Camping and Freedom Camping

Council does not need to be advised of your intention to camp (freedom or self-contained) in the locations below, unless it is during a restricted period (you are unable to camp at Pourerere Beach from 16 December - 8 February without a permit). An application for a permit for the restricted period are taken in September, click here for details. For all other times, you are welcome to camp in the locations below on a first in, first served basis.

Freedom camping is permitted in the following places:

Note freedom camping is any kind of camping in tents or non-self contained caravans. If you are unsure - a self-contained vehicle will be certified with a blue sticker in its window showing it complies with the NZ Standard (NZS 5465:2001).

• Tommy Ireland Point lookout (Pourerere Beach Road) - Fully certified ‘self contained’ motor homes ONLY for not more than three consecutive nights. A donation box is at the entrance of Pourerere under the Pourerere Beach sign if you would like to make a voluntary donation.

• Aramoana Beach - Fully certified ‘self contained’ motor homes ONLY are permitted to stay overnight for not more than three consecutive nights, in the clearly signposted area at the end of the public car park area near to the public toilets. Three (3) parks have been allocated for this activity.

• Kairakau Beach - Fully certified ‘self contained’ motor homes ONLY are permitted to stay overnight for not more than three consecutive nights, on the area of grass at the northern end of Kairakau Beach Road (past the new public toilet). The area allowed to be used is clearly signposted. Any other form of camping on any other ‘Council’ land at Kairakau Beach is NOT ALLOWED.

There is no camping allowed in the following locations: 

• Whangaehu
• Mangakuri
• Parimahu and Blackhead Beaches.

Camping is also not allowed on the ‘local purpose reserve’ at the northern end of the existing Blackhead Beach Public Camping Ground.

• There is a total fire ban on all beaches in Central Hawke's Bay all year around. There are no exceptions to this.
• Length of stay is not to exceed 3 days.
• Campers must leave the site clean and tidy.
• Camp sites must be set up in such a way as to not interfere with or damage trees, other vegetation such as sand dune plants, or disturb nesting birds in the dunes.
• No permanent structures will be permitted.
• Suitable signs will be erected advising public of areas where camping is permitted and areas where camping is not permitted.
• Dogs are allowed with campers at freedom camping sites BUT they must be kept under strict control at all times.  Signposted bylaws regarding dogs on beaches over summer months must also be adhered to. This typically means that dogs cannot be off-lead in certain areas (i.e. around ablution blocks).

Phone Council +64 6 857 8060 (24 hour service) for more information.

Looking after New Zealand's environment

You will no doubt be travelling in New Zealand because of our beautiful countryside and environment. We know that you will want to protect this, so to do so you need to remember that the indiscriminate disposal of human waste ruins the enjoyment of the natural environment and creates a significant health risk. It promotes the spread of intestinal disease either from direct contact or by insect carriers such as flies.

Please make sure you respect our environment by thoughtfully disposing of any waste you have in an appropriate place. Below are some tips to help you to do this.

You are travelling and you need to find a toilet where do you go?

In New Zealand you can expect to find free use toilets at:

• Information and visitor centres
• National park headquarters
• Petrol stations
• Hotels
• Public Libraries
• Camp grounds
• Rail and bus stations
• Urban Parks and Children's Playgrounds

Use the toilets in towns as they may not be available in the countryside.

 Campervan, Caravan and Motorhome users:

• Before setting out on your trip identify the location of sewage dump points e.g. camping grounds
• Be aware that outside of peak summer season beach toilets are serviced less often, so please take precautions especially during COVID alert levels.

The procedure for dumping is simple and clean. If your vehicle has a holding tank it will have a flexible hose with a snap coupling to fit the dump point facility. In the event of a spillage a hose at the dump facility may be used to wash it away. Portable toilets may also be emptied into dump points with care.

Where can I dispose of my wastewater

A dump station is located at the end of River Terrace in Waipukurau and was opened to the public at the end of May 2021.

Click here for a map of the location.

If you are out in the countryside, rubbish disposal can be a problem.

• Plan your trip to minimise rubbish
• Burying rubbish is unsatisfactory because rubbish can be exposed by animals or erosion so please carry away all rubbish.
• Disposal nappies are not biodegradable! Ensure that you take plastic bags and carry used nappies home.
• Roadside rubbish containers are only provided for light litter. E.g. sweet/lollies, small snacks and takeaway wrappers.
• Food and household wastes (rubbish bags) should be taken home or disposed of in motorcamp rubbish bins or in the local rubbish dump.

Permit required:  15 December 2023 to 9 February 2024

Applications are open from 29 September until 5pm on 29 October 2023 for the 2023-2024 camping season. 

Queries or concerns? Please contact compliance@chbdc.govt.nz

How to Apply:

• Applications must be completed online. Fill in the application form below. If you have queries, please contact compliance@chbdc.govt.nz.
• Successful applicants will be notified in writing by Friday 17 November 2023, and payment in full will be required within 10 working days to secure your permit.
• Due to high demand unfortunately not all applications will be able to be allocated to sites so a ballot process will apply

No permit required: All other times

At all other times -  you may camp in designated areas at Pourerere Beach without notifying council or requiring a permit.  All bylaws and condition must be adhered to.  Sites are offered on a first come, first serve basis.

There is no camping allowed in the following locations: Whangaehu, Mangakuri, Parimahu and Blackhead Beaches. Camping is also not allowed on the ‘local purpose reserve’ at the northern end of the existing Blackhead Beach Public Camping Ground.

 For any further information contact Council by phone +64-6-857-8060 or email compliance@chbdc.govt.nz