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As summer holidays approach, Auckland Council is reminding would-be campers of the new freedom camping rules, since it adopted its Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw in June.
The bylaw excludes freedom camping from all public reserves, relying on the fact that it is already prohibited there under the Reserves Act. In the past, this rule was often flouted locally.
Council also now has more enforcement power, including the ability to issue fines – changes made to the Reserves Act in 2019 brought in $800 fines for breaches.
Council’s compliance response and investigations acting manager, Paul Cowling, says while tents and other forms of shelter are permitted at Auckland beaches and reserves during the day, freedom camping or staying overnight in a tent, is not.
“Over the summer, Council’s compliance and parks and community facilities teams, supported by security officers, will visit some of the region’s hotspots to educate visitors on the rules around freedom camping and camping,” he says. “Anyone intending to stay overnight will be reminded that camping is only permitted in areas specifically set aside for that purpose, and they will be asked to move on.”
Cowling says anyone who is not sure about the rules should look for signs. He says vehicles parking on green spaces in parks and reserves could be towed.
“While our preferred approach when it comes to enforcement is education, we do have the option to issue trespass notices and infringement fines if required.”
Freedom camping is banned in 45 areas of Auckland, as well as reserves, including Mathesons Bay, Leigh Library, Pakiri Hall, Ti Point Walkway and Warkworth Town Hall.
A further 22 areas of Auckland have restrictions on freedom camping – this applies locally at places such as Parry Kauri Park, Port Albert Wharf Reserve, Whisper Cove and Wellsford Community Centre grounds.
If you suspect someone is camping illegally, you can report it to Council on 09 301 0101, and include as much detail as possible, such as vehicle registrations and descriptions of those camping to aid further investigation and enforcement action, if required.
“Ahead of the upcoming holiday season, we’re encouraging those who would like to freedom camp to explore alternative options, including booking into a campground or a holiday park.”
Guidelines for freedom camping
To freedom camp in Auckland, you must:
• use a certified self-contained vehicle
• stay a maximum of two nights in the same road or off-road parking area
• vacate your parking space by 9am on the day you leave
• not return to stay in the same road or off-road parking area within a two-week period, which starts from 9am on the day of departure
• not stay in any area where freedom camping is prohibited
• comply with any special rules for freedom camping in restricted areas
• comply with other rules about disposal of waste and responsible freedom camping.
