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Free camping
New Zealand is fortunate enough to have liberal laws pertaining on where
you can and can't park your Camper for the night.
Unlike most Countries, New Zealand allows free camping, or sleeping
in your vehicle without having to be in a Camping ground. Certain councils
are now making entire regions 'No Free camping Zones', but on the whole,
as long as you use your common sense and respect the environment, tidy
up after yourself and respect the locals, there are many beautiful places
where you can park up for the night free of charge.
Environmental care code
Protect the environment for your own sake, for the sake of those who
come after you, and for the environment itself. "The land is the property
of a great family, some of whom are living, a few of whom are dead,
most of whom are yet to come".
10 Point Checklist
Protect plants and animals: Treat New Zealand's forests and birds
with care and respect. They are unique and often rare. Remove rubbish:
Litter is unattractive, harmful to wildlife and can increase vermin
and disease. Plan your visits to reduce rubbish, and carry out what
you carry in.
Bury toilet waste: In areas without toilet facilities, bury your
toilet waste in a shallow hole well away from waterways, tracks, campsites,
and huts.
Keep streams and lakes clean:; When cleaning and washing, take
the water and wash well away from the water source. Because soaps and
detergents are harmful to water-life, drain used water into the soil
to allow it to be filtered. If you suspect the water may be contaminated,
either boil it for at least 3 minutes, or filter it, or chemically treat
it.
Take care with fires:; Portable fuel stoves are less harmful
to the environment and are more efficient than fires. If you do use
a fire, keep it small, use only dead wood and make sure it is out by
dousing it with water and checking the ashes before leaving. Camp
carefully: When camping, leave no trace of your visit.
Keep to the track: By keeping to the track, where one exists,
you lessen the chance of damaging fragile plants.
Consider others: People visit the back country and rural areas
for many reasons. Be considerate of other visitors who also have a right
to enjoy the natural environment.
Respect our cultural heritage: Many places in New Zealand have
a spiritual and historical significance. Treat these places with consideration
and respect.
Enjoy your visit: Enjoy your outdoor experience. Take a last
look before leaving an area; will the next visitor know that you have
been there? Protect the environment for your own sake, for the sake
of those who come after you, and for the environment itself.
Campgrounds in New Zealand are of a high standard
and cost approx $7-15/Person/night. You may spend every night or certain
nights at Campgrounds to use the extra facilities. Campgrounds will
often allow (for a small charge) use of their facilities without having
to stay the night there.
Right…now we have dealt with all the serious stuff, it's
time to have some fun.
Escape owners, staff and friends have pooled their collective knowledge
of NZ to bring you what we consider to be the best bits of New Zealand.
We encourage you to get off the well trodden tourist routes, interact
with locals and discover parts of New Zealand that are generally reserved
for local knowledge.
Don't try and tick off multiple sights in a short time, as you will
spend your entire trip looking out the window of your camper. Take your
time, immerse yourself in idyllic locations and interact with local
people who will provide you with some of your greatest memories.
The escape guide is a work in progress and we do appreciate your top
tips to help other Escapees have a great time in our country.
Please add your comments and thoughts via email to Escape at: bookings@escaperentals.co.nz
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