Start here
First find out who manages the land. Then check the current rules for your exact stop. A green warrant does not give permission to camp everywhere.
Waking up with a lake or mountain outside the van is hard to beat. Before you settle in, find out who manages the land and which camping rules apply.
A green warrant does not give you permission to camp everywhere, and the absence of a “No camping” sign is not a guarantee that you can stay.
What counts as freedom camping?
The legal definition covers camping outside a camping ground using a motor vehicle, tent, bivouac or other temporary structure, in certain locations: within 200 metres of a motor-vehicle-accessible area or the sea or harbour’s mean low-water springs line, or on or within 200 metres of a formed road or Great Walks Track. It is not limited to certified self-contained vehicles. The definition describes the activity; separate rules determine whether it is permitted.
Ordinary day trips, picnicking and a driver’s short rest stop to avoid fatigue are excluded. A camping ground can be free, so whether you pay is not the test.
Different land, different rules
Council land
For freedom camping in a motor vehicle in a local authority area, the general rule is that the vehicle must be certified self-contained. Councils can allow non-self-contained vehicles in specified areas. Local bylaws and other laws can restrict or prohibit camping, including for certified vehicles. Use the council’s current camping map and site information to find the rules for your stop.
Department of Conservation land
Freedom camping is generally allowed on public conservation land except where restrictions or prohibitions apply. DOC-administered reserves have additional rules: do not assume you can camp on a reserve just because it has no sign. Use a designated campsite or a location where DOC permits camping. Some places require self-contained vehicles or limit nights, spaces or arrival times. A green warrant does not override a prohibition.
See DOC’s freedom-camping guidance and its list of prohibited and restricted areas.
LINZ land
Freedom camping on LINZ land is permitted only where a freedom-camping notice allows it, and the notice’s conditions must be followed. Do not apply the council or DOC default rule to LINZ land. Check the current notice and site information for the exact location. “Crown land” is not one blanket camping category.
What does a green warrant mean?
The green warrant shows that a vehicle has current certification under the self-contained vehicle system. The transition from blue warrants ended on 7 June 2026. Display your current warrant card when required, and remember that certification does not replace the camping rules for a site.
You can look up a vehicle in the national self-contained vehicle register. For certification information, visit the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.
Before you settle in
- Find the current council, DOC or LINZ information for the location.
- Follow any limits on nights, spaces, vehicle type and arrival or departure times.
- Keep entrances and accessways clear, take your rubbish with you, and empty toilet and grey-water waste at an appropriate disposal facility.
- If the rules are unclear, ask the land manager or choose an established campground.
A little planning means more time enjoying the trip. Treat the place and the people around you well, and leave it ready for the next camper.
Updated 27 September 2026. Sources: Freedom Camping Act 2011 (including sections 5, 10, 15 and 19A-19B), DOC guidance and PGDB information. Site rules can change.
