Free Travel Newsletter : July 2019
Written by Steph Kendall
Brought to you by New Zealand Tourism Guide www.tourism.net.nz.
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Tui were once thought to resemble clerics dressed in all in black - but look at the stunning colours of this honey eater!
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Editor's Pick
The Bay of Plenty is a place of beautiful harbours, long white surf beaches and an easy-going lifestyle. Everything you need for a perfect holiday is here—sun, sand, sea and a myriad of great places to eat and shop.
The Pacific Coast Highway touring route brings travellers into the bay, and the city of Tauranga is often their first port of call. Located at the entrance to a beautiful natural harbour, Tauranga is a thriving commercial centre with a passion for good food, wine and stylish shopping with a nautical theme. (read more)
Photo Credit: russellstreet
The Mindful Traveller
In New Zealand, freedom camping or free camping is when you camp on public land that isn't a recognised camping ground. You cannot 'free camp' anywhere you want to in New Zealand, however, as land may be privately owned and require permission from the landowner. Public land that appears to be good for camping may have been poorly treated in the past, or simply overused and may also be designated 'no camping' zones. If you camp in the wrong place, you could face a significant fine, so be mindful about where you go and what you do.
Rules vary around the country. In some places, for example, you can only freedom camp if you are certified self-contained (explained below).
Basic freedom camping rules
You must always follow these rules when you are freedom or free camping in New Zealand:
- Use public toilets; do not use the bush or waterways as a toilet
- Leave no trace of your visit
- Dispose of all rubbish responsibly, or take it with you
- Respect private property; don't camp on someone's land
- Respect 'No Camping' signs; they are there for a reason
- Keep detergents, soap, toothpaste etc. out of waterways
- Only use approved dump stations to dispose of motorhome waste.
Where you can freedom camp
Where you can freedom camp depends on where you are and what kind of vehicle you're using. But know that rules about freedom camping apply to: cars and vans, motor caravans, campervans, RVs, motorhomes, caravans, mobile homes and tents.
Check with the local regional council about their by-laws and rules (each region has different rules and regulations).
Freedom camping is permitted on public conservation land, except in areas where it is expressly prohibited or restricted to self-contained vehicles. This is indicated by signage.
The Freedom Camping Act 2011 does not apply to the backcountry.
Self-containment certification
A self-contained vehicle must meet the Caravan Self Containment Certification standard. You'll need to be able to live in your vehicle for three days without getting more water or dumping waste. It must have:
- a toilet
- fresh water storage
- waste water storage, and
- a rubbish bin with a lid.
A registered plumber (or other qualified person) needs to check if your vehicle meets the requirements. If it passes, they'll give you a warrant and sticker certification to display on the front and rear of your vehicle.
Things you must know
We highly recommend reading through all these resources to ensure that you visit New Zealand with the lightest footprint possible and freedom camping in such a way that the option of freedom camping doesn't disappear for future travellers.
- Visit the Kiwi Way
- Freedom Camping Act 2011
- Free Camping on Public Conservation Land
- Conservation Areas (freedom camping restricted or prohibited)
- How to Dispose of Poo When There's No Loo
- Feminine Hygiene in the Backcountry
- Keeping the Country Litter Free
Top of the Shots
This lovely shot of Hobbiton celebrates the magic of movies and Matamata.
You can enjoy a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films which includes a look at Bag End where Frodo and Bilbo's adventures began, hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn, the mill and the Party Tree. This is just the setting to listen to spell-binding tales of how Hobbiton came to be.
Thank you @lizroams for sharing this snap with us.
Share your New Zealand travel snaps with us on Instagram.
Travel Chat
This Month's Hot Topic: Car Rental Age Limits
Q: Me and my friend are planning a road trip through New Zealand. We were wondering what the general age limit is?
Contact one or more hire car companies directly to enquire about their age limit policies
- Policies on drivers' ages may vary between car hire companies, so always check the small print on the hire arrangement before you book your car.
- However, generally speaking, in order to drive basic model hire cars in New Zealand you must be over 21. This may vary depending on the category of car you decide to hire.
- Drivers under the ages of 25 years old may incur a young drivers' surcharge.
- It may also be required that you have held your driving licence for a minimum of one year.
- Do not forget that all drivers who may share the driving of your hire car need to have their drivers' licences and appropriate permits with them.
Visit our travel forum for the latest questions and the answers from the travel experts!
Stay, See, Do
This month: Milford Sound Cruises
Discover spectacular Milford Sound on a sightseeing day cruise with Southern Discoveries. With cruises to suit every interest and timeframe, the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory and kayaking tours, Southern Discoveries can deliver the entire Milford Sound experience.
New Zealand Events
Planning to be at an event or planning an event? - All you need to know about New Zealand events, and more is right here!
