If you’re travelling New Zealand in a campervan, you’ve probably seen blue and green self-containment stickers on vehicles parked in freedom camping spots. But what do they actually mean? And more importantly, which one do you need? Here’s everything you need to know.

What Are Self-Containment Stickers?

Self-containment stickers show that a vehicle meets the standards for freedom camping in New Zealand. These stickers confirm that your campervan has the necessary facilities to manage waste responsibly—so you’re not just parking up and leaving a mess behind.

There are two types of self-containment stickers in New Zealand:

• Blue Sticker: The old self-containment certification, which allowed freedom camping in most council-designated spots. However, it is being phased out and will no longer be valid for freedom camping after 7 June 2025.

• Green Sticker: The new certification, required under the Self-Contained Vehicles Act 2023, which started on 7 June 2024 for private vehicles. Rental vehicles must comply by 7 December 2024.

If you’re renting a campervan, it’s important to know which one your vehicle has—because it determines where you can stay.

What’s the Difference Between Blue and Green Stickers?

Green Sticker (The New Standard)

• Required for freedom camping on public land under the new regulations.

• Only issued to vehicles with a fixed toilet (portable toilets no longer meet the standard).

• Certification lasts four years.

• Allows parking in most freedom camping sites, provided local rules permit it.

• Must meet NZS 5465:2001 standards, including waste storage capacity for three days.

Blue Sticker (Old Standard)

• Issued under the older rules, allowing portable toilets.

• Remains valid until it expires or until 7 June 2025, whichever comes first.

• No longer valid for freedom camping on council or DOC land after this deadline.

• Can still be used in some private campgrounds or where local councils accept it.

• Some rental companies still use blue stickers, but they may limit where you can camp legally.

What If My Campervan Only Has a Blue Sticker?

If your rental has a blue sticker, you can still freedom camp in public spots until 7 June 2025, but after that date, you’ll need to stay at campgrounds, holiday parks, or private land where it’s allowed. If freedom camping is a priority, check that your campervan has a green sticker before booking.

Where Can I Camp with a Green Sticker?

Having a green sticker means you can legally park overnight in many designated freedom camping areas, provided the local council allows it. However, not all areas permit freedom camping, even with a green sticker—so always check local signs or apps like CamperMate and Rankers Camping NZ to find legal spots.

Example:

If you’re travelling through Queenstown, you might assume your green sticker allows you to park anywhere, but Queenstown Lakes District Council has specific zones where even self-contained vehicles aren’t allowed overnight. On the other hand, parts of the West Coast are much more relaxed, allowing freedom camping in many areas as long as you follow the rules.

Do All Campervans Need a Green Sticker?

No. If you’re staying in holiday parks or campgrounds with facilities, you don’t need a self-contained sticker at all. The sticker only matters for freedom camping on public land.

What If I Get Caught Camping Without the Right Sticker?

New rules mean councils and DOC rangers are cracking down harder on illegal camping. Fines for parking in the wrong place without the right sticker can be up to $1,000, so it’s not worth the risk.

Common Mistakes That Get Travellers Fined:

• Assuming that an old blue sticker still allows you to camp anywhere after 7 June 2025.

• Parking up in a “No Camping” zone, even if your vehicle is self-contained.

• Dumping waste irresponsibly—always use designated dump stations.

• Camping in the same spot for too long—many sites have a maximum stay limit.

How to Upgrade to a Green Sticker

If you own a campervan and want to upgrade from a blue sticker to a green one, you’ll need to make sure it meets the latest self-containment standards. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A fixed toilet installed in the vehicle.

• A sealed waste system with a minimum capacity for three days.

• A proper greywater tank that is vented outside the vehicle.

• Certification from a registered inspector—you can find one through NZMCA or local council websites.

Final Tips for Freedom Camping in NZ

✔ Get the right sticker: Make sure your campervan has a green sticker if you plan to freedom camp after 7 June 2025. ✔ Follow local rules: Even with a green sticker, check signs and camping apps before parking. ✔ Dispose of waste properly: Use dump stations, never the side of the road. ✔ Be respectful: Park considerately and leave no trace. ✔ Check rules in each region: Every council has its own camping bylaws, so always double-check.

If you’re renting with Campervana, our vans are designed for long-term travel and set up for responsible camping. Need a van with the right certification? We’ve got you covered.