Freedom Camping in New Zealand
New Zealand is a great country for exploring in a campervan. However it’s important to know that you can’t just camp wherever you like. Many councils have laws against roadside camping and by avoiding these rules will risk an instant fine of around NZ$200. To avoid this risk, you should know what the designated rules are for the region you are currently in, and where the designated campsites are. The free CamperMate app will show you in advance where the designated camping locations are, and what rules apply. Not only that, but if you get a freedom camping fine as a result of information being incorrect on the app, we’ll pay it for you. Read our freedom camping fine guarantee here. You can see a map view of free campsites here.
We have created this short video, to help you understand freedom camping in New Zealand. You can also view versions in Chinese, French and German.
</embed> Tips for freedom camping in New Zealand New Zealand has a beautiful and unique environment that is ideal for exploring in a camper van. We've created a short video to show you what you can do to be a responsible camper during your travels. We understand that it's often hard to find public toilets, rubbish bins, or dump stations when you're in an unfamiliar area. So CamperMate has created a free iPhone and Android app which will show you the nearest facility quickly and easy. By using these free public facilities, you'll be helping to reduce your impact on the environment, and you'll keep the locals happy. It's important to know that you can't just camp anywhere you like in New Zealand. Most councils have laws against roadside camping. By failing to comply with these rules means that you can risk an instant fine. To avoid this, you should know what the rules are for the region you are staying in and where the designated camping locations are. The rules can vary for each campsite, but are generally signposted. You can find the location and the rules of each campsite in advance on the free CamperMate app, or you can also ask at the local [INAUDIBLE]. In it's very basic meaning, being self-contained means having an on-board toilet and being able to hold water from your sink, for example. However, many freedom camping areas on [? council ?] or Department of Conservation land require you to be certified self-contained, which is a little stricter and means something more. For your vehicle to be certified self-contained, it must comply with a certain standard, which is checked by a testing officer. When your vehicle has been certified self-contained, it will display a sticker like one of these. Camping at a campsite that is only for certified self-contained vehicles, when your vehicle isn't, risks an instant fine. If you're coming to New Zealand and renting a camper van and aren't sure, check with your rental company. If you aren't certified self-contained, you might like to stay in one of over 200 Department of Conservation campsites, or 400 fully serviced holiday packs located all over New Zealand. By camping responsibly, we'll ensure that we keep New Zealand beautiful. Your help will ensure that feature visitors enjoy the country just as we do. Thanks for watching. [MUSIC PLAYING] // <![CDATA[ <br>wistiaEmbed = Wistia.embed("lvrvdsdq78"); <br>//]]>