New Zealand tightens campervan rules: bans in Christchurch and Wanaka

Council staff are recommending no freedom camping bylaw changes to tackle issues at two contentious Wānaka hot spots. A staff report presented to Queenstown Lakes district councillors found that 25% of all freedom camping complaints during the first six weeks of the 2025 bylaw were related to the Allenby Pl carpark, while Beacon Point Rd generated the most service requests over the summer. The report concluded that issues were largely due to non-compliance rather than a need for bylaw amendments. Councillors will consider three options: additional targeted conditions, a prohibition, or maintaining the status quo.

Activist Jennifer Branje withdrew a petition to ban freedom camping for international visitors after receiving violent threats against herself, her family, and her business. The petition on the New Zealand Parliament website had gathered nearly 8,000 signatures. Branje had aimed to spark a discussion on tourism rules after border reopening and to stop taxpayer funding for free camping sites. The New Zealand First party has since taken up the cause, polling public opinion.

A fire in Titahi Bay, Wellington, on Saturday evening destroyed a home and several caravans, and damaged a neighbouring property. Strong winds caused the blaze to spread rapidly. Eight fire trucks responded to the incident at around 5:50 pm. The cause of the fire is under investigation by Fire and Emergency and police.

In New Plymouth, New Zealand, 80-year-old Bill McMurray, who has lived in his motorhome with two dogs for nearly 11 years, received a $400 fine for overstaying at the free Lake Rotomanu freedom camping site. He stayed an extra night due to high winds reaching 100 km/h, deeming it unsafe to drive his 7-metre-long vehicle. The New Plymouth District Council acknowledged the weather but upheld the fine, suggesting he could have parked elsewhere or used a campground within a half-hour drive. Since June last year, 359 infringement notices have been issued at the site, with 95 successfully challenged.

An overseas buyer paid $45m for Hahei Beach Resort on the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand, with approval from the Overseas Investment Office. Tasman Tourism New Zealand, a joint venture between an Australian private equity firm and a UAE-based investment company, also bought Raglan Sunset Motel for $5m. Both properties were sold by New Zealand investment group Hahei Beach Limited, which purchased them in 2015 for $13.25m and $3.88m respectively.

A consortium bidding for Tourism Holdings, a campervan rental and sales company operating in New Zealand, Australia, and North America, sees higher value than the market. After a peak in 2023, the company faces a downturn.