Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Freedom Camping Act 2011

Where freedom camping permitted - Freedom camping in local authority areas

11: Freedom camping bylaws

You could also call this:

“Rules about where and how you can camp in different parts of New Zealand”

A local authority can make rules about freedom camping in their area. They can decide where you can and can’t camp, and what rules you need to follow when camping.

The local authority can only make these rules if they think it’s needed to protect the area, keep people safe, or make sure everyone can use the area. They have to be sure that making a rule is the best way to solve any problems, and that the rule doesn’t go against your rights.

If the local authority wants to make rules about camping on land that belongs to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), they need to get permission from NZTA first.

The local authority has to be careful when making these rules. They need to make sure the rules are fair and don’t take away more freedom than necessary. They also need to make sure the rules follow the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act.

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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=DLM3742864.

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“Rules for camping on roads and highways in your area”

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11A: Bylaws permitting freedom camping in motor vehicles that are not self-contained, or

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

11Freedom camping bylaws

  1. A local authority may make bylaws—

  2. defining the local authority areas in its district or region where freedom camping is restricted and the restrictions that apply to freedom camping in those areas:
    1. defining the local authority areas in its district or region where freedom camping is prohibited.

      1. A local authority may make a bylaw under subsection (1) only if it is satisfied that—

      2. the bylaw is necessary for 1 or more of the following purposes:
        1. to protect the area:
          1. to protect the health and safety of people who may visit the area:
            1. to protect access to the area; and
            2. the bylaw is the most appropriate and proportionate way of addressing the perceived problem in relation to that area; and
              1. the bylaw is not inconsistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.

                1. A local authority must obtain the written consent of the NZTA before making a bylaw under subsection (1) that applies to an area of NZTA land that has been declared, by a bylaw made under section 10A, to be a local authority area.

                2. Repealed

                3. Repealed

                4. Repealed

                5. Repealed
                Notes
                • Section 11(3): replaced, on , by section 11 of the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 24).
                • Section 11(4): repealed, on , by section 11 of the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 24).
                • Section 11(5): repealed, on , by section 11 of the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 24).
                • Section 11(6): repealed, on , by section 11 of the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 24).
                • Section 11(7): repealed, on , by section 11 of the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 (2023 No 24).