Self-containment is at the heart of the the latest raft of freedom camping changes instituted in 2023.

Offences to avoid when freedom camping. Who has to pay, Knowing or not knowing you have been ‘infringed’. What information must enforcement officers give? What information are you required to give? You can be required to leave. Impounding things.

Travelling alone and walking alone has risks and being in places with no mobile coverage has its risks.

I have been enjoying following along on Facebook the many campers who aren’t intimidated by the season and are planning to continue camping in Winter.

I was parked up alone at the Pupu Hydro Power Scheme carpark on a Winter morning. ©2024 M RIchardson

A beautiful place for Autumn colours and snow on the mountains, yet surprisingly mild, at least this year.

Now it is winter most fire bans are off, though the lure of outdoor fire is not as strong.

For a leisurely trip from Alexandra to Cromwell, enjoy these freedom camping spots along the way.

What started out as a pay-for-what-you-need set of camper facilities has evolved.

The freedom camping spot on Lake Pukaki: Did I mention, I just can’t get enough of this place?

Where are we at? At a government level, a council level, a certification level, at a camper level.

This winter was my first in the Otago cold— a bit of a learning curve.

Lake Pukaki, freedom camping in Winter: I cant get enough of this place. Any season. ©2024 M Richardson

I had a great view of Mt Ngāuruhoe on my first day there, though it was invisible for the rest of my stay.

While the new toilet-makers have been welcomed with interest, the Fix-a-Potty™ people were faced with severe scepticism, not to say unfair condemnation, that still continues to pop up on Facebook and confuse people.

Who can freedom camp? Certified Blue before 7/7/23?
Certified Blue before 7/7/24?
Green Warrant?

Wintering in the North Island, I decided to explore hot pools, building my own short-list of pools for an annual safari each winter. Here’s my six favourites, so far.

This is a magical free stopover in a humble carpark, with entertainment built in.

Lake Pukaki in winter. I can’t get enough of this place. Freedom camping! ©2024 M Richardson

Winter is not the best time to visit Farewell Spit from a bird point of view, but I was there, so I took the tour anyway, and it was spectacular.

There are parking bylaws and nationwide reserve laws that continue to affect freedom camping in Queenstown this summer, but the years-long prohibitive bans are gone from Queenstown Lakes District.

While we travel in a country beset by discontent, we can lift our eyes to the hills, and see the enduring beauty and majesty of the country we live in. The long view.

Each council makes its choices when it trains its enforcement officers: what criteria determines ‘freedom camping’ or ‘preparing to freedom camp’; how to recognise a ‘day-trip excursion’ vs ‘preparing to freedom camp.’ There is no way for the traveller to know in advance what criteria any particular council is using.

A thoroughly relaxing, free camp on the Firth of Thames.

A free DOC camp between Twizel and Tekapo with spectacular mountain views.

The challenges of the changes to freedom camping

What you need to know about freedom camping.

In good, weather-related news, the road replacing the Manawatu Gorge, Te Ahu a Turanga, has opened, as has the Ōtaki Gorge Rd to the Ōtaki Forks DOC campground, in Kapiti.

Campers of all stripes are feeling the impact of our changing weather.

Extra backup power for low-solar days, or for those who do short journeys: portable power.