Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is reminding campers to get up to speed on new government legislation for freedom camping to avoid having to pay increased infringement fees.

QLDC community partnerships manager Marie Day said the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 (‘the Act’) has brought changes to what legal freedom camping looks like in the district.

One of these is its definition of self-contained: “To be certified as self-contained, vehicles need to have a permanently fixed toilet – portable toilets are no longer sufficient,” Marie said. 

Only vehicles with this new certification are allowed to camp on land managed by local authorities like QLDC, as well as by Land Information New Zealand and the Department of Conservation.

Individual infringement fees have also increased (since July 13) when the regulations came into force.

“For example, the offence of freedom camping in breach of a bylaw is increasing from $200 to $400 and others are higher still,” Marie said.

The new fine for freedom camping in a self-contained vehicle with more people than the vehicle is certified for is $400; displaying an altered or fraudulent warrant card is $600; and failure to display a ‘blue warrant’ self-certification card is $200.

Damaging the flora or fauna of an area while freedom camping can spark a fine of $800.

“It’s important to note that these infringements are not directed at people experiencing homelessness,” Marie said. 

“QLDC has always applied discretion in this area and looked to direct people to appropriate social service agencies rather than penalising them.”

The Act now contains a specific exemption stating that a person is not freedom camping if they are unable to live in appropriate residential accommodation - that is unless they are in New Zealand on a visitor visa, in which case the exemption will not apply. 

While freedom camping infringements will not be directed at those people in these situations, the normal rules and restrictions governing the use of QLDC land do still apply. 

The new rules have not changed for vehicles at commercial campsites, or vehicles on private land. 

Anyone wanting more information on the new freedom camping rules should visit the website of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App