Responsible freedom camping

Below are the sites where you can camp if you are certified self-contained. 

• The maximum period of stay in any location is two consecutive nights on no more that two separate occasions in any calendar month.
• Freedom camping is restricted to the signposted or marked area only.
• Space will be available on a ‘first-in first-served basis’.
• Unless specified otherwise at the site, all vehicles being used for freedom camping must depart by 8am 

A full list of the general restrictions on freedom camping is available in the Tasman District Council Responsible Camping Bylaw (pdf 3.8 MB).

Self-contained, in relation to a motor vehicle, means that the vehicle has a valid certificate of self-containment issued in accordance with section 87U(3)(d) of the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006 (but see subpart 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 1AA [of the Freedom Camping Act] for the meaning of self-contained during the transitional period). 

If you are camping in a vehicle that is not certified as self-contained, you may camp at the locations below. 

Freedom camping is prohibited in some locations to protect the area, the health and safety of people visiting the area or protect access to the area.

These areas include:

• any reserve, park, sportsground or cemetery in the Tasman district, unless provided for in the Bylaw or a Reserve Management Plan
• Eight township areas at Patons Rock, Tākaka, Marahau, Split Apple Rock, Kaiteriteri and Stephens Bay, Riwaka, Motueka and Saint Arnaud
• Four areas adjoining Department of Conservation land, where overnight camping is prohibited
• Waterfront areas at Ligar Bay and Tata Beach
• Five reserve areas at Taupata Point, Pōhara Recreation Reserve, Pukekoikoi Reserve, Te Maata Thorp Bush and Edward Baigent Scenic Reserve
• Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay-Marahau Road and George Quay Boat Ramp

All the ‘no camping’ areas are shaded red on the Responsible Camping Map above. A full list of areas is available in the Tasman District Council Responsible Camping Bylaw. (pdf 3.8 MB) 

Human wastewater and rubbish pose a health risk and cause damage to our environment. Wastewater must be disposed of at a dump station. Incorrect disposal of wastewater and rubbish may result in an instant fine or prosecution.

Check out our map with dump sites.

Please dispose

• of any sewage, toilet waste, or grey water in a Tasman District Council approved dump station. 
• your rubbish in an approved refuse bin or drop it off in an appropriate bag at any Tasman District Council Resource Recovery Centre. Find out more about our Resource Recovery Centres in Tasman District.

Rubbish should be bagged and dropped off at any Resource Recovery Centre. Recycling can be dropped off for free.

Find Resource Recovery Centres.

Free dump stations

Tasman District Council wastewater disposal points/dump stations (no fee) are available at:

Golden Bay

• 82 Motupipi Street, Tākaka
• 6 William Street, Collingwood – at the entrance to Collingwood Camping Ground 

Motueka

• 28 Marchwood Park Road, Motueka - near the airport, off Queen Victoria Street.  

Richmond

• Fittal Street (near entrance to resource recovery centre), 14 Fittal Street, Richmond

St Arnaud

• Kerr Bay Campsite (DOC), Kerr Bay Road, St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes National Park 

Murchison

• 19 Riverview Road, Murchison - at the entrance to the Riverside Holiday Park 

There is one free public dump station in Nelson at NPD on St Vincent Street where you can safely dispose of grey and black wastewater. 

Other wastewater disposal options

Wastewater disposal points available to customers staying at each camping ground are available at:

• It is important to be aware of your surroundings and think carefully before choosing your camping spot.  
• Check weather conditions and plan for unexpected events.  
• Make sure to have plenty of supplies, and if possible, leave your details and travel plans with a contact.
• Keep your campsite clean and tidy – leave no sign of your stay when you leave.
• Use the toilet facilities that are provided.
• Don’t wash yourself, dishes, or your clothes in our sea, lakes, or rivers.
• Do not discharge any noxious, dangerous, or offensive substances. 

If you choose to camp, whether on private or public campgrounds, or freedom camp, please remember the Tiaki promise.

Tiaki means to care for people, place and culture. Care for New Zealand on your travels, for now and for future generations.

When you travel through Aotearoa New Zealand, you too are a part of this story. You too are part of this place. We all have a responsibility to protect it. Find out more here.

Our enforcement officers are in place to ensure the environment is respected, and that you and your fellow campers are safe, in accordance with the Responsible Camping Bylaw. Their powers include: 

• acquiring your personal details and those of any person connected to a suspected offence.
• confiscating and seizing property on Council land. 
• issuing infringement notices to those breaching the bylaw or have committed any infringement offences.

Contact us if you have any questions or issues around camping.  We operate a 24 hour phone service – 03 543 8400.