What is Certified Self Containment?Â
A green warrant confirms that a vehicle has met the current self-containment requirements. For freedom camping on public land, check the rules for the place you intend to stay; some sites allow vehicles without self-containment certification.
Why should I certify my caravan or motorhome?
A certified self-contained vehicle with a green warrant card is required if you want to freedom camp in most public areas. It also provides local authorities and communities with greater confidence that the occupants are responsible campers and pose minimal risk to the environment and public health.
How do I get certified?Â
At Infinity Caravans & Motorhomes, Dan is NZ Lifestyle camping approved self containment officer. If you want to freedom camp with your caravan, it will need a green warrant to certify that it’s self-contained, meaning it can operate independently without external facilities for waste disposal, water, or other essential services. At Infinity Caravans Motorhomes, we have all the parts necessary to convert your UK/European caravan and can do the Green Warrant certification for you.
General self containment for caravan including all plumbing parts provided $865+ GST, vehicle self contained & certification signed by officer. (Tanks not included)
Please note there will be a Government levy of $120/ per vehicle due once the vehicle has passed the test, plus processing documentation fee $195.00+GST this will be payable before the self-containment can be processed and issued.
NZ Lifestyle Camping
Self Contained Green
Self Containment- Green Warrant
The green warrant system is now in effect. From 7 June 2026, blue warrants are no longer recognised as evidence of self-containment for freedom camping.
The amended Regulations are:
- Only permanently fixed wastewater storage tanks are required to be directly ventilated to the exterior of the motor vehicle.
- That self-containment certification authorities will refund levy payments to individuals whose vehicles fail their inspection.
Read the full detail of the Regulations for self-contained motor vehicles:
Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers (Self-Contained Vehicles) Amendment Regulations 2024(external link) — New Zealand Legislation
Infringement fees and fines
In July 2023 Regulations setting out infringement fees and fines came into law.
For example, these infringements apply to:
- inappropriately disposing of waste
- interfering with, or damaging, the environment
- not leaving a local authority area when required to do so by an enforcement officer.
Find out more about infringement fees and penalties levels:
Green warrant certification in Christchurch
Since 7 June 2026, only vehicles certified under the green warrant system are recognised as self-contained for freedom camping. A blue warrant is no longer valid for this purpose. If you stay at a campground, holiday park or on private property, the vehicle self-containment requirements do not apply.
Infinity RV can help with caravan self-containment work and green warrant certification at 331 Blenheim Road, Christchurch. Call 0800 115120 or contact us to discuss your vehicle, the work required and current fees before booking.
For the latest rules and certification requirements, see the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board guidance for private vehicle owners.