Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Where freedom camping permitted - Freedom camping in local authority areas

10: Where freedom camping in local authority area permitted

You could also call this:

“Freedom camping rules on local authority land”

You are allowed to freedom camp in any area controlled by a local authority. You can do this by using a tent, a temporary structure, or a self-contained motor vehicle. However, there are some rules you need to follow.

If you want to freedom camp using a motor vehicle that isn’t self-contained, you can only do so if it’s allowed by a special rule called a bylaw or by other laws.

Sometimes, freedom camping might be restricted or not allowed in certain areas. This could be because of a bylaw, or because of limits on how many people can be in a self-contained vehicle, or because of other laws.

If you’re using a motor vehicle to freedom camp, you need to show a warrant card in your vehicle. But you don’t need to do this in areas where the local authority has made a special rule saying you don’t have to.

There are some temporary rules in place for a while. You can find these rules in a section of the law called subpart 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 1AA.

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This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM3742863.

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Part 2 Where freedom camping permitted
Freedom camping in local authority areas

10Where freedom camping in local authority area permitted

  1. Freedom camping is permitted in any local authority area, unless it is restricted or prohibited in that area as specified in subsection (3), if—

  2. a tent or other temporary structure is used; or
    1. a self-contained motor vehicle is used.

      1. Freedom camping using a motor vehicle that is not self-contained is permitted in a local authority area only if it is permitted in that area—

      2. in accordance with a bylaw made under section 11A; or
        1. under any other legislation.

          1. Freedom camping may be restricted or prohibited in a local authority area—

          2. by a bylaw made under section 11; or
            1. in the case of a self-contained motor vehicle, by the limit placed on the maximum number of people for which the vehicle is certified; or
              1. under any other legislation.

                1. A person must display a warrant card in a motor vehicle if the person is using the motor vehicle to freedom camp in a local authority area, other than a local authority area defined in a bylaw made under section 11A.

                2. See subpart 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 1AA for the applicable law during the transitional period.

                Notes
                • Section 10: replaced, on , by section 10 of the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 24).
                • Section 10(4): inserted, on , by section 10 of the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 24).