Freedom Camping and Camping

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

Tommy Ireland Point lookout (Pourerere Beach Road) 
Fully certified self-contained motor homes ONLY for not more than three consecutive nights. A donation box is at the entrance of Pourerere under the Pourerere Beach sign if you would like to make a voluntary donation.

Aramoana Beach 
Fully certified self-contained motor homes ONLY are permitted to stay overnight for not more than three consecutive nights, in the clearly signposted area at the end of the public car park area near to the public toilets. Three parks have been allocated for this activity.

Kairakau Beach 
Fully certified self-contained motor homes ONLY are permitted to stay overnight for not more than three consecutive nights, on the area of grass at the northern end of Kairakau Beach Road (past the new public toilet). The area allowed to be used is clearly signposted. Any other form of camping on any other Council land at Kairakau Beach is NOT ALLOWED.

1. There is a total fire ban on all beaches in Central Hawke's Bay all year around. There are no exceptions to this.

2. The length of stay must not to exceed three days.

3. Campers must leave the site clean and tidy.

4. Camp sites must be set up in such a way as to not interfere with or damage trees, other vegetation such as sand dune plants, or disturb nesting birds in the dunes.

5. Permanent structures are not permitted. 

6. Suitable signs will be erected advising public of areas where camping is permitted and areas where camping is not permitted.

7. Dogs are allowed with campers at freedom camping sites BUT they must be kept under strict control at all times. Signposted bylaws regarding dogs on beaches over summer months must also be adhered to. This typically means that dogs cannot be off-lead in certain areas (i.e. around ablution blocks).

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

Looking after our environment

You will no doubt be travelling in New Zealand because of our beautiful countryside and environment. We know that you will want to protect this, so please remember that the indiscriminate disposal of human waste ruins the enjoyment of the natural environment and creates a significant health risk. It promotes the spread of intestinal disease either from direct contact or by insect carriers such as flies.

Please make sure you respect our environment by thoughtfully disposing of any waste you have in an appropriate place. You will find some tips to help you do this below.

In New Zealand you can expect to find free-use toilets at:

• Information and visitor centres
• National park headquarters
• Petrol stations
• Hotels
• Public libraries
• Campgrounds
• Rail and bus stations
• Urban parks and children's playgrounds

Use the toilets when you are passing through townships as they may not be available in the countryside.

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.