Freedom camping NZ

Why freedom camping rules are tightening across the South Island

Freedom camping in New Zealand? It’s the things road trip dreams are made of. But before you pull over for the night in your campervan, especially around Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook, Lake Pukaki or Queenstown, there’s one thing you need to know:

Not all beautiful spots are legal camping spots.

“In fact, freedom camping is now banned in many popular areas, even if you have a self-contained vehicle,” says Randall Diggs of Road Runner Rentals.

Over the past few years, councils across popular visitor regions have been under increasing pressure from rising camper numbers, environmental impacts, and growing frustration from local communities. The result has been a clear shift away from informal, unregulated camping and toward more controlled, designated freedom camping systems. Rather than spreading campers thinly across lakeshores, roadside pull-offs, and town edges, councils are increasingly concentrating camping into a small number of approved areas where impacts can be managed.

Queenstown Lakes District

One of the most significant recent changes occurred in late 2025, when the Queenstown Lakes District Council introduced a new Freedom Camping Bylaw in response to sustained pressure on infrastructure and public spaces.

Under the new bylaw:

• Freedom camping is restricted to 141 marked car parks across 15 designated sites, covering locations from Lake Hāwea and Wānaka to Queenstown and Kingston
• Only certified self-contained vehicles are permitted to stay overnight.
• Stays are limited to a maximum of two nights per location.
• Strict overnight hours apply.
  • Arrive after 6 pm
  • Depart by 8 am
• Freedom camping is prohibited in urban street parking, most council reserves, and many rural areas unless explicitly signposted.

These rules came into effect on 1 December 2025, marking a firm move toward tighter management in one of New Zealand’s most visited regions.

Here’s where you can freedom camp Queenstown Lakes District camping map

Mackenzie District

The Mackenzie District, which includes hero destinations such as Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and Aoraki/Mt Cook, has a similar approach and introduced a new Responsible Freedom Camping Bylaw that came into force in December 2023 and it’s being fully enforced now.

You cannot freedom camp in the following places:

• Lake frontages – including around the township of Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki (except marked areas at The Pines campsite – and these are maxed out quickly in peak season), and Lake Ruataniwha
• Town centres – like Fairlie, Twizel, and Tekapo residential or commercial zones
• Neighbourhood centres and open space areas
• Any reserves – unless otherwise signposted

These zones are clearly marked and monitored with fines issued on the spot. Want the official camping maps? You can find them via the Mackenzie District Council site

What this means for campers

Freedom camping is not disappearing, but it is becoming more structured.

Travellers are increasingly expected to:

• Plan ahead
• Use designated sites.
• Ensure their vehicles meet self-containment standards.
• Respect time limits and local bylaws.

For those who do not meet these requirements, paid campgrounds and DOC campsites remain widely available and are often better equipped to handle higher volumes. Always check signage, and if in doubt don’t camp there.

What happens if you camp illegally?

Freedom camping in a restricted or prohibited area? Here’s what you’re facing:

• $400 fine – For camping where it’s banned or in a vehicle that’s not certified.
• Up to $800 – For more serious offences, like dumping waste or repeat breaches.
• Immediate infringement notices – No warnings required.

These fines are backed by the Freedom Camping Act 2011 and enforced daily in places like Lake Pukaki and Tekapo.

 If you want further information here are the DOC Freedom Camping Guidelines

Ready to hit the road? Book your campervan hire in Christchurch. Always plan your overnight stop before sunset. That way, you can double-check signs and avoid last-minute stress (or tickets) and here’s our blog that covers whether to start your campervan hire in Auckland or Christchurch