Camping is open for the summer season and closes on 30 April.
Before you head out, apply for your camping permit online. A valid permit is required before you set up camp.
Apply for a permit before your camp
All campers must apply for a permit online before arriving at the campsite Apply for a camping permit
- You must comply with all permit condition and the Freedom Camping Bylaw.
- Council inspectors monitor camping areas throughout the season.
For information about restricted seasonal camping areas, see Section 8 of the Freedom Camping Bylaw
Permit requirements
- All vehicles staying at your campsite must be listed on your permit.
- All vehicles, including caravans, must have a current registration and a current warrant of fitness. Caravans must also have a current electrical certificate. Infringements fines may apply.
- You must have at least one chemical toilet for every 8 people staying at the campsite.
- A contribution towards camping costs is collected when you apply for your permit. No refunds are available.
Campsite rules
These rules apply to all designated camping areas:
- No semi-permanent structures. Portaloos are permitted.
- Do not attach anything to trees or shrubs.
- Do not cut steps or access points into sand dunes or riverbanks.
- Keep at least 2.5m between campsites for fire safety.
- Respect the whenua. Do not dig, bury waste, pollute or litter.
- Take all rubbish with you when you leave, including pallets and other items.
- Do not leave rubbish bags near the roadside or outside your campsite. This is considered illegal dumping.
- You must have a chemical toilet (one per 8 people). Empty wastewater at a designated dump station.
- Do not block accessways.
- Use gas for cooking. Open fires are not permitted.
- All vehicles must have a current registration and warrant of fitness.
- At Pouawa and Turihaua, no tent, caravan or vehicle may be within 10m of the road edge.
Summer camping sites
Restricted seasonal camping is permitted at the following open locations between Labour Weekend through to 30 April each year.
For full details, including maps and site-specific guidelines, visit the individual campsite pages below.
Camping information and FAQs
Before you head out, make sure you're familiar with the rules. For full details, including conditions and interpretations, see the Freedom Camping Bylaw.
Care for our environment
Camping areas are shared public spaces. Please treat them with care.
- Be considerate of other campers and site users.
- Avoid creating noise or causing a nuisance.
- Respect the environment and leave the area as you found it.
- Leave the area clean and tidy when you depart.
No reservations are available for any campsite.
You cannot claim a site by placing a tarpaulin, pegs or other items on it.
To occupy a campsite, you must be present and using an approved camping structure.
Council inspectors patrol all camping areas throughout the season.
To camp safely and responsibly, you must provide the following:
- Drinking water: Water is not available at any campsite. Bring enough for your stay.
- Gas for cooking: Gas cooking is required at all sites. Open fires are not permitted.
- Chemical toilet: You must have one chemical toilet for every 8 people staying at the campsite.
Semi- permanent structures are not permitted at any campsite.
This includes any structure that does not qualify as a:
- Tent
- Self-contained vehicle
- Motor vehicle
- Portaloo
Council enforcement officers determine whether a structure is considered semi-permanent.
You must not:
- Camp in a semi-permanent structure.
- Build, erect or bring a semi-permanent structure into a camping area.
You are responsible for managing your own waste while camping
Bring it in, take it out. All rubbish and recycling must leave with you.
- Do not leave rubbish bags outside your camp site or near the roadside. This is illegal dumping and fines may apply.
- Remove pallets, broken equipment and any other items when you leave.
- Use the nearest transfer station to dispose of rubbish and recycling.
- Grey water only may be emptied at designated dump station facilities.
For locations, see the map below or view the list of nearest transfer stations
Yes, your dog is welcome at your campsite, but you must follow these rules to help keep everyone safe and happy:
- Your dog must be under your control at all times.
- Pick up and dispose of your dog's waste responsibly.
- Roaming dogs may be impounded by Council officers.
All coastal areas in Tairāwhiti are vulnerable to tsunami. If you're camping near the coast, be prepared to act quickly.
What to do in an earthquake
If you feel:
- a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up, or
- a weak rolling earthquake that lasts longer than one minute.
Move immediately. Get as far inland or as high as you can within 15 minutes. Walk quickly, no driving.
Do not wait for an official warming.
Strange noises from the sea: take action
If you hear unusual sounds coming from the ocean, such as roaring, rumbling or a sudden loud surge, this could be a natural tsunami warning.
Trust your instincts. It's better to evacuate and be safe.
Move immediately. Get as far inland or as high as you can within 15 minutes. Walk quickly rather than drive.
After you evacuate
- If you have a radio, listen for official updates and the all-clear
- If no tsunami has been generated, wait at least 2 hours before returning to your campsite.
Yes, provided you follow all the road rules and ride responsibily.
- Do not ride on dunes, damage vegetation or cause erosion.
- Use established tracks and do not create new ones.
- Be courteous to other beach users.
- Take care around marine wildlife.