Freedom Camping in Mackenzie District

Freedom Camping in Mackenzie District

Interested in free camping in the Mackenzie District? Here are the five most important things you need to know.

1. Freedom camping in the Mackenzie District is permitted in specified areas, where vehicles and camping are self-contained. A vehicle is considered self-contained if it is designed and built for the purpose of camping and can meet the ablutionary and sanitary needs of occupants of that vehicle for a minimum of three days without requiring any external services or discharging any waste. It must display a self-containment warrant.
2. Camping is considered self-contained provided campers have the capability of meeting their ablutionary and sanitary needs for a minimum of three days without requiring any external services, relying on public facilities or discharging any waste.
3. Freedom camping is permitted within areas of Lake Opuha, Patterson Ponds Council Reserve, Lake Wardell, Allandale Road, Strathconan Park and Lake Ruataniwha, though specific parameters and restrictions apply to each  site, as outlined in Mackenzie District Council Freedom Camping Strategy November 2014.
4. A person must not freedom camp in any prohibited area within the Mackenzie District, as identified in Schedule One of the Mackenzie District Council Freedom Camping Bylaw 2014, without the prior written consent of the Council.
5. Council may grant consent to waive freedom camping restrictions in any restricted areas. Any application for consent must be made in writing to the Council at least two weeks in advance of the date planned for freedom camping within the relevant area.

Camp responsibly. Read the Mackenzie District Council Freedom Camping Bylaw 2014 carefully for full rules and regulations.