Freedom camping changes
Changes to support the effective management of freedom camping in New Zealand.
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Transitional period for privately owned vehicles will be extended by one year to 7 June 2026
The Minister for Tourism and Hospitality has announced that the final deadline for privately owned vehicles with a current 'blue warrant' to become certified as self-contained under the new ‘green warrant’ standards will be extended by one year to 7 June 2026. This extension for privately owned vehicles ensures there is enough capacity in the system for people to get their vehicles certified before the end of the transitional period, without unduly delaying the benefits of the new system.
The regulations to extend the transitional period for private vehicles will be passed in the first half of 2025 before the current deadline of 7 June 2025.
Where to get your vehicle certified self-contained
Information on what is needed to certify your vehicle (including answers to technical questions), and where to go to get certified, is available on the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board website:
Self-contained vehicles(external link) — Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
Where you can freedom camp
In general, you can only freedom camp on local authority land if your vehicle is certified self-contained. Check in with your local authority to find out more:
Find your local authority(external link) — Local Government New Zealand
Certifying self-contained vehicles as a Certification Authority
Vehicles with a portable toilet are no longer able to be certified self-contained. From December 2023 organisations could apply to become Certification Authorities.
Read more:
Information for prospective certification authorities and vehicle inspectors
These rules have not changed under the Self-Contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act:
- Camping in tents
- Camping in vehicles at commercial campsites
- Camping in vehicles on private land
Infringement fees and fines
In July 2023 regulations setting out infringement fees and fines came into law.
For example, these infringements apply to:
- inappropriately disposing of waste
- interfering with, or damaging, the environment
- not leaving a local authority area when required to do so by an enforcement officer.
Find out more about infringement fees and penalties levels:
Infringement fees and penalties table [PDF, 277 KB]
Find out more about Regulations(external link) — New Zealand Parliament
Impacts on people experiencing homelessness
Freedom camping infringements cannot be applied to people experiencing homelessness. Council enforcement staff should refer these people to social support agencies when appropriate.
Find out how this will impact you
Information for vehicle owners
Information for local authorities
Information for prospective Certification Authorities and vehicle inspectors
More information
The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board is the regulator of the self-contained vehicle system. See their website for information on what is needed to certify your vehicle, and where to go to get certified and information for organisations looking to become certification authorities.
Self-contained vehicles(external link) — Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
Freedom camping(external link) — Department of Conservation
Camping in New Zealand(external link) — Tourism Industry Aotearoa
Background documents
Documentation relating to the freedom camping law reforms(external link)