We are very grateful to the Tourism Strategy Group (TSG) and the following organisations that provided funding to produce and distribute this material: Holiday Accommodation Parks NZ, THL, KEA Campers, Spaceships, United Campervans, Escape Rentals, Jucy Rentals and Pacific Horizon Campervans.

Following growing concerns about the impacts of freedom camping in several parts of the country, TIA convened the New Zealand Responsible Camping Forum (NZRCF) in December 2007. Since that time, the NZRCF 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.

Where can I camp?

The central message to freedom campers is: Please stay in holiday parks, Department of Conservation (DOC) camping grounds or other designated areas. We are encouraging campers to assume nothing, and check with i-SITEs, DOC Visitor Centres or holiday parks to find out where they are permitted to freedom camp and get other local camping information.

The www.camping.org.nz website provides a ‘one stop shop’ for campers. The website includes information on eco-wise 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.

What is freedom camping?

Freedom camping has traditionally occurred when people camp away from sites that are recognised as camping grounds. We ar e encouraging them to retain that sense of freedom, but camp in designated areas.

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.

We are encouraging them to stay in designated areas – holiday parks, DOC camping grounds and other designated areas, and if in doubt to ask.

Who belongs to the NZRCF?

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
Escape Rentals

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 NZRCF fit with the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015?

The work of the NZRCF 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.

What else is being done?

The Responsible Camping Forum 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 have also been developed to 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 Forum members that every community has places of particular value which need strong ‘no camping’ signage to get the point across.

In late 2010, new poster and vehicle stickers highlighting the ‘stay in designated areas’ message were sent to holiday parks, campervan operators, DOC viitor centre, i-SITE visitor centre, youth hostels, councils and international airports.

Cook Strait ferry operators Interislander and Bluebridge are also getting behind the message, distributing thousands of leaflets with camping information to passengers driving campervans and similar vehicles.

Local Government New Zealand is developing legislation to establish a national instant fine system that councils will be able to use to better enforce freedom camping rules in their areas.

Keeping Safe as a Visitor

At the request of the Freedom Camping Forum, Police are translating the ‘Keeping Safe as a Visitor in New Zealand’, click here for a brochure avaliable in four languages – Spanish, French, Dutch and German.

The Forum is keen that campers continue to be welcomed and enjoy good experiences in our regions.

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

Proudly associated with:

NZ Responsible Camping Forum

NZ freedom camping posters and leaflets - example only (copyright does not allow these images to be used by other organisations or individuals)

TIA Camping Combi A2Adobe Acrobat Document: 10.0 MB, 24.9 minutes @ 56kbps

TIA Camping Combi A2
Adobe Acrobat Document: 10.0 MB, 24.9 minutes @ 56kbps