Freedom camping

We welcome responsible freedom campers to the city. The Dunedin City Council (DCC) has a Camping Control Bylaw, which recognises the popularity of freedom camping for both domestic and international visitors.

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

• Warrington Domain

  Trenching work

  Trenching work to lay new water services along the edge of the Domain will be undertaken from June to July. The gravelled freedom camping area will remain open during this period.

  

  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 10pm.

  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

  

  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 9am and 6pm, 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 10pm.

• Ocean View Recreation Reserve

  

  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 03 481 1404 and Taieri Mouth Holiday Camp 03 481 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 10pm.

• Prohibited areas

  Prohibited freedom camping areas are:

  • 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)
  • 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 DCC land set aside for parking except in:

  • cemeteries
  • scenic reserves
  • prohibited zones on the Otago Peninsula
  • 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.

• Freedom camping infringements offences and penalties (new window)
• Pay freedom camping infringements online (new window)

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.

• Freedom camping infringement explanation form (new window)

Reporting an issue

If people are freedom camping in non-designated areas or causing problems, please call DCC on 03 477 4000.

For wildlife or conservation concerns, please call the Department of Conservation.

Dunedin isite Visitor Centre

Call in and ask the friendly staff at the Dunedin isite Visitor Centre 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.

Freedom campers visitor satisfaction survey