Be Kind When You Camp
Going camping in New Zealand? Lucky you! There’s nothing like setting up camp in a quiet campsite with the Southern Hemisphere stars above and dozing to the sound of the native bird calls. To keep New Zealand’s campsites extra special, there are a few rules of camping in New Zealand to be aware of. Plus, you’ll no doubt want to avoid fines. So read the list below for a smooth camping trip!
The camping grounds in New Zealand are run by the Department of Conservation (DoC), the council, or privately owned. Find out more about the different campsites in our articles:
1. Choose the Right Campsite
In order to protect our beautiful landscape, camping in New Zealand is strictly limited to designated areas. Do not camp where it is clearly not permitted or you could be fined NZ$200 argh! Campsites have varied facilities from the completely basic to almost like a luxurious holiday park, so it’s always a good idea to check the price and inclusions. Finally, when on a multi-day hike, set up camp on firm, high or sandy ground.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Be a Tidy Camper
Make sure to always leave campsites as clean (or cleaner) as you found it. If bins are not provided, then take your rubbish with you, as it can be a threat to wildlife.
© Grand Canyon National Park on Flickr3. Don’t Burn the Forest!
It seems pretty obvious, right? But small fires can easily get out of hand if you don’t know what you are doing. Only use a small gas stove, a well-made fireplace, or a barbecue. Or, you know, you could always just eat your dinner cold. Light afire only where explicitly allowed a lot of campsites have designated fireplaces. Burn dead wood instead of live wood that will burn less and keep your fire small. Finally, soak the fire with water before you go. And if you’re tempted to make a fire to keep warm, perhaps you’d like to check out our article, How to Stay Warm When Camping in New Zealand, instead.
© Sam Howzit on Flickr4. Limit Your Chemical Impact
All chemicals like detergent, soap and toothpaste can harm aquatic and marine life. Take extra care and use biodegradable products and wash in a container well away from water sources. All in all, don’t take a shower in the river!
© Pixabay5. Don’t Poop in the Bush!
It’s tempting, we know. Firstly, nobody wants to stumble upon that, and secondly, your toilet paper may take months to biodegrade. Always use the toilets provided in the campsite!
© Pxhere6. Let the Birds be the Noisy Neighbours
Campgrounds are great places to meet like-minded travellers but everyone needs some rest and relaxation. Plus, most campers choose to camp to make the most of the spectacle of nature. Don’t throw a party, play loud music, or make excessive noise that would ruin other campers’ experience. Generally in campsites, where permitted, the use of a generator is prohibited between 8pm and 8am. Speaking of generators, learn how to make them quieter in the 10 Ways to Make Your Generator Quieter When Camping.
© Pexels7. Pay for Your Stay
This is an obvious one, but a reminder is always welcome. Many DOC campsites are unattended so it is up to you to get online and pay for your stay. This will help keep campsites available in the future and you will avoid a NZ$200 fine. Rangers regularly visit campsites to check for compliance and do not hesitate to issue fines.
© Pexels8. Clean Your Gear
Take the time to thoroughly clean your equipment before and after trips to minimise the spread of weeds and diseases. The New Zealand ecosystem is extremely vulnerable to diseases, which you can help protect. You will find that even before being granted entry to New Zealand at the airport you will be asked to clean your gear at the biosecurity counter.
© Alan Liefting on Wikipedia9. Protect Native Plants and Animals
Some species of New Zealand trees have fragile roots that can be harmed simply by walking over them. Stick to the marked path to help protect the forest. As for the wildlife, don’t fish or hunt it unless you know what you are doing and you have a license. Don’t feed them either, as we need our wild animals to know how to feed themselves.
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Lock Your Car
Not that theft is a huge issue in New Zealand, but better be safe than sorry, right?! Remember to lock your vehicle and take your valuables with you, or at least hide them in the boot of the car.
© Pexels11. Check Your Car Insurance
If you are driving a rental vehicle or your own vehicle, remember to check whether your car insurance covers the use of unsealed (gravel) roads. Many campsites are only accessible by gravel roads.
© pxhereMore About Camping in New Zealand
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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