Proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw

Horowhenua District Council would like your feedback on our proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw.

The Self-contained Motor Vehicles Act 2023 was recently passed into law on 6 June 2023.

The following key changes now take effect:

• Changes to where you can freedom camp
• Changes around certifying self-contained vehicles
• Change to infringement fees and fines

These rules have not changed:

• Camping in vehicles at commercial campsites
• Camping in vehicles on private land

Further information can be found on the MBIE website

New Zealand’s freedom camping laws allow camping on all Council land unless it is prohibited through other methods (like a bylaw).

We're proposing to put a new bylaw in place that strikes the right balance between attracting and supporting tourism in the Horowhenua, while also protecting special places in our district. The proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw gives Council a tool to respond to issues relating to freedom camping.

The proposed Bylaw identifies those areas where freedom camping is appropriate, and those areas which need protection for reasons that include environmental and cultural significance, risks to health and safety, and other practical considerations. We want to ensure we meet the needs of our communities, our visitors, and all those who choose to freedom camp.

This is your opportunity to have your say about the Freedom Camping Bylaw which proposes to:

• Identify areas where people can't freedom camp (prohibited areas)
• Identify areas where people may freedom camp (restricted areas)
• Restrict Freedom camping to people in self-contained vehicles with a fixed toilet, in line with the rules that will become compulsory in June 2025
• Restrict the number of nights stay for freedom campers in some areas

Prohibited Areas

Proposed designated areas where freedom camping is prohibited:

• Hōkio Beach - View map
• Kuku Beach - View map
• Waikawa Beach - View map
• Lot 3 DP 60564 (Recreation Reserve adjacent to Flagstaff Street, Foxton Beach) - View map

View all prohibited areas maps

Restricted Areas 

Proposed designated areas where freedom camping is restricted:

View all restricted areas maps

Restricted Seasonal Areas

Kimberley Reserve, Levin:

• Designated camping ground area – Summer only (1 December to Easter)
• Currently a maximum 4-night stay (a 5 day break is required before another permit can be issued). We're proposing to increase this to 10 nights, with the same break required.
• No charge
• A permit is required to camp at Kimberley Reserve through Council's booking system

View the restricted seasonal area map