Freedom Camping In Canterbury

• Freedom camping is the term used for camping at locations without camping facilities for example toilets, showers and cooking facilities.
• A self-contained vehicle is equipped with a toilet, waste water and rubbish facilities on-board. Find out more.
• If you’re freedom camping in a vehicle, it must be a self-contained vehicle (it will have a warrant card on the front windscreen to confirm this).
• The Freedom Camping Act sets national rules for freedom camping that apply on different types of land (such as council land or Department of Conservation land).
• Councils can also set local laws through freedom camping bylaws. They restrict or prohibit freedom camping in key locations (check a council’s website to be sure). Fines of between $200 and $800 may apply for breaching bylaws.
• Find out more about Freedom Camping Etiquette in New Zealand.

The Canterbury region is made up of several local authorities, it's important you're aware of the bylaws and freedom camping restrictions for each district.

If you're planning to freedom camp in Christchurch and Akaroa/Banks Peninsula it's important you're aware of the rules.

There are places where camping in self-contained vehicles is allowed, areas where it’s prohibited and areas where the length of your stay may be limited. There are also some great camping grounds to stay at.

For more information and a map showing freedom camping rules and locations, visit the Christchurch City Council for more information.

Freedom camping areas:

• Check out Camper Mate.

Restrictions include:

• Designated areas strictly apply.
• Vehicles must be self-contained.
• Check how long you can stay as some areas have time limits.
• Travellers are encouraged to use the range of holiday parks and camping grounds scattered across the Hurunui District. 

Find out more.

You can generally freedom camp throughout the Waimakariri District on gravelled or sealed Council land set aside for parking. Look out for the prohibited zones at Waikuku Beach.

Travellers are encouraged to use camping grounds where possible. 

Find out more.

You can freedom camp at Coes Ford, Chamberlains Ford, Lakeside Domain, Whitecliffs Domain, and Harper Intake ensuring that the rules are adhered to.