In 2011 the New Zealand Parliament passed the Freedom Camping Act, which gives local councils and authorities the power to ban freedom camping in some, but not all, areas. In places where freedom camping is permitted, local councils may only allow vehicles that are certified as self-contained to camp there. The New Zealand Parliament introduced the act because some tourists disposed of human waste inappropriately where they were camping.
Motorhomes or campervans have to undertake an inspection and the vehicle has to meet certain criteria in order to become certified. Being self-contained requires having the equipment on board to remove any waste generated in a freedom camping designated area. Inspections are made by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association.
New Zealand's camping rules are monitored by the local authorities and fines can be levied for camping in an area that is not permitted.