Freedom camping changes

Law changes relating to the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act and its Regulations are complete. The final change was made in early 2025 with the transitional period for private vehicles extended to 7 June 2026.

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s documentation relating to these law changes can be found here:

Documentation relating to the freedom camping law reforms(external link)

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, 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

Last updated: 24 June 2025