Freedom camping rules during the transitional period
MBIE has published guidance on the key changes to freedom camping rules in New Zealand.
Visit MBIE’s freedom camping guidance
Blue warrants
There are different rules around the current certification scheme (blue warrants) that you need to consider.
If your vehicle is already certified as self-contained (with an existing blue warrant card) then you can continue to freedom camp until your blue warrant expires or until 7 June 2026 (whichever date comes first).
If your blue warrant expires or you need a new warrant, you can get certified under either the blue system (until 7 June 2024) or the new green system. Your vehicle will require a fixed toilet for any new blue or green certification. Blue warrants will stop being valid on 7 June 2025. From then, all vehicles must be certified under the new green warrant card system.
Please note: the Board does not regulate the blue warrant system and we are unable to take any action in response to complaints about blue warrants.
Green warrants
If you are seeking to have your vehicle certified as self-contained under the new green warrant requirements, you need to have your vehicle certified by a Certification Authority. You’ll be able to do this as Certification Authorities are appointed by the Board and are operational (likely from early 2024). This certification will be valid for four years.
To receive a green warrant, your vehicle must meet requirements in relation to its water supply system, fixed toilet, wastewater system, ventilation system, sink, and rubbish storage.
We’ve created a flowchart that helps you understand how the green and blue warrants operate during the transitional period, and to help you understand the rules around freedom camping in New Zealand.
Visit MBIE’s freedom camping guidance
Blue warrants
There are different rules around the current certification scheme (blue warrants) that you need to consider.
If your vehicle is already certified as self-contained (with an existing blue warrant card) then you can continue to freedom camp until your blue warrant expires or until 7 June 2026 (whichever date comes first).
If your blue warrant expires or you need a new warrant, you can get certified under either the blue system (until 7 June 2024) or the new green system. Your vehicle will require a fixed toilet for any new blue or green certification. Blue warrants will stop being valid on 7 June 2025. From then, all vehicles must be certified under the new green warrant card system.
Please note: the Board does not regulate the blue warrant system and we are unable to take any action in response to complaints about blue warrants.
Green warrants
If you are seeking to have your vehicle certified as self-contained under the new green warrant requirements, you need to have your vehicle certified by a Certification Authority. You’ll be able to do this as Certification Authorities are appointed by the Board and are operational (likely from early 2024). This certification will be valid for four years.
To receive a green warrant, your vehicle must meet requirements in relation to its water supply system, fixed toilet, wastewater system, ventilation system, sink, and rubbish storage.
We’ve created a flowchart that helps you understand how the green and blue warrants operate during the transitional period, and to help you understand the rules around freedom camping in New Zealand.