Self-Contained Campervans in NZ: Green Warrant Rules Explained

What "certified self-contained" means

A certified self-contained vehicle can hold its own fresh water, waste water and toilet waste, so you leave nothing behind. In practice that means onboard fresh water and wastewater tanks and a fixed toilet.

Certification matters for one thing: freedom camping in areas restricted to self-contained vehicles. It isn't needed at holiday parks or most DOC campsites.

The green warrant

The rules changed in stages:

The Department of Conservation sums up the current rules:

• Portable toilets don't qualify. The toilet must be fixed to the vehicle.
• You must display the warrant card in your vehicle when camping in areas restricted to self-contained vehicles.

Certification is issued by authorities appointed by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board, under the Self-Contained Vehicles Regulations 2023.

What this means for a rental

• Look for "certified self-contained" or "green warrant" in the vehicle description, and confirm it when you book.
• Not every model is certified, even within one company's fleet. Compact vans without a fixed toilet usually aren't.
• Check the passenger limit. A vehicle is certified for a set number of people, which can be fewer than its seatbelts.

Local rules still apply

Self-containment doesn't mean you can park anywhere. DOC and every council set their own rules:

• DOC scenic and recreation reserves: no freedom camping unless there's a designated site.
• Some areas are closed to all camping, even for self-contained vehicles.
• Council land: vehicle-based freedom camping generally needs a certified self-contained vehicle, with local limits on nights and spots.

Read our freedom camping rules guide for fines and details.

Not self-contained? Your options

• Holiday parks, with powered sites, showers and dump stations. See our holiday parks guide.
• DOC campsites, from basic to serviced. See our DOC campsites guide.
• Council campgrounds, such as those in Auckland's regional parks.