Camping

Freedom campers around Queenstown Lakes district are being urged to familiarise themselves with the new Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 to ensure they avoid potential fines.

Taupō District Council is seeking feedback on proposed changes to freedom camping zones and alcohol-free bylaws around the region.

The Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill, also known as the Freedom Camping Bill, has come into effect as law from 7 June.

The Self-Contained Motor Vehicle Legislation Bill has passed its third reading, marking a milestone in the government’s efforts to manage the impacts of freedom camping, says Tourism Minister Peeni Henare.

Kellys Bay Camping Reserve in the Kaipara District has closed and continues to operate as a recreational reserve.

The tourism minister also denies turning down assistance from National to redraft the freedom camping bill.

Department of Conservation camps around Whangarei will transition to a ‘pack in, pack out’ waste management policy from tomorrow, 1 February.

Kaipara District Council is seeking to appoint two officers who will educate and monitor freedom campers in the area.

The government has awarded Gisborne District Council $128,000 for the recruitment of three part-time staff who will regulate and manage freedom camping in the Tairāwhiti region during summer.

The Department of Conservation is introducing a ‘pack in, pack out’ waste management policy for its campgrounds in the wider Whangarei area.

Marlborough District Council is calling for public feedback on eight proposed freedom camping sites across the region.

Public feedback is now open for the proposed Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill.

A new national register of self-contained vehicles accessible by the public will be established, says Tourism Minister Stuart Nash.

The government has introduced its Self-contained Motor Vehicle Legislation Bill, which it says will address the environmental and social impacts of freedom camping.

The Responsible Campers Association has called Tourism Minister Stuart Nash’s efforts to crack down on freedom camping because it “smears a lot of responsible Kiwi campers with the same (toilet) brush”.

A campervan has been transformed into a fully-curated art gallery featuring 26 New Zealand artists and 50 works.

The Responsible Campers Association is pushing for a law change to minimise the ‘visible after effects’ from people going to the toilet in public.

Marlborough District Council is not satisfied that restrictions on six proposed freedom camping areas are necessary under the Draft Responsible Camping Bylaw 2022.

The Commerce Commission has opened public submissions on the proposed acquisition of THL’s Mighway and SHAREaCamper by Camplify.

Responsible Campers Association is renewing calls for an enquiry into freedom camping in New Zealand.

The NZ Motorhome Caravan Association has opened a new motorhome park at the Foxton Racing Club as more camper vans explore the town.

The government’s priority should be saving tourism businesses struggling to pay their bills and survive, rather than passing regulation on campervans, says National’s tourism spokesperson Todd McClay.  

Queenstown Lakes District Council will vote on its proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw 2021 tomorrow, Thursday 16 December.

The Department of Conservation says it is preparing to host around 60,000 campers over the summer and is asking people to be respectful and responsible while it works to keep them safe.

The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association is launching an initiative to allow businesses to promote themselves to the organisation’s 109,000+ members.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is hosting webinars for people to learn about the government’s proposed freedom camping changes.

The government’s proposed restrictions on freedom camping do not do enough to protect, says National MP Maureen Pugh.

Proposed new freedom camping laws are an opportunity to ease community concerns and create a stronger approach to managing camping around the country, Tourism Industry Aotearoa says.

New freedom camping laws will be introduced to help small communities and protect visitor destinations, says tourism minister Stuart Nash.

Kāpiti Coast District Council will fund the temporary hire of a portable shower and toilet block at the Ōtaki Māori Racing Club to create an area for horse camping over summer.

People freedom camping in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula will face a new restrictions this summer.

Marlborough District Council is reviewing its Responsible Camping Control Bylaw 2020.

Campers organising trips to campsites between Wanaka and Makarora over summer may need to adjust their plans, says the Department of Conservation.

More than 60 permits have already been applied for as camping season gets underway this Labour Weekend in Tairāwhiti.

A new freedom camping bylaw in Gisborne means several changes will be implemented from this season, says Gisborne District Council.

A freedom camping bill coming before the parliament should be sent to select committee for debate, says Federated Farmers.

Queenstown Lakes District councillors will meet today to approve a proposed draft for an update to freedom camping regulations in the region.

DOC says repair work underway but no estimate available for when the iconic track might be re-opened.

New rules aim to restrict number of nights, number of vehicles, and allow only self-contained vehicles.

Queenstown Lakes District Council is seeking feedback on freedom camping in the district via a survey.

An advocacy group wants an inquiry into the freedom camping situation in New Zealand after a related members’ bill on the matter was picked from the ballot last week.

More stringent freedom camping restrictions are on the cards if a members’ bill drawn from the ballot Thursday makes its way into law.

New pass for campers rather than hut users, with aim to boost use off-peak.

Around 10,000 more people used free campsites at four locations.

Submissions on new freedom camping proposals due 16 May.

Further public meetings have been scheduled for the government to consult on its new freedom camping proposals.

Consultation on the government’s freedom camping propopsals is starting with public meetings from today, Tuesday 20 April.

The Govt is proposing industry picks up more of the bill for freedom camping enforcement.

The Department of Conservation has temporarily closed the campsite at Awaroa/Godley Head near Lyttelton after dangerous levels of asbestos was found nearby.

The regions hardest-hit by the slump in international tourism will get priority.