Media release
3 December 2012
Freedom Camping Rules clarified
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is making clear where people can freedom camp this summer on conservation land.
Under the Freedom Camping Act, camping is expressly prohibited in areas clearly identified with relevant signage. At the
same time, DOC has clarified sites that are now available to self contained campervans to stay overnight.
‘It’s really good that we have clarity around the issue now’ says Neil Clifton who has been managing the changes for
DOC’s Freedom Camping options. ‘While opportunities abound for freedom camping on public conservation land there are
also some restrictions that ensure that everyone gets to enjoy special places in a pristine condition rather than
spoiled and soiled from misuse.’
Gazette Notices identifying the places where camping is prohibited and where it is restricted to self contained vehicles
are now on the DOC Website http://www.doc.govt.nz/freedomcamping and copies of notices are available for viewing at all Conservancy and Area Offices, and DOC Visitor Centres.
‘We want people to get out and enjoy our natural heritage but we also want them to camp responsibly.’ says Clifton ‘We
are part of a campaign to encourage responsible camping and this initiative will directly benefit New Zealand’s clean
image. While we are encouraging people to enjoy their camping we also have to be prepared for transgressions, so where
we encounter non compliance, we can impose a $200 instant fine. Hopefully we can avoid having to do that.’
–Ends–