Camping in New Zealand

[citation needed] Popular campsites during the summer holidays include the Mavora Lakes, Kaiteriteri Beach, Mārahau and the Coromandel Peninsula.

The summer holiday period, which is over Christmas and New Year, coincides with the peak of inbound tourists, leading to high levels of crowding at popular locations.

Limitations have been put in place in recent decades because of litter and human waste problems, and attempts to encourage payment for camping by directing tourists to commercial facilities.

[10] The Guidance also reiterated a number of wide-ranging powers that were extended to councils and Department of Conservation (DOC) to control freedom camping in prohibited or restricted areas.

As well as a summary conviction and a fine not exceeding $10,000 for discharging noxious, dangerous or offensive substances onto a local authority area (e.g. the incorrect disposal of human waste).

[10] In late November 2021, Minister of Tourism Stuart Nash announced that the Government would be introducing a Self-Contained Vehicles Bill in February 2022.