Freedom camping changes
Updated Regulations for freedom camping came into force in August 2024
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Key changes
Update to Regulations – August 2024
The Government has updated the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023 (the Regulations). The updated Regulations came into force on 29 August 2024.
The amended Regulations are:
- Only permanently fixed wastewater storage tanks are required to be directly ventilated to the exterior of the motor vehicle.
- That self-containment certification authorities will refund levy payments to individuals whose vehicles fail their inspection.
Read the full detail of the Regulations for self-contained motor vehicles:
Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Amendment Regulations 2024(external link) — New Zealand Legislation
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 can apply to become certification authorities. You can read more about these changes at:
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
You can download a flyer that summarises the key changes for freedom campers here:
Timeline for changes to the freedom camping rules
Some changes to freedom camping rules will be gradually implemented over time.
Timeline for freedom camping rules
Alternative text for timeline infographic
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 these changes 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; as well as 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