Freedom Campers Urged to Follow Rules in Western Bay of Plenty

As Labour Weekend marked the unofficial start of summer and brought an influx of freedom campers to the Western Bay of Plenty, the District Council reminded visitors to follow designated camping rules and respect local communities. The district has 46 designated freedom camping sites from Waihī Beach to Ōtamarākau, with three popular summer hotspots—Pohutukawa Park, Maketu Surf Lifesaving Club and Car Park Reserve, and Park Road Reserve in Maketu—only open until Easter 2026. Campers can stay up to three nights in any four-week period and must use certified self-contained vehicles with fixed toilets required from June 2026. Those breaching rules face $400 fines for camping outside designated areas or leaving rubbish behind.

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.