NZ Freedom Camping Forum

Following growing concerns about the impacts of freedom camping in several parts of the country, TIA convened the New Zealand Freedom Camping Forum (NZFCF) in December 2007. Since that time, the NZFCF has succeeded in achieving a unified stance on how best to manage freedom camping. It is accepted by everyone that some degree of enforcement will be required, but we can reduce that through education, helping campers to embrace the principle of kaitiakitanga.

Assume nothing – always ask a local

The central message to freedom campers is: “Assume nothing – always ask a local”. We are encouraging campers to check with i-SITEs, Department of Conservation (DOC) Visitor Centres or holiday parks to find out where they are permitted to freedom camp and other local camping information.

A new website www.camping.org.nz provides a ‘one stop shop’ for campers. The website includes information on ecowise practices, keeping safe, facilities, regional camping, what to do and where to stay in New Zealand. Rental vehicle companies are linking to the site to actively promote it to visitors during the booking process. The ‘ask a local’ message is also being prominently displayed by participating campervan operators and holiday parks, in i-SITEs around the country and DOC Visitor Centres.

What is freedom camping?

Freedom camping occurs when people camp away from sites that are recognised as camping grounds. Freedom camping can include camping in a caravan, bus, car, tent or campervan. The location can be in rest areas or reserves, at beaches, in car parks or at the side of the road. Freedom camping is a popular way to enjoy New Zealand and we don’t want to prohibit people from travelling that way, but we do want to minimise any negative impacts.

Who are freedom campers?

There are no precise figures on the number of people who freedom camp. However, it is popular with both New Zealanders and international visitors. In general, freedom campers are Free Independent Travellers (FIT) who are an important sector for New Zealand tourism.

Where can people freedom camp in New Zealand?

Restrictions on freedom camping vary in each region. In some areas people can camp with relative freedom but in other places freedom camping is restricted to selected areas. It is up to each community to manage freedom camping in ways that are appropriate for them. Many councils have bylaws to control freedom camping. If it is carefully managed, freedom camping can be a way of bringing visitors into an area and adding value to the local economy.

Who belongs to the NZFCF?

Tourism operators and organisations:

Adventure South
Alpine Pacific Tourism
AA Tourism
Destination Marlborough
Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing
Holiday Accommodation Parks Association of New Zealand (HAPNZ)
New Zealand Maori Tourism Council
Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA)
Tourism New Zealand / i-SITE Network
YHA New Zealand

Rental vehicle operators and organisations:

Bus and Coach Association New Zealand (BCA)
JUCY Rentals
KEA Campers
New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA)
Pacific Horizon Motorhomes
Rental Vehicle Association of New Zealand (RVANZ)
Spaceships
Tourism Holdings Ltd (THL)
United Campervans
Wicked Campers

Central government and local government:

Clutha District Council
Department of Conservation (DOC)
Kaikoura District Council
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ)
Ministry for the Environment
Ministry of Tourism
New Zealand Transport Agency
Police
Queenstown Lakes District Council
West Coast Regional Council
Westland District Council

How does the work of the NZFCF fit with the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015?

The work of the NZFCF strongly supports two of the priorities for the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015:

The tourism sector takes a leading role in protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s environment
The tourism sector and communities work together for mutual benefit.

The Strategy makes specific reference to freedom camping among its action points for protecting and enhancing the environment:

Work with local government to develop appropriate facilities, standards, and planning for waste management. Examples include public recycling in all main centres, developing policies on freedom camping and preparing regional waste strategies.

Funding of $20,000 has come from the Ministry of Tourism for the NZFCF’s work. The i-SITE network has also developed eye-catching imagery, featured on www.camping.org.nz, promoting acceptable freedom camping practices.

What else is being done?

The NZFCF has also developed a range of other initiatives to help communities better manage freedom camping in their areas. Campervan companies are being encouraged to fit toilets, wastewater tanks and rubbish bins to all vehicles designed for sleeping in. Stickers are also being developed that will allow local government enforcement officers and campervan hirers to identify at a glance whether vehicles are fully or partially self-contained. National freedom camping policy principles have been developed to assist local councils put together detailed freedom camping policies for their own regions. These principles have been adopted by South Island councils.

A national ‘no camping’ sign has been developed. The lack of a single sign that is used around the country has been confusing for freedom campers. While councils are being urged to use the sign sparingly to avoid the visitor perception that New Zealand is covered in prohibition notices, it was made clear to NZFCF members that every community has places of particular value which need strong ‘no camping’ signage to get the point across.

The NZFCF will continue to meet regularly to review progress and continue the group’s work.