Where can I camp?
All types of camping is welcomed at commercial holiday parks and camping grounds. This includes tents, campervans, sleeper vans and non self-contained vehicles.
You can view a full list of campsites around the Clutha District here.
Tent camping is only permitted at commercial camping grounds, Department of Conservation campsites, or private land (with the landowner’s permission).
Freedom camping is permitted on public land within 200 metres of a formed road, other motor vehicle-accessible area, or the mean low-water spring line of the sea. Some public land is excluded. In order to qualify for freedom camping your vehicle must be certified as self-contained.
Self-contained vehicles must display a current certificate of self-containment, either a blue certificate (prior to June 2025), or a green certificate (after June 2025). To be fully self-contained you must be able to live in your vehicle for 3 days without the need for water or dumping waste. A self-contained vehicle must have a fixed toilet, fresh water storage, waste water storage and a rubbish bin with a lid.
Vehicles with Rooftop Tents need to be certified as self-contained in order to freedom camp in the Clutha District, or may only camp at suitable campgrounds, Department of Conservation campsites, or private land (with the landowner’s permission).
