Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw 2022

What the Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw covers

This bylaw manages freedom camping on most council-controlled public land in Auckland, including most roadsides. Its rules apply to people staying overnight in these areas in a vehicle or caravan as part of leisure travel, or for lifestyle reasons.

The bylaw includes:

• 58 areas where freedom camping is prohibited (not allowed)
• 20 areas where freedom camping is restricted (extra rules apply). For example, limits on the number of vehicles allowed to park overnight and where you can park
• four general rules that apply to all other areas covered by this bylaw.
• special rules for freedom camping on Waiheke Island.

The general rules in this bylaw require freedom campers to:

• use a certified self-contained vehicle
• stay for no more than two nights in a road or off-road parking area
• depart by 9am on the third day
• not return to stay in the same road or off-road parking area for two weeks.

What is not covered by the Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw

This bylaw does not apply to all land in Auckland. It also does not cover all the rules that apply to freedom campers in Auckland.

The bylaw does not cover:

• freedom camping in vehicles and caravans on private land
• freedom camping on council reserves (parkland) which is currently prohibited under the Reserves Act
• freedom camping in regional parks (which is currently prohibited in the Regional Parks Management Plan) and freedom camping in vehicles and caravans in areas managed by other laws, bylaws or agencies – for example maunga (volcanic cones), state highways and conservation land
• freedom camping in a tent in public places which is already prohibited in Auckland under the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw
• everyday traffic and parking rules – for example, you must:
  • not park in clearways, on dotted yellow lines, or on grass
  • not block people’s driveways
  • not park in areas where parking is reserved or where a fee is charged to park (such as council parking buildings)
  • must comply with parking time limits.
• general rules for responsible behaviour in public places – for example rules for:
  • noise levels
  • lighting fires
  • alcohol bans
  • dog access.

We do not use this bylaw to manage homelessness. If you have concerns for the welfare of someone staying in a public place, visit Community and safety support for more information and advice.

Planning a freedom camping trip in Auckland

Check the rules and guidelines for freedom camping in the Auckland region.

Check where freedom camping is prohibited and restricted in the Auckland region under the Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw.

Get a copy of the Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw 2022