Embarking on a roadie (road trip) is an intrinsically Kiwi experience, enabling manuhiri (visitors) to enjoy the magic of the roads less travelled, and stumble upon some off the beaten track gems.

So, to keep New Zealand beautiful and uphold the Tiaki Promise(opens in new window), the rules around freedom camping are changing. Freedom camping is when you camp on public land that isn’t a recognised camping ground or holiday park.

Camper vehicles will be moving from a blue to a green warrant, declaring them as self-contained.

Here is an overview of the key changes coming into effect:

• In general, you can only freedom camp on local authority land if your vehicle is certified self-contained
• There are changes around certifying self-contained vehicles. Vehicles with a portable toilet are no longer able to be certified self-contained
• From 7 June 2025, all private vehicles will need to be certified with a green warrant to be certified self-contained under the new requirements
• From 7 December 2024, all rental vehicles will need to be certified with a green warrant to be certified self-contained under the new requirements
• There are changes to infringement fees and fines. The original infringement fee of $200 has been increased to $400. Many of the fees will increase further when regulations come into force

This will not affect:

• Camping in tents
• Camping in vehicles at commercial campsites
• Camping in vehicles on private land

Freedom camping on local authority land is allowed (unless it is specifically prohibited) until your blue warrant expires, or 7 June 2025 (whichever happens sooner).

More information on what is needed to upgrade or certify your vehicle under the new requirements, and where to go to get certified, will become available in due course. Up to date information can be found on the MBIE website(opens in new window).

For inspiration on where your roadie can take you, check out the Road Trip(opens in new window) and Holiday Parks(opens in new window) features on our consumer website, and while you're there, read our guide to responsible camping(opens in new window) in Aotearoa New Zealand.