Owner guides
NZ freedom camping regulations: van owner guide
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As previously communicated to our van owners, New Zealand's new freedom camping regulations are about to bring significant changes to our community. Following the December 7, 2024 deadline, owners of commercial and peer-to-peer rental vehicles need to ensure their hire vehicles meet the updated standards. Last updated: December 2024
We spoke with Bette Cosgrove, a New Zealand responsible camping expert and owner of the Freedom Camping Advice NZ Facebook group to get her insights on what these changes mean for van owners and how to prepare for the upcoming deadline.
The new regulations: What’s changing?
The most significant change in the new freedom camping regulations is the requirement for all vehicles to be certified as self-contained to a new "green" standard. This means that vehicles must have a fixed toilet, a sink, safe fresh water storage, a greywater tank, and the ability to store waste and rubbish for at least three days.
For Camplify van owners, this means that if your vehicle is not certified to the new green standard, it will not be eligible for freedom camping. This could severely limit the appeal of your van to potential hirers, especially international tourists who come to New Zealand specifically for the freedom camping experience. As Bette points out, "If your van isn't certified to the new green standard, you're essentially cutting off a huge part of the market. Freedom camping is a big draw for tourists, and if they can't use your van for that, they're likely to look elsewhere."
The fixed toilet requirement presents a major decision point for small campervan owners, who must evaluate whether conversion costs are worth the investment. For those considering modifications, it's recommended you consult a local certifcation inspector who can suggest solutions suitable for specific van layouts, as there are various options available in the market to accommodate different configurations.
What van owners need to do now
If you're a Camplify van owner, the first step is to ensure your vehicle meets the new green standard. This involves:
Installing a fixed toilet : Portable toilets will no longer be sufficient for freedom camping. Your van must have a permanently installed toilet. If your van doesn't have one, we encourage you to discuss conversion options with a local inspector, as there are various solutions available to meet the new requirements.
Greywater tank : Your van must have a greywater tank to store wastewater from sinks and showers with an external vent pipe [air inlet valve] This water must be disposed of at designated dump stations.
Waste storage for three days : Your van must be able to store waste (both greywater and blackwater) and rubbish for at least three days, in line with the new regulations.
A sink and sufficient, safely stored fresh water storage for a minimum of 3 days use.
Once your van is equipped with these features, you’ll need to get it certified by an authorised certifier. The Plumbers, Gasfitters & Drainlayers Bpard administer the national register.
The consequences of non-compliance
If your van isn't certified to the new green standard, you won't be able to offer it for freedom camping. If a hirer takes a non-compliant van to a freedom camping site and receives a fine, that fine may be directed to you as the registered owner. If your listing is misleading or incorrectly declaring certified self containment you will be liable for these fines. The fines for non-compliance start at a minimum of $400 and can be issued electronically. For more information about fines and penalties, visit theOfficial Freedom Camping Regulations.
Important note for Camplify owners: If you approve a booking for freedom camping without having the required green certification, Camplify cancellation fees may apply (see our Cancellation Policies). If you're not planning to complete the conversion, you must deselect the self-contained option in your listing and clearly state "serviced campsites only - not permitted for freedom camping" in your hiring rules.
For specific questions about your vehicle during this transition period, please reach out to Camplify Membership Services for assistance.
Educating your hirers
We recommend taking time to educate your hirers about responsible van use. Many freedom camping issues stem from simple lack of knowledge - hirers may not understand how to properly use the van's toilet or where to dump greywater. As a van owner, you can prevent these problems through education.
Consider creating a comprehensive handbook for your van - it's one of the most effective ways to ensure proper use. Your guide should cover all essential systems and procedures, from toilet and greywater management to the locations of dump stations. Include technical details like fuse locations and battery duration. Since hirers can't be expected to remember everything from an initial handover, this written reference becomes an invaluable resource during their trip.
The bottom line
The changes to New Zealand's freedom camping regulations represent both a challenge and an opportunity. By getting your van certified to the new green standard, you'll be able to continue offering it for freedom camping, which remains a major draw for tourists.
Once certified, your green warrant is valid for four years. Make sure to upload your certification to the documents section of your listing with the expiry date - automated reminders will be sent to owners who need to update their self-containment status. You can verify vehicle certifications through the Self Containment Vehicle Register.
We appreciate these industry changes have brought uncertainty and a lot of information in a short period of time. The team will continue to work alongside our owner community through this transitional period and are always here to help.
For more information and guidance, check out these helpful resources:
Self Containment Vehicle Register
Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Amendment Regulations 2024