Labour Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, bringing an influx of visitors to the Western Bay – including the first wave of freedom campers.

As people hit the road for a well-earned break, Western Bay of Plenty District Council reminded campers to know the rules, respect local communities, and help keep favourite spots clean and safe.

“The long weekend is a popular time for people to get out and enjoy our beautiful District and we want everyone to have a fun, safe experience,” said Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s compliance and monitoring manager Dougal Elvin.

“That means camping in designated areas, disposing of waste properly, and being mindful of others.”

From Waihī Beach to Ōtamarākau, there were 46 different places where people could freedom camp in the Western Bay.

Most were open to campers all year round, but there were three popular summer hotspots where Labour Weekend would be the last opportunity to camp until after Easter 2026.

- Pohutukawa Park (The Esplanade), Waihī Beach

- Maketu Surf Lifesaving Club and Car Park Reserve, Maketū

- Park Road Reserve, Maketū

Brighton Reserve at Waihī Beach also had a restricted season and would close to freedom campers from December 20, up until and including February 10.

“These shared spaces fill up quickly in the summer.

“Closing them to freedom camping during the peak season keeps them accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” said Dougal.

With freedom camping growing in popularity, it’s important that campers follow the rules, he said.

Campers could stay in a designated area for up to three nights within any four-week period.

The four-week period started from the date of the first overnight stay.

“Limiting stays means more people get a chance to experience these scenic spots, without putting extra pressure on the environment.”

People could only freedom camp on council land if their vehicle was “certified self-contained”, which meant it had its own toilet and waste disposal facilities.

Currently, only vehicles certified before June 7, 2023, can have a portable toilet, as long as their certification has not expired.

From June 7, 2026, all self-contained vehicles must have a permanently fixed toilet and be certified with a green warrant, which must be displayed in the front windscreen.

Green stickers on the rear of the vehicle were not a legal requirement and were not considered as evidence of self-containment.

Campers could be fined $400 for breaking freedom camping rules, including parking outside designated areas, staying in non-certified self-contained vehicles, staying more than three nights, damaging the area or its plants and wildlife, leaving rubbish, or discharging harmful substances.

Other offences may also apply under the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2019 Section 4.

“Following the rules means everyone can enjoy our beaches, parks and reserves safely and helps protect these special places for future visitors,” said Dougal.

Permitted freedom camping sites can be viewed on the council’s interactive freedom camping map, where people can also find out more information about each site, including locations of toilets, tables and rubbish bins.

There was one site, at TECT Park, where you could freedom camp in a tent, which was limited to two nights.

Dogs were welcome at a number of freedom camping sites, and these could be confirmed by checking out Dog Walking Areas on the council website.

For more information about Freedom Camping in the Western Bay, visit: westernbay.govt.nz/recreation/camping-and-freedom-camping