We welcome responsible campers to the Gisborne Tairāwhiti district and encourage camping at the restricted areas defined in our bylaw. We also encourage the use of commercial and DoC campgrounds.
Please be familiar with our Freedom Camping Bylaw 2021 and the 'Kiwi' saying "leave only footprints".
Requirements at our freedom camping sites
You can only freedom camp at designated restricted freedom camping areas in a vehicle that is certified self-contained.
- Please respect the sites and leave them tidy. They are public spaces so please consider other users.
- Empty waste water at a designated dump station.
- Take rubbish with you when you leave.
- No fires, washing lines or semi-permanent structures.
- Park in a legal manner in formed parking areas. Don't restrict access to public areas, footpaths or access ways.
- Self-contained vehicles must clearly display NZS5465:2001 certification (blue warrant) or the new green warrant.
- No person may freedom camp for more than 3 nights within 1km of an area where you've previously freedom camped within the last 4 weeks.
- Comply with enforcement officers.
- No tents, see the information on seasonal camping areas with a permit.
From 7 June 2025 all self-contained vehicles will need to be certified with a green warrant
Where you can freedom camp
If all the designated parks are occupied, you'll need to find an alternative site or use commercial accommodation. See the map below for areas marked with a blue pin.
Midway Beach surf club car park
- Certified self-contained vehicles only.
- Parks within painted blue lines.
- 3 nights maximum stay only.
Kaiti Beach
- Certified self-contained vehicles only.
- Parks within painted blue lines.
- 3 nights maximum stay only.
Bright Street car park
- Certified self-contained vehicles only.
- Parks within painted blue lines.
- 3 nights maximum stay only.
Makorori car park
- Certified self-contained vehicles only.
- Parks within painted blue lines.
- 3 nights maximum stay only.
Tokomaru Bay - 2 locations
- Freedom camping only permitted between 1 May to Labour weekend only.
- Certified self-contained vehicles only.
- Designated areas are signposted.
- 3 nights maximum stay only.
Motu rest area
- Certified self-contained vehicles only.
- Look for the sign for designated area.
- 3 nights maximum stay only.
No camping or prohibited areas
The areas where freedom camping is prohibited, see Schedule 1 of the Bylaw.
There's no freedom camping at restricted seasonal camping areas from 1 May to Labour Weekend, see green pins on map.
Seasonal camping areas
Prohibited areas - locations marked with red pins on the map:
- Gisborne urban area and surrounds
- Sponge Bay, Wainui and Okitu
- Makorori Beach
- Turihaua Point - north
- Waihau Beach
- Tolaga Bay - north, south and the wharf car park
- Kaiaua Beach - part of
- Te Araroa
Restricted and prohibited freedom camping areas in our district
Dump stations
Public dump stations:
- Hallrite Plumbing and Gasfitting Yard, 71 Awapuni Road
- Gisborne Mobil Service Station, 49 Wainui Road
- Te Araroa transfer station, Te Arawapia Rd, Te Araroa
Dump stations at campgrounds or where fees may apply:
- Tolaga Bay Holiday Park, 167 Wharf Road, Tolaga Bay
- Anaura Bay Motor Camp, Anaura Bay, Anaura Bay
- Tatapouri By The Sea, 516 Whangara, SH35, Tatapouri
- Waikanae Beach Holiday Park, Grey Street, Gisborne
- Showgrounds Park Motor Camp, 20 Main Road, Makaraka
- Mayfair Store & Cabins, Waitangi Street, Tokomaru Bay
Care for our environment
How you can help maintain our district's natural environment during your stay:
During your stay:
- the maximum stay is 3 nights - check requirements on each site
- use the public toilets available in the area
- take advantage of local laundry facilities for washing clothes
- hot showers are available at the toilets in Bright Street
- dispose of all waste in facilities provided, or take it with you.
- ensure your wastewater holding tanks are discharged at designated dump stations.
- please respect our sites, they're public spaces so consider other users.
- no fires, use gas BBQs and cookers only
- see our alcohol ban areas
- you’re not camping in a vehicle or self-contained vehicle where required
- you've stayed more than 3 nights in any public place
- camping would create a health hazard
- the public place is required for another purpose
- camping would obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic
- camping is creating a noise nuisance
- the ground conditions are unsuitable for camping or camping will damage the area
- camping is not allowed at that site
What happens if I break the rules?
All sites are regularly monitored. Under the Freedom Camping Act 2011, we can issue instant infringement fines of up to $800 for any breach of the Act or the Gisborne District Council Freedom Camping bylaw. You may also be liable for prosecution.
Some of the reasons our enforcement officers issue infringement notices include:
- Freedom camping in the wrong place.
- Freedom camping more than the maximum nights limit.
- Damaging an area – its flora or fauna, or any structure.
- Camping in a vehicle that doesn’t meet the requirements of certification as a self-contained vehicle.
- Camping in a tent on a site other than a restricted seasonal camping site with a permit.
- Depositing waste other than in an appropriate waste receptacle.