With summer on the way and the holiday season just around the corner, the Western Bay will soon see more freedom campers rolling into the District to enjoy our beaches, parks, and scenic spots.
As people hit the road for a well-earned break, Western Bay of Plenty District Council is reminding campers to know the rules, respect local communities, and help keep our favourite spots clean and safe.
“The Western Bay is a popular destination for freedom campers and we want everyone to have a fun, safe experience. That means camping in designated areas, disposing of waste properly, and being mindful of others,” says Dougal Elvin, Council’s Compliance and Monitoring Manager.
From Waihī Beach to Ōtamarākau, there are 46 different places where you can freedom camp in the Western Bay. Most are open to campers all year round, but there are three popular summer hotspots which are now closed to campers until after Easter 2026:
- Pohutukawa Park (The Esplanade), Waihī Beach
- Maketu Surf Lifesaving Club and Car Park Reserve, Maketū
- Park Road Reserve, Maketū
Brighton Reserve at Waihī Beach also has a restricted season, and will close to freedom campers from 20 December, up until and including 10 February.
“These shared spaces fill up quickly in the summer. Closing them to freedom camping during the peak season keeps them accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” says Dougal.
With freedom camping growing in popularity, it’s important that campers follow the rules, he adds.
Campers can stay in a designated area for up to three nights within any four-week period. The four-week period starts from the date of the first overnight stay.
“Limiting stays means more people get a chance to experience these scenic spots, without putting extra pressure on the environment.”
You can only freedom camp on Council land if your vehicle is ‘certified self-contained’ which means it must have its own toilet and waste disposal facilities.
Currently, only vehicles certified before 7 June 2023 can have a portable toilet, as long as their certification has not expired. From 7 June 2026, all self-contained vehicles must have a permanently-fixed toilet and be certified with a green warrant, which must be displayed in the front windscreen.
Green stickers on the rear of the vehicle are not a legal requirement and are not considered as evidence of self-containment.
Campers can be fined $400 for breaking freedom camping rules, including parking outside designated areas, staying in non-certified self-contained vehicles, staying more than three nights, damaging the area or its plants and wildlife, leaving rubbish, or discharging harmful substances. Other offences may also apply under the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2019 Section 4.
“Following the rules means everyone can enjoy our beaches, parks and reserves safely and helps protect these special places for future visitors,” says Dougal.
Permitted freedom camping sites can be viewed on Council’s interactive freedom camping map, where you can also find out more information about each site, including locations of toilets, tables and rubbish bins.
There is one site, at TECT Park, where you can freedom camp in a tent, which is limited to two nights.
Dogs are welcome at a number of freedom camping sites, and these can be confirmed by checking out Dog Walking Areas on Council’s website.
