Draft Freedom Camping Bylaw out for public consultation
Published on 03 June 2025
Whanganui District Council is inviting the community to have their say on proposed changes to our Freedom Camping Bylaw, as part of a formal review process which opens today.
The bylaw, which was first introduced in 2021, allows the council to manage where and how freedom camping can take place in Whanganui. With changes to national legislation and new local challenges and opportunities emerging, chief executive David Langford says it’s time to check whether the bylaw’s current settings are still fit for purpose.
“We’re reviewing our bylaw to ensure it strikes the right balance between protecting our community spaces, supporting tourism, and recognising the constraints of a national legislation.”
Freedom camping is permitted across most public land in New Zealand under the Freedom Camping Act 2011, provided a certified self-contained vehicle is used. Councils are limited in that they can only make bylaws to restrict or prohibit freedom camping in certain areas and for specific reasons – such as protecting access to a site or ensuring public safety.
“This review is about making sure our bylaw keeps pace with the realities on the ground,” says David Langford.
“Since 2021, national legislation has changed and now, all freedom campers must be certified self-contained by default.
“At the same time, we’re seeing strong growth in domestic tourism, and an ongoing pressure on affordable accommodation, especially during major events.”
Freedom camping plays an important role in supporting Whanganui’s visitor economy with over 1,400 freedom campers visiting Whanganui this past summer, with an average spend of $120 per person, per day.
The review also considers the future of the Anzac Parade and Taupo Quay sites, which are currently closed. The proposal seeks to continue this approach and send a clear message that camping is not allowed at these sites.
The proposal also looks at how freedom camping rules are working across the district’s nine designated “restricted” sites. These include updates to site-specific rules, such as how long people can stay, what types of vehicles or tents are permitted, and limits on the number of vehicles allowed at each site.
The council have also proposed changes to popular sites Castlecliff Beach and Jubilee Stadium to better manage freedom camper numbers. At Castlecliff Beach, the proposed vehicle cap has gone from 10 to ‘any’, but with clearly marked areas where freedom campers must park. This approach allows approximately 20 freedom campers at any time, depending on vehicle size, and narrows the area where camping is permitted.
At Jubilee Stadium the council is proposing to change the vehicle cap from 10 to ‘any’, provided campers continue to stay within the existing designated parks. This proposal may allow up to five extra freedom camping vehicles on the site.
David Langford encourages the community to get involved.
“Freedom camping brings both benefits and challenges to our district. This review is our opportunity to shape how we manage it in a way that works for Whanganui. Whether you’re a local resident, camper, business owner or visitor, we want to hear from you.”
To read the proposed changes and have your say, pick up a hard copy from your local library or the council offices at 101 Guyton Street, or visit our have your say page.
Consultation closes on Thursday 3 July.