Responsible Freedom Camping in New Zealand
Update: Due to the Self-Contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 in review, as it stands our vans will no longer be certified, self-contained from December 7, 2024 onwards. We are monitoring the situation with the government and are evaluating the possibility of making our Vans self-contained by December. Read more on the freedom camping changes here and on our FAQ page here. Please note: you will still be able to camp with a Mojo Sleepervan or Campervan if you camp on commercial campsites, or on private land.
The most exciting part of planning your trip around New Zealand is selecting your dream destinations to visit along the way! With so many stunning locations to experience, it can often be difficult to stop everywhere on your list - which is why freedom camping is a great idea.
When you choose freedom camping for your holiday, you are partaking in an all-out road trip experience.
Freedom camping is hiring a fully equipped campervan and travelling to your desired locations on the open road, then sleeping overnight in places that are not recognised as camping grounds or holiday parks. This method of travel gives you complete freedom in the places you wish to see and the scenery you spend the night amongst. So long as you are adhering to local bylaws and regulations, freedom camping is the best way to experience New Zealand in comfort and style.
How to Freedom Camp Responsibly
Parking up your campervan amongst the beautiful New Zealand scenery is what holiday dreams are made of. With the freedom to pick your overnight destinations and the roads less travelled, it's easy to see why it is a popular way to vacation.
While freedom camping offers you an abundance of adventure and flexibility throughout your travels, it is also important that you plan and carry out your trip responsibly. By being responsible and mindful of the rules and restrictions in place, you are preserving the untouched beauty New Zealand has to offer. Through educating yourself on the different regions' bylaws and regulations you are actively taking part in retaining the right to camp in some of the world's most beautiful locations.
In saying this, we have compiled some basic rules to follow throughout your journey, these will ensure you are doing your bit to keep New Zealand beautiful and allow future freedom campers to explore the wilderness of New Zealand as you have.
Basic Rules for Freedom Camping
1. Dispose of rubbish responsibly
Respecting the environment is the biggest responsibility you have when you are out in your campervan. As native American chief Seattle once said ‘Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints.’ This means taking all of your waste with you and leaving the area as nature intended. Making sure you have hired a campervan fully equipped with appropriate waste disposal facilities is also an essential component for the duration of your holiday.
2. Keep New Zealand clean
When nature calls it’s important that you carry out your business respectfully and consciously. Our beautiful New Zealand landscape is renowned for being untouched and pure, which means accessible toilet facilities are a big part of your camping experience.
Using a public toilet where you can ensure the areas in which you stay will be preserved for the next traveler. However, we know how much freedom campers love the wilderness, which is why we would recommend hiring a campervan that has a purposefully designed portable toilet. This will give you the freedom to camp wherever you like with peace of mind.
3. Light no fires
Sleeping under the stars amongst nature is a dreamy and liberating experience for all campers. Lighting fires on the ground doesn't just have a negative impact on the environment, they also scar the landscapes in which some travelers choose to sleep.
Using the built-in cooking facilities of your campervan or a portable BBQ will give you all the ability to make delicious meals, with no footprint on the environment. With the added benefit of containing your waste, you are effectively creating a greener, cleaner planet for everyone to enjoy.
4. Take notice of freedom camping restriction signs
While there are numerous sites for you to camp freely on, there are restrictions that you need to adhere to. Taking notice of signs through the course of your trip will ensure you are keeping to local guidelines and respecting sites that are protected by the local council.
Some sites will require that you are in a self-contained vehicle, which is why taking a campervan is the more versatile choice for reaching more destinations. Planning your trip ahead of time and doing your research will help you get the most from your experience and ensure that the sites you are set on allow for the structure of your journey.
The Best Way to Get Around
To make your freedom camping experience memorable, it is essential you take a campervan that is designed with your comfort in mind. Mojo Campers make camping easy, with every vehicle fully certified and self-contained, there isn't a place they can't take you. With attention to every detail, Mojo Campers have been mindfully designed to offer you the most luxurious form of transport, while providing you with the facilities to camp with an environmental conscience.