Plumbers, Gasfitters
and Drainlayers Board
Private vehicle owners
In general, you can only freedom camp on local authority land if your vehicle is certified as self-contained. From now, until 7 June 2026, that means if you want to freedom camp your vehicle must have either a 'blue warrant' certificate of self-containment, or a 'green warrant' certificate of self-containment under the new system.
Note: The certification process for self-containment is separate from the processes relating to a vehicle’s warrant of fitness or low volume vehicle certification. In particular, any modifications made to a vehicle for the purposes of self-containment (or otherwise) may need a low volume vehicle certification. For more information, visit the Waka Kotahi website.
Freedom camping rules during the transitional period
MBIE has published guidance on the key changes to freedom camping rules in New Zealand.
Visit MBIE’s freedom camping guidance
Blue warrants
There are different rules around the current certification scheme (blue warrants) that you need to consider.
If your vehicle is already certified as self-contained (with an existing blue warrant card) then you can continue to freedom camp until your blue warrant expires or until 7 June 2026 (whichever date comes first).
From 7 June 2024, if your blue warrant expires or you need a new warrant, you will need to be certified under the new green warrant system. Blue warrants will stop being valid on 7 June 2026. From then, all vehicles must be certified under the new green warrant card system.
Please note: the Board does not regulate the blue warrant system and we are unable to take any action in response to complaints about blue warrants.
Green warrants
If you are seeking to have your vehicle certified as self-contained under the new green warrant requirements, you need to have your vehicle certified by a Certification Authority. Visit the Register to find a Certification Authority operating in your region. This certification will be valid for four years.
To receive a green warrant, your vehicle must meet requirements in relation to its water supply system, fixed toilet, wastewater system, ventilation system, sink, and rubbish storage.
We’ve created a flowchart that helps you understand how the green and blue warrants operate during the transitional period, and to help you understand the rules around freedom camping in New Zealand.
Green stickers have no legal status in the new certification system
Green stickers are not part of the self-containment documentation issued by certification authorities under the new ‘green warrant’ self-containment certification system and have no legal status.
Under the ‘green warrant’ system, a certification authority issues a self-containment certificate and warrant card if satisfied the vehicle meets the requirements in the Act and Regulations, and the person applying for the certificate has paid the levy.
Green stickers are not part of the self-containment documentation because it was considered that a generic sticker was ineffective as it showed no specific details about the certified vehicle and could therefore be stuck on any vehicle regardless of its self-containment facilities and certification status. Counterfeit stickers could easily be made and there were concerns that the previous problems with the blue self-containment sticker could persist if another generic sticker was used.
Importantly, Council enforcement officers will only be interested in the display of a valid green warrant card and whether the vehicle is certified self-contained on the national register.
Certification requirements for SCVs
To be certified as self-contained under the green warrant system, vehicles must have a fixed toilet and must meet other requirements in relation to the vehicle's water supply system, wastewater system, ventilation system, sink, and rubbish storage. We’ve created an infographic summarising the different requirements vehicles need to meet.
The detail of the requirements is contained in the Act and the Regulations. The Vehicle inspection guidance (aimed at Vehicle Inspectors and Certification Authorities) may also be helpful in understanding the requirements contained in the Regulations.
Certification Authorities will collect personal information about you as the owner of the vehicle (or applicant, if different from the owner) during the certification process. This information is collected so that the Certification Authority can send your warrant card and certificate if not issued immediately following certification, and to enter the vehicle owner’s name and address into the Register. Information must be collected in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.
Certification of smaller vehicles
All vehicles (big or small) must meet the self-containment requirements prescribed in the Act and Regulations in order to be certified as self-contained under the new green warrant system. While this may be more difficult in a smaller vehicle it is still possible. The legislation was not intended to exclude vehicles based on size, however the requirements must still be met in order to use the vehicle for freedom camping.
Where to get certified
Visit the Register to find a Certification Authority operating in your region.
Can I get my vehicle inspected remotely?
While the legislation does not specify that a vehicle must be inspected in-person, the Board’s expectation is that vehicle inspections are carried out in-person wherever possible.
Cost of certification
Certification Authorities may charge a fee for inspecting and certifying your vehicle. In addition, you will need to pay the $120 (incl GST) SCV levy to the Certification Authority. The SCV levy is transferred to the Board and is intended to cover the costs of the Board in performing or exercising our functions, powers and duties.
FAQs for private vehicle owners
General Information
What are the new self-contained vehicle requirements?
From 7 June 2026, only vehicles certified under the new self-contained vehicles (SCV) system will be recognised as self-contained. These vehicles must display a green warrant card to show they have been certified under the new rules. For specific requirements see Compliance and Certification section below.
Why were these changes introduced?
The new self-contained vehicle system was introduced to help protect the environment and support local communities. In the past, some freedom campers stayed in vehicles that were not properly self-contained and therefore could not dispose of their waste appropriately when staying in areas without proper infrastructure or facilities.
The new rules mean that only properly equipped vehicles can camp in areas where self-containment is required. This helps:
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Keep our natural environment clean and safe
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Reduce pressure on local facilities and communities
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Make freedom camping fairer and more enjoyable for everyone.
When do the new requirements take effect?
The new SCV system started on 7 December 2023. There has been a transition period to allow vehicles with existing blue warrants to continue freedom camping. The transition period ends on 6 June 2026.
If your vehicle has a blue warrant, you can keep using it until 6 June 2026. From 7 June 2026, all blue warrants will expire and no longer be valid. After that date, only vehicles with a green warrant will be recognised as self-contained.
Who do the changes affect?
The rules apply to all owners of vehicles used for freedom camping.
Compliance and Certification
What happens if I don’t have the new certification by 7 June 2026?
Vehicles without the new green warrant will no longer be considered self-contained. This means they cannot legally camp in areas (local authorities areas, conservation land, NZTA land, LINZ land) that require certified self-contained vehicles.
There is a new infringement offence for freedom camping in a non-self-contained vehicle, and a person who commits this offence is liable to a $400 infringement fee.
How do I get my vehicle certified under the new system?
Self-containment certification can only be issued by a certification authority appointed by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. Visit the Register to find a certification authority operating in your city/region.
What equipment does my vehicle need to qualify?
To qualify, your vehicle must include:
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A fixed toilet that is permanently fixed to the vehicle and can be emptied without removing the base
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A means of loading water into the vehicle securely and in a way that does not contaminate that water
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A water supply system that stores and conveys water in a secure manner that prevents contamination of the water
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A wastewater system that both stores and collects greywater and blackwater securely and hygienically
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A ventilation system that removes odours from the motor vehicle and minimises the extent to which foul air and gases can enter the motor vehicle
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A sink that is installed safely and drains to the wastewater system’s tank
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Rubbish storage that is secure and fit for purpose
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A means of disposing of wastewater hygienically to an appropriate outfall.
My vehicle has a portable toilet. Will that still qualify?
No. Under the new green warrant system, portable toilets alone do not meet the requirements. A fixed toilet that is permanently fixed to and usable within the vehicle is required.
How long is the new certification valid for?
Self-containment certification is valid for up to four years, as long as your vehicle continues to meet the self-containment requirements during that time.
How much does certification cost?
You’ll pay the inspection fee set by the certification authority, plus a $120 (incl. GST) levy.
Transition and Practical Questions
My vehicle was certified recently under the old blue warrant system. Do I still need to change?
If your vehicle currently has a blue warrant, you can continue to freedom camp until that warrant expires or 7 June 2026, whichever comes first. From 7 June 2026 onwards all vehicles must be inspected and certified under the new green warrant requirements to be able to freedom camp.
What if my vehicle cannot meet the new requirements?
If your vehicle cannot be retrofitted to comply, it will no longer qualify as self-contained. You can still use it, but only at campsites or areas where self-containment is not required.
I’m a tourist visiting New Zealand after 7 June 2026. What do I need to know?
If you plan to camp in areas where self-containment is required, make sure your rental campervan has self-containment certification and a green warrant card. Rental companies are responsible for ensuring their fleets are compliant.
Does my vehicle also need to have a green sticker under the new system?
No. Green stickers are not part of the self-containment documentation issued by certification authorities under the new ‘green warrant’ system and have no legal status.
Under the green warrant system, a certification authority issues a self-containment certificate and warrant card if satisfied the vehicle meets the requirements in the Act and Regulations, and the person applying for the certificate has paid the levy.
Will there be enough certification authorities available before the deadline?
Demand is expected to be high as 7 June 2026 approaches. Vehicle owners should book inspection and certification well in advance to avoid delays.
Support and Assistance
Where can I find more information?
For more information go to our website, email info@nzscv.co.nz, or call us on 0800 743 262.
What should I do now?
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Check whether your vehicle meets the new requirements. The detail of the requirements is contained in the Act and the Regulations. The Vehicle inspection guidance (aimed at Vehicle Inspectors and Certification Authorities) may also be helpful in understanding the requirements contained in the Act and Regulations.
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Contact a certification authority appointed by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board for advice. Visit the Register to find a certification authority operating in your city/region.
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Arrange certification early — don’t wait until the June 2026 deadline!