Camping Rules and Bylaws

The Clutha District Ranger and Freedom Camping Officer

You may see our Ranger and Freedom Camping Officer out patrolling in the district.

Our Ranger oversees compliance of our Freedom Camping and Vehicles on Beaches bylaws.

Sometimes it is necessary to relocate campers to alternative locations, to help protect native wildlife, fauna, the environment, and maintain the good relationships between campers and local communities. Please note that it is an offence to fail or refuse to leave a local authority area when required to do so by an enforcement officer.*

*Authorised officers will clearly identify themselves. If unsure, please ask.

Have a question?

Our Ranger can be contacted at: ranger@cluthadc.govt.nz

Why do we need rules around camping?

Our rules and bylaws are in place to protect to our natural environment. By minimising litter, disruption and waste, we are able to encourage tourism of our district to continue long into the future.

For more information please refer to the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2021.

Freedom camping

Do not camp within town centres or in any areas where our ‘No Camping’ signs are displayed.

Waste water should only be disposed of at our dump stations (see the enclosed map for locations).

Leave the area as you found it, free of litter and damage.

When using our freedom camping sites:

Do not light fires or charcoal barbecues.

Try to be mindful of noise. External generators are not permitted as they can cause disturbance to the local residents.

Keep slide-outs, awnings, or steps contained within your own marked bay. Vehicles that are towing caravans should be kept in the same marked bay as the caravan they are towing.

Campers must only use the available public toilets or their own vehicle toilet.

Dogs must be kept on leashes at all times.

Follow any instruction of our authorised Freedom Camping Officers. This may include confirming you have the necessary self-containment equipment.

Breaking these rules could result in an instant fine or prosecution.

Our Beaches

The Clutha District is home to many spectacular beaches and is well known for its diverse wildlife. There are some rules you need to know before visiting our beaches.

Dogs on Beaches

You can walk your dog at a number of beaches in the Clutha District, however some beaches have restrictions in place to protect our wildlife. Please keep an eye out for the ‘No Dogs’ signs before taking your dog onto the beach.

Driving on Beaches

The Vehicles on Beaches Bylaw 2023 was introduced to address the effect of vehicles on public safety and enjoyment, and adverse effects to the environment. The bylaw has the following rules:

People driving on beaches are required to do so in a way that does not threaten the safety of people, plants or native animals.
Vehicles are not allowed on sand dunes, except to access the beach.
Vehicles are not allowed to drive above the highwater mark, except in an emergency.

View a full list of campsites in the Clutha District

Read more about camping in Clutha

In the area?

You can call in and visit our friendly isite team at the Clutha isite Visitor Information Centre.

6 Clyde Street, Balclutha

Ph: 0800 801 350

E-mail: clutha.vin@cluthadc.govt.nz

Or you can also ask for information from any of our community libraries, located throughout the Clutha District.

For more information on all that the Clutha District has to offer, be sure to visit the Clutha NZ website.

Visit Clutha NZ