Freedom campers will now have to meet a new standard if they want to camp in areas for self-contained vehicles.
The new standard means the vehicle's toilet must be able to be inside, even when the bed is in place. Photo: AFP
From next year, all campers wishing to certify their vehicles as self-contained will have to comply with the stricter rule on toilet facilities.
Standards New Zealand said campers would need to have a usable toilet within their vehicle to be allowed to stay at restricted areas provided by councils and the Department of Conservation.
Many district councils already only allow freedom camping in certified self-contained vehicles, which have the capacity to carry three days' waste.
Standards New Zealand manager Carmen Mak said the amended standard meant the vehicle's toilet must be able to be used inside, even when the bed was in place.
She said that would help ensure freedom campers did not affect the environment.
The stricter standard comes into effect in February.
