Camping

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

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

The Department of Conservation has closed the Graces Stream Campsite at Remutaka Forest Park near Wellington due to the threat of treefall.

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”.

The Hipapatua Recreational Reserve at Reid’s Farm in Taupō is closed until 1 October while Taupō District Council carries out maintenance on the site.

Lake Waikaremoana will re-open to the public on 6 February and all tracks, huts and camp grounds in Te Uruwera will re-open from 14 February.

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

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.

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

Staff see more first time campers than in many years.

Campgrounds helped drive occupancy up across the country, according to the Accommodation Data Programme.

Camping sales across New Zealand and Australia has helped lift half-year revenue, says outdoor retailer Kathmandu.

DOC is reminding people to tread lightly and follow the rules at camping spots this Waitangi weekend, such Fiordland’s Mavora Lakes.

Gisborne District Council has issued 20% more permits for camping areas this season compared to last, as both domestic tourists and locals take a summer break on the East Coast.

A “comprehensive redevelopment” is in store after Queenstown Lakes District Council granted a lease over land for Frankton Campground.

Ashpit and Brett Road campgrounds on the shores of Lake Rerewhakaaitu in Rotorua now require online bookings, as the Department of Conservation looked to manage the effects of increased domestic tourism the summer season. 

Nelson City Council will not be reinstating its daytime facility for freedom campers this summer because fewer campers were expected.

Queenstown Lakes District Council has received $509,000 of funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment for Responsible Camping initiatives.

The Dunedin City Council has allocated the $140,000 it secured from the Government’s Responsible Camping Fund.

New Plymouth District Council has voted to ban freedom camping completely at Corbett Park in Ōākura and at two areas at Tongaporutu.

There has been a marked increase in complaints about self-containment certification for caravans and motor caravans this year, says the RCAi.

The Department of Conservation has opened an additional 43 campsites and eight huts for online bookings ahead of the summer season.

Ensuring campers do not stay longer than they are allowed at its four free-to-use campsites at Lake Dunstan will be a key focus for Land Information New Zealand this summer season.

Gisborne District Council will consult with the public on its Draft Freedom Camping Bylaw 2020, reviewed to address issues arising from freedom and summer camping in the district.

The Hurunui District Council will receive $185,705 from the Government’s Responsible Camping Fund to support the region’s camping needs.

Gisborne District Council has received $300,000 in funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s $8m Responsible Camping Fund.

The Department of Conservation is urging those planning to camp at the Kauaeranga Valley to book early ahead of what it expects to be a busy summer season.

More Kiwis are now choosing to camp and many of them might not know how to do it responsibly, says the minister.

A review of Marlborough’s freedom camping bylaw is set to begin imminently following approval by the district council.

Matata Campground and Whirinaki Recreation Camp both needed upgrades and safety work undertaken and had extended closures after the Covid-19 lockdown while the work was done.