Freedom camping
What is freedom camping?
"Freedom camping" means to camp (other than at a camping ground) within 200 m of a formed road, or of a motor-vehicle accessible area, or of the sea or harbour, or of a Great Walks Track, using one or more of the following:
- Tent or other temporary structure
- Caravan
- Car, campervan, house-truck, or other motor vehicle
Prohibited areas
While freedom camping has been a time honoured way of experiencing New Zealand's outdoors, and is an accepted activity for trampers and mountaineers in the backcountry, it is prohibited in some areas.
Areas on public conservation land where freedom camping is prohibited
Camping in prohibited areas
There are areas where freedom camping is restricted and where an instant fine of $200 could be issued.
You could get a $200 instant fine by:
- Freedom camping within 200 m of this sign:
- Freedom camping overnight within 200 m of this sign if you are not using a self-contained vehicle:
- Depositing waste while freedom camping
Depositing waste
When freedom camping, you must be responsible with your waste - carry it in, carry it out. Leave no trace. Self-contained camping vehicles must dispose of all toilet and grey water waste at a dump station (a list is available from Visitor Centres or www.tourism.govt.nz).
You could be fined up to $10,000 for depositing waste that has a significant adverse effect on the environment, or causes significant concern to the community or users of the area (e.g. discharging a self-contained campervan sewerage tank other than into an authorised dump station).
Paying the fine
After an infringement notice is issued the liable person has 28 days to pay the fine. This can either be the person named on the infringement notice or the registered owner of the vehicle. Methods for paying fines can be found on the infringement notice.
Read your rights if you are issued with an infringement notice (Summary of Rights)
We encourage you to be responsible with your waste wherever you camp. Visitor Centres and local DOC offices will have more information on freedom camping in their area.