Extended Transition Period for Self-Contained Vehicle Certification Announced

“This extension will be reassuring for people who enjoy freedom camping as a way to explore our beautiful country,” Minister Upston stated.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced an extension to the transition period for self-contained vehicle certification, allowing more time for compliance. The revised deadline now stands at June 2026, a year later than originally planned.

The decision follows public consultation, where individual freedom campers, certification authorities, and vehicle inspectors expressed concerns about the limited time and capacity to certify private vehicles. Currently, only 23,000 of the estimated 73,000 self-contained vehicles have been certified, highlighting the challenge of meeting the initial deadline.

“This extension will be reassuring for people who enjoy freedom camping as a way to explore our beautiful country,” Minister Upston stated. “We want to ensure that all vehicles needing certification can meet the standards within a realistic timeframe, allowing authorities to properly enforce regulations when necessary.”

While private vehicles will now have until mid-2026 to obtain certification, the rental fleet remains largely compliant. Approximately 12,000 rental vehicles are already certified self-contained, ensuring availability for travelers who rely on rentals for their trips.

Minister Upston emphasized that the extension does not change the government’s commitment to environmental protection. “It remains absolutely essential for freedom campers to respect their surroundings. If you’re planning to freedom camp, always check the specific rules at each location where you want to stay.”

With this decision, the government aims to balance accessibility for travelers with environmental responsibility, ensuring the long-term sustainability of New Zealand’s freedom camping tradition.