Fines and infringements for illegal freedom camping and camping at reserves

Infringement types and fees

We can issue you an infringement notice and fine you up to $800 if you breach:

• the Freedom Camping Act 2011
• the Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw 2022
• the Reserves Act 1977 or a bylaw made under this act.

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, visit General rules and information for freedom campers in Auckland.