Freedom camping means staying the night somewhere that is not a campground, such as a roadside reserve, a lakefront car park or a spot on conservation land. It is one of the best ways to see New Zealand, and it comes with clear rules. They changed in June 2026, so check them even if you have camped here before.
The big change: green warrants only
From Sunday 7 June 2026, the old blue self-containment warrants are no longer recognised for freedom camping. A vehicle now needs a green warrant to count as certified self-contained. To be certified, a vehicle needs a fixed toilet, a water supply, wastewater storage, ventilation and rubbish storage.
A portable toilet no longer qualifies. The toilet must be fixed to the floor of the vehicle. If you are hiring a campervan, ask the rental company to confirm it has a current green warrant before you book.
Where you can freedom camp
- Council land: on most public land, freedom camping is limited to certified self-contained vehicles. Each council can set its own bylaws, so some places allow more and many places allow less. Check the local council website or the signs where you stop.
- Conservation land: under the Freedom Camping Act 2011 you can freedom camp on public conservation land except where it is prohibited or restricted. Some areas are for self-contained vehicles only, and some limit how many nights you can stay.
- Scenic and recreation reserves: you cannot freedom camp in reserves managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) unless DOC provides or approves a campsite there.
- Near Great Walks: freedom camping is generally not allowed near Great Walks tracks.
Read the signs
A “No camping” sign means you cannot stay overnight, even in a self-contained vehicle. A “Self-contained vehicles only” sign means only certified vehicles can stay, and in those areas your warrant card must be on display.
Fines
Freedom campers can get a $400 infringement notice if their vehicle is on public land without a green warrant. Fines also apply for breaking other freedom camping rules, such as camping where it is prohibited or leaving waste behind.
Camping the right way
- Take all your rubbish with you, and empty toilets and wastewater only at dump stations.
- Do not light fires.
- Leave plants and wildlife as you find them.
- Dogs are not allowed when freedom camping in national parks.
What the rules do not cover
The self-containment rules are about freedom camping. They do not apply when you stay at a holiday park or other commercial campground, or camp on private land with the owner’s permission. DOC also runs more than 320 campsites across the country, many in beautiful spots, and they are a good option when you are not in a self-contained vehicle.
Plan your stops
Holiday parks are worth booking ahead in summer, especially around Queenstown, Wānaka and the Bay of Islands. Browse places to stay and transport and hire on Big Red, including campervan hire, and book directly with the business.