Freedom Camping and Camping

The following campsites are not operated by Central Hawke's Bay District Council. These campsites are serviced and managed privately, and usual fees and charges apply.

A fully self-contained vehicle suitable for freedom camping is equipped to support camping for up to three days without requiring access to external facilities. Such vehicles must include:

• a fixed and operational toilet,
• freshwater storage,
• wastewater storage, and
• a rubbish bin with a secure lid.

To minimise environmental impacts, the toilet must be permanently installed and connected to a sealed black water holding tank with a minimum capacity of three litres per passenger.

To comply with New Zealand’s freedom camping standards, vehicles must meet the requirements outlined in the New Zealand Standard NZS 5465:2001 for self-containment of motor caravans and caravans. Certification for self-contained vehicles has recently transitioned to a new system. The key changes include:

• Blue Warrant: As of 7 June 2024, no new blue warrants are being issued. Existing blue warrants will remain valid until 7 June 2025.
• Green Warrant: Introduced on 7 December 2023, the green warrant replaces the blue warrant and is mandatory for all vehicles from 7 June 2025. Unlike the blue warrant, the green warrant mandates the installation of a fixed toilet rather than a portable one.

These updates are part of ongoing efforts to promote responsible camping practices, reduce environmental impacts, and ensure that visitors respect the natural and cultural values of camping destinations.

To make freedom camping a positive experience for everyone while protecting our beautiful environment, we encourage campers to follow these simple guidelines:

1. Camping proximity: If you’ve camped at a spot within the past week, please choose a site at least one kilometre away for your next stop.

2. Duration of stay: To ensure everyone gets a chance to enjoy these spaces, please limit your stay to the number of nights prescribed, leaving by noon on the day you depart.

3. Vehicle limits: Please check the signage at your location for any specific allowances.

4. Tent numbers: You’re welcome to set up to three tents in areas listed in Schedule 3, unless signage indicates otherwise.

5. Parking considerations:

• If the site has marked parking spaces, please park within them.
• If specific freedom camping spaces are provided, kindly use those.
• Ensure your vehicle is parked legally at all times.

6. Waste management:

• Use purpose-built disposal facilities for effluent.
• Where possible, please take your rubbish away with you. Otherwise, please dispose of rubbish responsibly using Council bags that can be dropped off for free at Council transfer stations.

7. Respecting public spaces:

• Keep pathways, access ways and public areas clear for everyone to use.
• Self-contained vehicles should use their own toilets but if you are using public toilet facilities, please do so considerately and in respect of other visitors. 

8. Caring for others and the environment:

• Follow any reasonable requests from local enforcement officers to help maintain these special spaces.
• Keep noise levels down and avoid any behaviour that might disturb fellow campers or nearby residents.
• Take care of the natural surroundings by leaving plants and vegetation untouched and ensuring your campsite is clean and undamaged when you leave.
• No permits will be granted for fires in a restricted or prohibited fire season, as determined by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.  

9. Structures: Temporary camping set-ups are welcome but semi-permanent structures are not permitted in camping areas.

By adhering to these guidelines, campers help protect the environment, ensure fair use of public spaces, and respect the values and needs of local communities and other visitors.

Please phone our team anytime on 06 857 8060 if you have any questions or would like more information.

Campervan, caravan and motorhome users

Before setting out on your trip, identify the location of sewage dump points (e.g. campgrounds) and be aware that outside of peak summer season, beach toilets are serviced less often, so please take precautions.

The procedure for dumping waste is simple and clean. If your vehicle has a holding tank, it will have a flexible hose with a snap coupling to fit the dump point facility. In the event of a spillage, a hose at the dump facility may be used to wash it away. Portable toilets may also be emptied into dump points with care.

Where can I dispose of my wastewater?

A dump station is located at the end of River Terrace in Waipukurau and was opened to the public at the end of May 2021.

If you are out in the countryside, rubbish disposal can be a problem. Plan your trip to minimise your rubbish production and please remember:

• burying rubbish is unsatisfactory because rubbish can be exposed by animals or erosion, so please carry away all rubbish.
• disposal nappies are not biodegradable! Ensure that you take plastic bags and carry used nappies home.
• roadside rubbish containers are only provided for light litter, such as sweet/lollies, small snacks and takeaway wrappers.
• food and household wastes (rubbish bags) should be taken home or disposed of in motor camp rubbish bins or at the local transfer station.
• Council rubbish bags can be purchased from Council and at various locations throughout the district.

You can view the draft Pourerere Freedom Camping Ballot Policy here. 

The provision and maintenance of freedom camping facilities comes at a cost to Council and our ratepayers. To ensure the long-term provision of these facilities, we very much welcome your donations. You can donate to support our Freedom Camping areas here.