Freedom camping and 'parking up' overnight
Under Queenstown Lakes District Council Bylaw, it is not permitted to freedom camp or 'park up' in an occupied vehicle overnight in a public place in any town. Persons found freedom camping or occupying a 'parked up' vehicle overnight on any street, reserve (including the lakefront), carpark, rest area or road lay-by will incur an infringement notice for which a fine of $200 is payable.
Self-Contained vehicles may camp overnight for free on most land administered by Council away from the town centres and residential areas. There is some public land including DOC reserves which are excluded. Observe all no camping signs.
Non Self-Contained vehicles MUST NOT freedom camp anywhere in the Queenstown Lakes District and must stay in a camping ground. Freedom camping without a self-contained campervan will result in a $200 instant fine.
Recycling
All commonly recyclable materials can be disposed of at the Wanaka Recycling Centre (on Ballantyne Road). Many holiday parks also encourage guests to be sustainable by providing on-site recycling facilities.
Rubbish disposal
Small amounts of rubbish can be disposed of in the bins provided around town. Larger quantities of rubbish can be disposed of at the Wanaka Landfill on Ballantyne Road, even after hours if in a blue council bag. All holiday parks and camping grounds also have rubbish disposal facilities for guests.
Sewage cassettes and sink-water tanks
Motorhome and campervan black and grey water cassettes/tanks can be emptied free of charge 24 hours a day at the Wanaka Showgrounds, corner of Brownston and McDougall Street. A motorhome dump station is also available at the Boundary Creek camping area. Most Wanaka holiday parks also have dump stations available for guest use.
Motorhome travel in other parts of New Zealand
The www.camping.org.nz website is a useful information tool for planning motorhome travel in New Zealand. There are helpful tips on how you as a visitor can engage in responsible tourism and also links to regional information on camping regulations and motorhome facilities.
If in doubt, assume nothing – always ask!
