TIA supports a strong responsible camping framework that allows for the effective management of this part of the tourism system.
TIA supports the legislative framework that allows for the effective management of this part of the tourism system established by the Freedom Camping Act 2011 that defines and regulates freedom camping and the roles of local government; and the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023. The 2023 Act means that freedom camping can only take place on non-camping designated local authority land if the vehicle has been certified as self-contained. Some regions may have implemented bylaws which designate where freedom camping can take place.
Vehicles that are not self-contained are allowed, but they can only stay at commercial holiday parks or at other designated camping facilities and DOC camping grounds that have services. The Self-containment requirement came into force for rental camper vehicles in December 2024 and June 2026 for privately owned camper vehicles.
The industry response in getting their vehicles certified under the 2023 Act has been a major exercise, with over 25,000 rental camping vehicles certified as self-contained as of January 2026, and with a similar number of private vehicles certified.
TIA advocates for appropriate investment by central and local government to ensure that implementation is monitored and that the system operates as intended over the long term, including for insight, information, infrastructure, regulation and enforcement. This should include maintenance of infrastructure and sufficient environmental protection, including for rubbish and recycling that matches user pressures.
TIA does not support total bans on freedom camping as this would impact on New Zealanders who regard it as a birth right and unfairly penalise the vast majority of overseas visitors who behave appropriately when camping. Instead, TIA encourages campers to consider all options that are legally available to them. New Zealand is very well served across these available options, including having an extensive holiday park network and DOC facilities for campers to enjoy.
TIA convenes the Responsible Camping Forum that includes representatives from local government, tourism operators, industry associations, camping associations and central government agencies. Together, the Forum considers issues and solutions to enable well-functioning responsible camping.
