Happy campers on the Hibiscus Coast are getting ready to get out and enjoy our beautiful country, but Auckland Council is reminding them to know the rules before setting off.

One of the ways to enjoy the sights is going freedom camping. Freedom camping is to camp overnight in a public area other than at a managed campsite. 

You can camp in a vehicle or a caravan (no tents), as part of leisure travel or for lifestyle reasons. Those wanting to leave the hustle and bustle of city life and go where the road takes you can do so without paying a cent.

Although there were a few parks and reserves on the Hibiscus Coast that were available to freedom campers in the past, the rules have since changed. 

Freedom camping is now banned at Metro Park East (218 Millwater Parkway, Silverdale) and is allowed at the Gulf Harbour Marina Hammerhead Reserve (40 Gulf Harbour Drive, Gulf Harbour), with some restrictions. 

The restrictions are that a maximum of 10 self-contained vehicles can stay overnight in the area designated for freedom camping. 

If you want to stay overnight in this area, you must use a certified self-contained vehicle at all times (no tents allowed); use one of the marked spaces in the designated parking area; stay a maximum of two nights; vacate your parking space by 9am on the third day, and stay a maximum of two nights in a four-week consecutive period.

You may not freedom camp at council reserves, regional parks and in car parks where parking is reserved and/or a fee is charged to park. 

Those caught breaking the law can be liable to an infringement fine of $200 or a court fine not exceeding $10,000 under the Freedom Camping Act 2011.

If you do not have a self-contained vehicle and you want to camp in Auckland, you need to use campgrounds that provide suitable facilities.

Regarding the disposal of waste, the council is urging campers to properly dispose of the human waste and grey water (such as the sink and shower water) stored in their vehicle. “Look out for the blue dump station symbol, or search for dump stations on the Camper Mate app or the Camping NZ app,” said a spokesperson from the Auckland Council. 

“You can also search for public toilets using the AA Map.”

Your waste can harm the environment and public health. You can be fined or prosecuted under the Freedom Camping Act 2011 for not disposing of it properly.