Proposed amendments to Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025

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Consultation on a proposal to amend the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025 | Ture ā-Rohe mō te Noho Puni Korehere 2025.

Consultation closed at 5.00pm on Monday 31 August 2026.

What happens next?

  • 27-28 October 2026 - Oral submissions will be heard by the Council Hearing Panel
  • 17 December 2026 - Deliberations and adoption by Council



Responsible camping spaces to protect our places

The 2025 Bylaw came into effect on 1 December 2025, and this allows freedom camping in self-contained vehicles in 15 restricted freedom camping areas in the district, while prohibiting camping in remaining urban areas and allowing camping in rural areas, provided certain conditions are met.

Click here to view the adopted Bylaw.

To find out where and how the current Bylaw applies, click here to use our interactive map.

Consultation on a proposal to amend the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025 | Ture ā-Rohe mō te Noho Puni Korehere 2025.

Consultation closed at 5.00pm on Monday 31 August 2026.

What happens next?

  • 27-28 October 2026 - Oral submissions will be heard by the Council Hearing Panel
  • 17 December 2026 - Deliberations and adoption by Council



Responsible camping spaces to protect our places

The 2025 Bylaw came into effect on 1 December 2025, and this allows freedom camping in self-contained vehicles in 15 restricted freedom camping areas in the district, while prohibiting camping in remaining urban areas and allowing camping in rural areas, provided certain conditions are met.

Click here to view the adopted Bylaw.

To find out where and how the current Bylaw applies, click here to use our interactive map.

Ask a question

Do you have a question about the proposed amendments to the Freedom Camping Bylaw?  Ask it here and we'll get it answered as soon as possible. 

All questions and answers will be published for everyone to see.

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  • Share What is the rationale for the Council providing portaloos for freedom campers st the Wanaka Recreation Centre? And what is the cost to Ratepayers in providing this service? on Facebook Share What is the rationale for the Council providing portaloos for freedom campers st the Wanaka Recreation Centre? And what is the cost to Ratepayers in providing this service? on X (formerly Twitter) Share What is the rationale for the Council providing portaloos for freedom campers st the Wanaka Recreation Centre? And what is the cost to Ratepayers in providing this service? on Linkedin Email What is the rationale for the Council providing portaloos for freedom campers st the Wanaka Recreation Centre? And what is the cost to Ratepayers in providing this service? link

    What is the rationale for the Council providing portaloos for freedom campers st the Wanaka Recreation Centre? And what is the cost to Ratepayers in providing this service?

    KH88 asked 12 days ago

    The portable toilets at the Wānaka Recreation Centre were installed as a temporary measure to help relieve pressure on existing WRC facilities during periods of high summer use. Increased visitor numbers and the nearby freedom camping sites had led to greater demand on indoor and sports field toilets, and the additional facilities helped improve availability for all users. The cost of the portable toilets for the summer was $3,640 and paid for out of existing budgets.

     

  • Share When local government struggles to find funds to look after so many projects under its duristriction WHY do you allow Freedom Camping in areas that have no facilities for bathing, washing dishes and going to the toilet? It beggars belief. Beacon Point Rd is used by many locals for enjoying the lake. The loo paper in nearby bushes and on private land is evidence of the way in which Freedom Campers staying overnight flaunt the rules that this council has permitted. But not in their territory as evidenced by retracting the ability to camp in Allenby park where one Counciller lives. And rightly so it’s for parking when one walks up Mt Iron. Rate paying families camp locally and pay for the privilege. Everyone camping should be in sites with facilities! That protects our environment, and protects us all. on Facebook Share When local government struggles to find funds to look after so many projects under its duristriction WHY do you allow Freedom Camping in areas that have no facilities for bathing, washing dishes and going to the toilet? It beggars belief. Beacon Point Rd is used by many locals for enjoying the lake. The loo paper in nearby bushes and on private land is evidence of the way in which Freedom Campers staying overnight flaunt the rules that this council has permitted. But not in their territory as evidenced by retracting the ability to camp in Allenby park where one Counciller lives. And rightly so it’s for parking when one walks up Mt Iron. Rate paying families camp locally and pay for the privilege. Everyone camping should be in sites with facilities! That protects our environment, and protects us all. on X (formerly Twitter) Share When local government struggles to find funds to look after so many projects under its duristriction WHY do you allow Freedom Camping in areas that have no facilities for bathing, washing dishes and going to the toilet? It beggars belief. Beacon Point Rd is used by many locals for enjoying the lake. The loo paper in nearby bushes and on private land is evidence of the way in which Freedom Campers staying overnight flaunt the rules that this council has permitted. But not in their territory as evidenced by retracting the ability to camp in Allenby park where one Counciller lives. And rightly so it’s for parking when one walks up Mt Iron. Rate paying families camp locally and pay for the privilege. Everyone camping should be in sites with facilities! That protects our environment, and protects us all. on Linkedin Email When local government struggles to find funds to look after so many projects under its duristriction WHY do you allow Freedom Camping in areas that have no facilities for bathing, washing dishes and going to the toilet? It beggars belief. Beacon Point Rd is used by many locals for enjoying the lake. The loo paper in nearby bushes and on private land is evidence of the way in which Freedom Campers staying overnight flaunt the rules that this council has permitted. But not in their territory as evidenced by retracting the ability to camp in Allenby park where one Counciller lives. And rightly so it’s for parking when one walks up Mt Iron. Rate paying families camp locally and pay for the privilege. Everyone camping should be in sites with facilities! That protects our environment, and protects us all. link

    When local government struggles to find funds to look after so many projects under its duristriction WHY do you allow Freedom Camping in areas that have no facilities for bathing, washing dishes and going to the toilet? It beggars belief. Beacon Point Rd is used by many locals for enjoying the lake. The loo paper in nearby bushes and on private land is evidence of the way in which Freedom Campers staying overnight flaunt the rules that this council has permitted. But not in their territory as evidenced by retracting the ability to camp in Allenby park where one Counciller lives. And rightly so it’s for parking when one walks up Mt Iron. Rate paying families camp locally and pay for the privilege. Everyone camping should be in sites with facilities! That protects our environment, and protects us all.

    Jude asked 12 days ago

    Kia ora,

    The Freedom Camping Act 2011 permits freedom camping on all local authority land by default. The Act gives local authorities the ability to manage freedom camping through a bylaw but does not allow councils to make blanket prohibitions across a district. Under the Freedom Camping Act, councils can only regulate freedom camping where restrictions or prohibitions are necessary to protect an area, protect access to an area, or protect the health and safety of people who may visit the area. Whether or not there are on-site facilities is not something that councils may consider under the Act when making a bylaw.

     However, vehicles must be certified self-contained and display a valid green self-containment warrant to freedom camp. This means vehicles have onboard facilities and amongst other specifications require a fixed toilet and the ability for occupants to live in the vehicle for three days without needing fresh water or waste disposal. A valid self-containment warrant card must be displayed on the front windscreen. Stickers on the rear of a vehicle DO NOT verify self-containment. Enforcement Officers check this for valid warrants on their nighttime patrols and issue infringements where appropriate.

     

  • Share Are the designated places at the Wanaka recreation Centre Limited to vehicles that carry the green sticker. That is ones that have a toilet on board. If not it should be. Why should ratepayers be paying for Porta loos? on Facebook Share Are the designated places at the Wanaka recreation Centre Limited to vehicles that carry the green sticker. That is ones that have a toilet on board. If not it should be. Why should ratepayers be paying for Porta loos? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Are the designated places at the Wanaka recreation Centre Limited to vehicles that carry the green sticker. That is ones that have a toilet on board. If not it should be. Why should ratepayers be paying for Porta loos? on Linkedin Email Are the designated places at the Wanaka recreation Centre Limited to vehicles that carry the green sticker. That is ones that have a toilet on board. If not it should be. Why should ratepayers be paying for Porta loos? link

    Are the designated places at the Wanaka recreation Centre Limited to vehicles that carry the green sticker. That is ones that have a toilet on board. If not it should be. Why should ratepayers be paying for Porta loos?

    Raewyn Shaw asked 22 days ago

    Kia ora, Raewyn,

    Vehicles must be certified self-contained and display a valid green self-containment warrant to freedom camp, including at the Wānaka Recreation Centre. This requires a fixed toilet and the ability for occupants to live in the vehicle for three days without needing fresh water or waste disposal. A valid self-containment warrant card must be displayed on the front windscreen. Stickers on the rear of a vehicle DO NOT verify self-containment. Enforcement Officers check this for valid warrants on their nighttime patrols and issue infringements where appropriate. 

    The portable toilets at the Wānaka Recreation Centre were installed as a temporary measure to help relieve pressure on existing WRC facilities during periods of high summer use. Increased visitor numbers and the nearby freedom camping sites had led to greater demand on indoor and sports field toilets, and the additional facilities helped improve availability for all users.

  • Share Does, or will, the qldc provide freedom campers with the means to make a donation for use of the recreation centre site? on Facebook Share Does, or will, the qldc provide freedom campers with the means to make a donation for use of the recreation centre site? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Does, or will, the qldc provide freedom campers with the means to make a donation for use of the recreation centre site? on Linkedin Email Does, or will, the qldc provide freedom campers with the means to make a donation for use of the recreation centre site? link

    Does, or will, the qldc provide freedom campers with the means to make a donation for use of the recreation centre site?

    ? asked 28 days ago

    Kia ora,

    The definition of freedom camping excludes camping at any site where a fee is payable for camping. 

    QLDC does not currently provide a mechanism for freedom campers to donate for staying at the Wānaka Recreation Centre carpark however, freedom campers and other visitors are welcome to purchase showers in the centre, these cost $5.50. If the dry-side changing rooms and showers are closed for sports, then the casual swim rate of $8.20 applies to use the swimming pool and facilities. Any future consideration of a donation or Koha system is still to be assessed.

     Ngā mihi,

Page last updated: 31 Aug 2026, 03:16 PM