We welcome responsible freedom campers to our district. Please camp in the designated areas outlined in our Freedom Camping Bylaw. We also encourage visitors to make use of commercial campgrounds and Department of Conservation (DoC) sites.
Please be familiar with our Freedom Camping Bylaw and as Kiwis say "leave only footprints" - help us protect our beautiful region by respecting the environment and following local guidelines.
Freedom camping requirements
You can only freedom camp at designated restricted camping areas. Your vehicle must be certified self-contained to stay at these sites.
- Self-contained vehicles must clearly display NZS5465:2001 certification blue warrant or the new green warrant.
- No more than 3 nights within 1km of an area where you've previously freedom camped within the last 4 weeks.
- Park in a legal manner in formed parking areas. Don't restrict access to public areas, footpaths or access ways.
- Please respect the sites and leave them tidy. They are public spaces so please consider other users.
- No fires, washing lines or semi-permanent structures.
- Take rubbish with you when you leave.
- Empty wastewater at a designated dump station.
- No tents - see the information on seasonal camping areas with a permit.
From 7 June 2026 - Self-contained vehicles with a current blue warrant require a new Certified Green Warrant
Where you can freedom camp
If all designated parks are occupied, you'll need to find an alternative site or use commercial accommodation. See the map below for green pins marking approved locations.
Midway Beach surf club car park
- Certified self-contained vehicles only.
- Parks within painted blue lines.
- 3 nights maximum stay only.
Kaiti Beach
- Certified self-contained vehicles only.
- Parks within painted blue lines.
- 3 nights maximum stay only.
Bright Street car park
- Certified self-contained vehicles only.
- Parks within painted blue lines.
- 3 nights maximum stay only.
Makorori car park
- Certified self-contained vehicles only.
- Designated area signposted.
- 3 nights maximum stay only.
Tokomaru Bay - 2 locations
- Freedom camping permitted between 1 May to Labour weekend only.
- Certified self-contained vehicles only.
- Designated areas are signposted.
- 3 nights maximum stay only.
Motu rest area
- Certified self-contained vehicles only.
- Designated area signposted.
- 3 nights maximum stay only.
No camping or prohibited areas
Freedom camping is prohibited in certain areas. Check Schedule 1 of the Bylaw for full details.
Seasonal restrictions - no freedom camping at designated restricted seasonal areas from 1 May to Labour Weekend, marked with blue pins on the map. For more information on Seasonal camping areas
Prohibited areas - locations marked with red pins on the map:
- Gisborne urban area and surrounds
- Sponge Bay, Wainui and Okitu
- Makorori Beach
- Turihaua Point - north
- Waihau Beach
- Tolaga Bay - north, south and the wharf car park
- Kaiaua Beach - part of
- Te Araroa
Where you can and can't freedom camp
Dump stations
Public dump stations
- Hallrite Plumbing and Gasfitting Yard, 71 Awapuni Road
- Gisborne Mobil Service Station, 49 Wainui Road
- Te Araroa transfer station, Te Arawapia Rd, Te Araroa
Dump stations at campgrounds or where fees may apply
- Tolaga Bay Holiday Park, 167 Wharf Road, Tolaga Bay
- Anaura Bay Motor Camp, Anaura Bay, Anaura Bay
- Tatapouri By The Sea, 516 Whangara, SH35, Tatapouri
- Waikanae Beach Holiday Park, Grey Street, Gisborne
- Showgrounds Park Motor Camp, 20 Main Road, Makaraka
- Mayfair Store & Cabins, Waitangi Street, Tokomaru Bay
Care for our environment
How you can help maintain our district's natural environment during your stay:
During your stay:
- the maximum stay is 3 nights - check requirements on each site
- use the public toilets available in the area
- take advantage of local laundry facilities for washing clothes
- hot showers are available at the toilets in Bright Street
- dispose of all waste in facilities provided, or take it with you.
- ensure your wastewater holding tanks are discharged at designated dump stations.
- please respect our sites, they're public spaces so consider other users.
- no fires, use gas BBQs and cookers only
- see our alcohol ban areas
- you’re not camping in a vehicle or self-contained vehicle where required
- you've stayed more than 3 nights in any public place
- camping would create a health hazard
- the public place is required for another purpose
- camping would obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic
- camping is creating a noise nuisance
- the ground conditions are unsuitable for camping or camping will damage the area
- camping is not allowed at that site
What happens if I break the rules?
Freedom camping sites are regularly monitored to make sure everyone has a great experience.
We can issue instant infringement fines of up to $800 for any breach of the Freedom Camping Act or our Bylaw. In some cases, prosecutions may apply.
Infringement notices may be issued for:
- Camping in a prohibited or restricted area.
- Staying longer than the maximum nights limit.
- Damaging the environment, including flora, fauna or structures.
- Camping in a vehicle that isn't certified as self-contained.
- Camping in a tent outside restricted seasonal camping areas without a permit.
- Improper waste disposal - leaving waste other than in an appropriate waste receptacle.
Also see the freedom camping related offences and infringement fines on our parking page
Pay a freedom camping infringement
You can pay a infringement fine online. If your infringements issued within the last 24 hours, it will be available for payment after 9am the next business day. Pay an Infringement Fine