Two freedom camping sites are being added and two removed as Napier City Council looks to enhance the visitor experience for travellers in self-contained vehicles.
From 1 July, designated spaces will be available in the northern Marine Parade carpark, and National Aquarium of New Zealand carpark. The Westshore Reserve will be permanently off limits to freedom campers. The previously designated freedom camping area at the Foreshore Reserve will also be off limits, although the current rules will apply until 30 June, the Council announced in a statement.
Mayor, Kirsten Wise says the changes strike a balance between looking after the public spaces Napier’s permanent residents enjoy, and providing safe, pleasant places for freedom campers to stay.
“We want all visitors to our city to have a great time while they’re here, and enjoy sharing Napier’s places and spaces with the locals. We welcome freedom campers and want them to feel welcome, and safe, throughout their stay,” the Mayor said.
Changes to the Marine Parade carparks to accommodate freedom camping are scheduled to begin today.
The Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025 permits only certified self-contained vehicles to be parked anywhere in the Napier area that is not prohibited, for one night only. The number of nights freedom campers can stay at each of the four locations allowed from 1 July will vary, which is the same as the current bylaw.
The current bylaw has been in place since 1 February 2017. The Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023, plus the legal requirement to review the bylaw, led to the consultation for the new bylaw.
A list of alternative accommodation sites for people travelling in non-self-contained vehicles, can be found at napier.govt.nz.
