Fines and infringements for illegal freedom camping and camping at reserves

Infringement types and fees

If you breach the Freedom Camping Act 2011 or the Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw 2022, we can issue you an infringement notice and fine you up to $200.

If you breach the Reserves Act 1977 or a bylaw made under this act, we can fine you up to $800.

The court can impose a higher maximum penalty if we decide to prosecute you for some offences.

For a limited number of offences we may issue a warning notice instead of an infringement.

When you can get a fine

You can get a fine if you:

• camp at one of the 58 areas prohibited (not allowed) under this bylaw
• camp at council reserves (parkland held under the Reserves Act)
• camp in regional parks (paid camping is allowed in designated camping areas)
• camp in car parks where parking is reserved or where a fee is charged to park (such as council parking buildings)
• camp in a non-certified self-contained vehicle
• camp for more than the maximum allowed stay of two nights in the same road or off-road parking area (for example a council car park)
• camp and fail to vacate your parking space by 9am on the day you depart
• camp in the same road or off-road parking area within a two-week period, which starts from 9am on the day you depart
• camp and do not comply with special rules for freedom camping on Waiheke Island
• camp and do not comply with any special rules for freedom camping in restricted areas
• camp and do not comply with rules about disposal of waste and responsible freedom camping.

For more information, see General rules and information for freedom campers in Auckland.