Council trials number plate monitoring this freedom camping season
Christchurch City Council Newsline: 20th October 2026
Automatic number plate monitoring will occur this summer as part of a trial to assess compliance rates of freedom campers. The 6-month trial will start on the 22nd October 2026.
All vehicles used for freedom camping in New Zealand must have a certificate of self-containment and display a green warrant card.
Under the trial, freedom campers who visit Council land will have their number plates automatically recorded and assessed against an online database that will identity whether they are certified.
Vehicles that are not certified as self-contained and are found in breach of the Council’s Freedom Camping Bylaw will be issued infringement notices.
General Manager for Planning, Strategy and Regulatory Services, John Higgins says the trial is aimed at improving compliance and establishing if the Council’s current Freedom Camping Bylaw is working.
“Data from the trial will also assist the Council to assess the volume of freedom campers in the city, and where issues are occurring” he said.
Council staff will continue to have a physical presence in monitor popular freedom camping sites for compliance while the trail is undertaken.
Freedom camping is permitted in the Coastal Burwood Designated Freedom Camping Area for certified vehicles that have a permanently fixed toilet and that meet requirements relating to water supply, wastewater, ventilation, and rubbish storage.
A brochure with the latest information about freedom camping in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula is available online. The brochure is also available at Council Service Centres and Libraries.