Freedom Camping and Penny (Previously KiwiCamp)
Freedom Camping Changes
Self-contained vehicles are moving from an unregulated ‘blue sticker’ system to a new, mandatory ‘green warrant’.
This change was introduced by law in 2023 and the transition period will end Sunday 7 June 2026. After this date, blue stickers will no longer be valid.
If your vehicle is self-contained, you must:
- get a green warrant to certify your vehicle as self‑contained
- display your green warrant when staying in places that allow self‑contained vehicles only
- have a fixed toilet — portable toilets will no longer meet the requirements
Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023
The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board regulates the self‑contained vehicle system. Their website explains how to get your vehicle certified.
Self-contained vehicles — Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
Where can I camp?
There are 46 different places you can freedom camp in the Western Bay.
Check out our interactive map of permitted freedom camping sites and click/tap on the freedom camping areas to find out more information on each site, including which sites have restrictions on camping over summer. The map also includes locations of toilets, tables and rubbish bins.
Note: the freedom camping site at Wairoa River Road Reserve is currently unavailable.
Seasonal Prohibited Freedom Camping Areas
Freedom camping is prohibited in certain locations during peak seasons:
- Pohutukawa Park, The Esplanade, Waihi Beach – from the conclusion of Labour weekend through to the conclusion of the following Easter weekend.
- Brighton Reserve, Brighton Road, Waihi Beach – from the beginning of the third weekend of December up to and including 10 February each year.
- Maketu Surf Lifesaving Club and Car Park Reserve, Beach Road/Townpoint Road, Maketu – from the conclusion of Labour weekend through to the conclusion of the following Easter weekend.
- Park Road Reserve, Maketu – from the conclusion of Labour weekend through to the conclusion of the following Easter weekend.
Freedom Camping in Prohibited Areas
A $400.00 infringement fee will apply to anyone that camps
or prepares to camp in a prohibited area referred to in Schedule 1 of the
Freedom Camping Bylaw 2019 (pages 10-14).
Please check our interactive map before planning your stay to ensure you are camping in permitted areas
Can I take my dog?
Dogs are welcome at a number of freedom camping sites, check out our Dog Walking Areas to confirm.
How long can I camp?
Campers can stay in a designated area for a maximum of three (3) nights only during any four week period. The four (4) consecutive weeks begin from the first overnight stay. This excludes tenting at TECT Park, where the limit is two nights.
Rules and Responsibilities
Fully self-contained vehicles (meaning they must have their own toilet and waste-disposal facilities) are welcome to stay at our 46 well-signposted designated sites around the Western Bay.
Freedom camping in tents is only permitted at TECT Park You can freedom camp in a self-contained vehicle at the equestrian car park and the main camping area by the Penny facility (previously known as KiwiCamp), for a maximum of three nights during any four week period. Freedom camping in tents is only permitted at the main camping area, by the Penny facility, with a maximum of two nights in any four week period. Please note that spaces cannot be booked and are on a first in first served basis. It is also advisable to check the TECT Park Alerts page for any further restrictions or unplanned closures or maintenance that may affect your stay.
To ensure a pleasant stay for yourself and fellow campers;
- be considerate of residents and other campers
- remove all rubbish, including solid and liquid waste
- provide evidence your vehicle is self-contained, if asked by a council officer
- abide by the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2019
Please be aware that freedom camping sites are monitored by Council and some sites are monitored by CCTV cameras.
A $400 fine applies for:
- Campers parked outside the designated Freedom Camping area (outlined in yellow on our interactive maps). Oversized vehicles wheels must be within designated area.
- Campers who are not in a certified self-contained vehicle.
- Anyone who has stayed more than three (3) nights.
- Interfering or damaging the Freedom Camping area, its flora or fauna or any structure in the area
- Leaving rubbish on the Freedom Camping land.
- Discharging substances which are likely to be noxious, dangerous, offensive or objectionable to the extent that it has or is likely to have a significant adverse effect on the environment; or has caused, or is likely to cause, significant concern to the community or users of the area or land.
- Other offences may apply, please see Freedom Camping Bylaw 2019 Section 4.
Not self-contained?
Please note, that while you are welcome to use the Penny facility services (previously known as KiwiCamp), you can only freedom camp overnight if you are in a certified self-contained vehicle. This means no tenting or staying overnight in a non-certified self-contained vehicle at the Penny facility, or any other freedom camping site throughout the District, unless you have sought permission to tent at TECT Park, as detailed further in the Rules and Responsibilities section above. Please also refer to our freedom camping signage at each site.
Where is the Penny facility? (previously known as KiwiCamp)
- Seaforth Road carpark, Bowentown - Please note that we are having temporary Wi-Fi issues, which are currently being worked on. In the meantime, other laundromats are located in Waihī Beach and Katikati.
- TECT Park
What is Penny? (previously known as KiwiCamp)
Penny is a clean and modern ablution block, with all the services you need.
The purchase of a Penny digital key is necessary to access the Penny facilities – hot showers, cooking hotplates, dishwashing sink and a laundry. Toilets are free to use.
Penny is a smart way of making payments for access to Penny facilities around New Zealand, using Penny Digital Keys.
Your Penny Digital Key identifies you and connects you to your online Penny account. This allows you to make secure, easy payments for services with a tap of your Digital Key at any Penny facility. Online accounts can be created and topped up on the Penny App or on their website.
Digital Keys are available for purchase for $5 at any Council Area Office.
For further information, please read the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2019.
Enjoy your stay!
Freedom Camping Infringement Waiver Request
Should you receive an Infringement Notice for freedom camping and wish to dispute it, please complete an online infringement waiver request within 28 days of receiving the infringement notice.
Freedom Camping Bylaw Review August 2019
Council reviewed its Freedom Camping Bylaw in 2019. The review included removing five freedom camping sites, modifying the overnight parking areas for two sites, and changing the permission wording for tenting at TECT Park. To find out more, see the key decisions document.
Homelessness
Homelessness is a complex issue that affects our whole community. Addressing it effectively requires a coordinated, community wide approach, with organisations, services, and residents working together to support individuals, families, and whānau in need.
When we think of homelessness most of us think of people who are sleeping rough or in cars. However, the definition of homelessness includes more than just those at the critical end of the spectrum. Homelessness is defined as a living situation where people with no other options to acquire safe and secure housing are:
- Living without shelter, or in makeshift shelters, e.g. sleeping rough or living in a car.
- Living in temporary or emergency accommodation, such as night shelters, refuges, hotels or motels, motor camp sites and boarding housing.
- Living in shared accommodation temporarily with others – the usual residents of the dwelling are not considered homeless.
- Living in uninhabitable housing, such as dilapidated dwellings or those not intended for human habitation, like garages.
What this means in our district
- People who are homeless are not considered freedom campers.
- Council officers cannot move them on under freedom camping rules.
Finding support
Need a hand to get a roof over your head is a brochure that outlines:
- Ways to access housing options
- Community support services available across the district
If you are concerned about an individual, please contact us on 0800 926 732. To report aggressive, intimidating or anti-social behaviour, please call NZ Police on 105 (non-urgent) or 111 (urgent).
