Certified Self-Contained Campervans in New Zealand: How to Get Certified
Exploring New Zealand in a campervan is one of the best ways to see the country’s landscapes. To enjoy freedom camping legally and responsibly, your van should be certified self-contained. Certification ensures your vehicle can manage water, wastewater, and sanitation independently while protecting the environment.
This guide covers what it means to be certified self-contained, the essential equipment your van needs, and the steps to get certified.
What is a Certified Self-Contained Campervan?
A certified self-contained campervan meets the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Regulations 2023. It ensures your van can handle freshwater, wastewater, and toilet facilities for at least three days without external support.
Certification grants your van a Green Warrant, allowing legal free camping on public land where freedom camping has not been prohibited.
Being self-contained also helps protect New Zealand’s natural environment by safely managing waste and water.
Essential Equipment for Self-Containment Certification
To pass inspection, your campervan must include:
1. Freshwater System
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Tank for water storage in a opaque, secure container. The regulation only requires storage sufficient for 3 days, not a specific litre value. 12L per person for three days is industry guidance.
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Secure installation to avoid contamination.
2. Wastewater (Greywater) System
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Tank for waste water storage in opaque, secure container. Equal in size to your freshwater tank or monitored is industry guidance.
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Securely fastened to prevent leaks.
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Waste must be disposed of hygienically - for example into a dump station.
3. Toilet
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Permanently fixed toilet, minimum 3 litres per person.
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Secure and easily accessible inside the van.
4. Sink
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Connected to the wastewater system.
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Ensures hygienic greywater storage and disposal.
5. Rubbish Storage
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Secure Rubbish Container to contain waste.
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Prevents littering at camping sites.
6. Ventilation
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Proper vents or windows to remove odours.
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Maintains healthy airflow inside the campervan.
7. Water Loading Method
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Sanitary method to fill freshwater tanks.
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Prevents contamination during refills.
8. Wastewater Emptying Method
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Hygienic disposal - for example at approved dump stations.
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Ensures compliance and environmental safety.
Steps to Get Your Van Certified
- Install all required equipment in your campervan.
- Schedule an inspection with a registered self-containment certifier Search Certifying Authorities.
- The inspector verifies your van meets the regulations and can charge you a fee.
- Pay a $120 levy to the Plumbers Drainlayers Gasfitters Board to have your certification saved on the National Certifications Register. Search Motor Vehicle Registration.
- Receive your Green Warrant, valid for four years.
- Display your Green Warrant Card in the front window of the vehicle to show your compliance to the law.
🔧 Tip: Certification is valid only if your equipment remains functional. Regular maintenance is essential. A Certificate of Self Containment must be renewed every 4 years.
Benefits of a Certified Self-Contained Campervan
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Access More Camping Spots: Certification opens up freedom camping locations across New Zealand.
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Environmentally Responsible: Proper waste and water management reduces your impact.
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Self-Sufficiency: Travel longer without relying on external facilities.
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Peace of Mind: Legal compliance and safe, hygienic travel.
Conclusion
Getting your campervan certified self-contained ensures legal compliance, environmental responsibility, and more enjoyable travel in New Zealand. Equip your van correctly, follow the inspection process, pay your inspector and the $120 government levy, and receive your Green Warrant to hit the road confidently.
