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Camping

If you are a freedom camper coming to Dunedin, this page will tell you all you need to know before you get here.

Some restrictions apply to help protect our communities, cemeteries, scenic bush and wildlife environments.

Freedom camping changes - July 2023

The Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act is now law, which means some changes to freedom camping. These include:

  • An increase in infringement fees
  • NZS self-containment requirements; and
  • Changes in where you are allowed to freedom camp.

Some of these changes are already in effect and others will roll out over the next 24 months. Visit the MBIE website for further information.

In the first instance, campers in tents and non-self-contained vehicles are encouraged to stay at licenced camping grounds.

Campers staying in tents can only freedom camp at the Warrington Domain, within the designated area.

Freedom campers in non-self-contained vehicles can only camp at three designated sites – Warrington Domain, Ocean View Recreation Reserve and Thomas Burns Street carpark. The Thomas Burns Street site is available for non-self-contained camping from 1 November to 30 April.

It is the camper’s responsibility to arrive at the site early enough to familiarise themselves with the sign-posted designated camping areas, and, if necessary, find another site if the current one is full.

Certified self-contained vehicles can stay overnight on most gravelled or sealed Dunedin City Council land set aside for parking, with some exceptions outlined below.

Freedom camping rules

The following freedom camping rules apply at all sites:

  • The maximum stay for freedom campers at any one location is two consecutive nights (departure by 8.30am, except for Warrington which is 12 noon).
  • Please respect the sites. They are public spaces so please consider other users.
  • Dispose of all waste in facilities provided, or take it with you.
    • Refrain from toileting on the ground, or in the bush or forest.
    • Discharge black water (sewage) and grey water (sink and hand basin water) at designated wastewater dump stations only (most local holiday parks and some petrol stations have dump stations for customer use). See the Where can I camp in Dunedin brochure further down this page.
    • Place litter in rubbish bins or take it with you if the bins are full. Do not leave it on the ground beside the bin if it is full.
    • Refrain from  using waterways and toilets for bathing, washing clothes, or dishes.
    • Use the amenities provided wherever you camp, where available.
  • No fires.
  • Park in a legal manner in formed parking areas without obstructing footpaths or access.
  • Self-contained vehicles must clearly display NZS5465:2001 certification.
  • Gated reserves are locked at night and are not available for freedom camping.
  • Campers not complying with the rules may be issued with a fine up to $800.

Discretionary consent application

In some cases, Council will grant consent for camping activities that are prohibited under the bylaw. This might include consent to stay at a site for more than two consecutive nights or camp in an area where it is usually prohibited. Council will evaluate applications for these activities in accordance with reserve management plans and issue consent at their discretion.

Apply for discretionary consent

Where can I camp in Dunedin?

Where can I camp in Dunedin flyer. Click to enlarge (new window)
 Where can I camp in Dunedin flyer. Click to enlarge

  • Warrington Domain

    Warrington map

    The Warrington Domain has separate areas designated for tents, non-self-contained vehicles, and self-contained vehicles.

    The maximum stay for all campers at Warrington Domain is two consecutive nights, with departure by 12 noon.

    It is the camper’s responsibility to arrive at the site early enough to familiarise themselves with the sign-posted designated camping areas, and, if necessary, find another site if the current one is full.

    • Port-a-loos are on site from November to April.
    • The domain has water on site which is safe to drink. Please do not waste water as it is a restricted supply.
    • Be careful around our wildlife – sea lions, birds, penguins etc.
    • Do not light fires.
    • Dogs must be under owner’s control.
    • Respect our environment by using the rubbish and toilet facilities provided.
    • Campers not complying with the rules will be issued with a fine.

    Vehicle noise and lights can disrupt sleep, so please show consideration to residents and other campers by arriving at the site before 10.00pm.

    The grassed area of the Warrington Domain is closed to vehicles during wetter months to protect the turf from damage. This area is open to vehicles for camping from Labour weekend to the end of May each year. The gravel carpark remains available for use year-round.

  • Thomas Burns Street

    Thomas Burns map

    Self-contained vehicles may park here for a maximum of two consecutive nights year-round. Vehicles must be parked in a marked parking space.

    Non-self-contained vehicles may park here for up to two consecutive nights between 1 November and 30 April every year.

    Vehicles parked in leased car parks may be towed at the owner’s expense.

    Parking charges apply to all vehicles parked between 9.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Saturday.

    It is the camper’s responsibility to arrive at the site early enough to familiarise themselves with the sign-posted designated camping areas and, if necessary, find another site if the current one is full.

    • Do not light fires.
    • Respect our environment by using the rubbish and toilet facilities provided.
    • Campers not complying with the rules will be issued with a fine.

    Vehicle noise and lights can disrupt sleep, so please show consideration to residents and other campers by arriving at the site before 10.00pm.

  • Ocean View Recreation Reserve

    Ocean View map

    The Ocean View Recreation Reserve has a designated area for freedom campers (no tents permitted).

    The maximum stay for all campers at Ocean View Recreation Reserve is two consecutive nights, with departure by 8.30am.

    It is the camper’s responsibility to arrive at the site early enough to familiarise themselves with the sign-posted designated camping areas, and, if necessary, find another site if the current one is full.

    Ocean View Recreation Reserve is a small site and is frequently at full capacity by mid-afternoon.

    Brighton Caravan Park +64 3 481 1404  and Taieri Mouth Holiday Camp +64 3 481 7874 nearby have camping options including for late arrivals.

    • Do not light fires.
    • Please also respect our environment by using the rubbish and toilet facilities provided.
    • Campers not complying with the rules will be issued with a fine.

    Vehicle noise and lights can disrupt sleep, so please show consideration to residents and other campers by arriving at the site before 10.00pm.

  • Prohibited areas

    • Taiaroa Head
    • Portobello
    • Macandrew Bay/Broad Bay
    • Ocean Grove zone
    • Cemeteries
    • Scenic reserves
    • Warrington Domain (outside designated area)
    • Thomas Burns Street carpark (outside designated area); and
    • Ocean View Recreation Reserve (outside designated area).

    We regularly patrol these areas at night and anyone found camping in a prohibited area will receive a $400 fine.

  • Where else can I stay in a self-contained vehicle?

    Self-contained vehicles must clearly display NZS5465:2001 certification. With certification displayed, you may park on any gravelled or sealed Dunedin City Council land set aside for parking except in:

    • cemeteries
    • scenic reserves
    • prohibited zones on the Otago Peninsula; and
    • outside the designated areas at Warrington Domain, the Thomas Burns Street carpark and Ocean View Recreation Reserve.

    Please do not drive into Baldwin Street (the world’s steepest street), as there is no turning and no exit.

Freedom camping infringements

Freedom camping infringement offences and penalties are set by Freedom Camping Act 2011.

If you have received a freedom camping infringement ticket and would like to explain the circumstances, fill out the explanation form and provide as much detail as you can.

Reporting an issue

If people are freedom camping in non-designated areas or causing problems, please call Dunedin City Council on +64 3 477 4000.

For wildlife or conservation concerns, please call the Department of Conservation on +64 3 477 0677.

Dunedin i-SITE Visitor Centre

Call in and ask the friendly staff at the Dunedin i-SITE for a freedom camping brochure and other information which will help you get maximum enjoyment from your visit to Dunedin. They offer free advice, information and bookings for all Dunedin visitor attractions, activities and accommodation.

Staff can also help with information and bookings for transport, accommodation, and activities for the rest of New Zealand. The centre is also home to a souvenir store and close to all central city amenities.

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