibly and observes local freedom camping-related rules.

There are designated areas set aside for freedom camping, and these can be found in the Travel Directory.

Click this button to view local government camping-related bylaws and/or policies.

Thanks to the NZMCA, Ray Hart (#28490) and members of the NZ Motorhome and Caravan Forum for their time and effort into developing this resource.

If you are unsure where you can freedom camp refer to your Travel Directory or enquire here:

Responsible freedom camping can be achieved in a certified self contained vehicle as these vehicles have the necessary facilities onboard to contain all the occupants waste for a minimum of three days. Many Councils are now acknowledging certified self containment within their freedom camping rules by limiting freedom camping to designated areas for certified self contained vehicles only.

A certified self contained vehicle should display a ‘Responsible Camper’ sticker on the rear window or bumper to verify its status under the NZ Standard for Self Containment of Motor Caravans and Caravans, NZS 5465:2001.

Latest Updates (25 August 2011)

Parliament recently passed its final reading of the Freedom Camping Bill, with the expectation the Bill will come into force prior to the beginning of RWC 2011. Further updates will be published in the members' 2012 Travel Directory (posted end of August), and in the Motor Caravanner Issue #293 (posted end of September).