Responsible camping is defined as camping outside of a designated campground in a location that does not provide camping facilities (such as toilets). Because the Mackenzie is a unique and fragile environment, there are rules around responsible camping to protect our region for its residents, visitors and future generations.

To responsible camp in the Mackenzie Region you must have a camper with fully self-contained toilet facilities. To qualify, the camper’s toilet must be readily usable at all times, even with the bed made up. Your camper must also meet your ablution needs for a minimum of three days without requiring the discharge of waste and without the occupants relying on external facilities.

Find more info on Mackenzie camping here.

Responsible camping is prohibited in Tekapo township, the commercial centre of Twizel, and along the western shore (known as the lagoon area) of Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel. Responsible camping is also prohibited in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Four responsible camping sites have date restrictions that prohibit camping between 23 December and the second Monday in January (inclusive). These are:

Please note that campers can stay a maximum of three consecutive nights in these locations, and they are prohibited from camping within 20 metres of the lake shore.

Popular responsible camping sites with no date restrictions include:

All independent overnight/freedom campers must behave in an acceptable manner while camping in the Mackenzie Region.

This includes:

To learn about camping etiquette all around New Zealand go to Camping Our Way.

The Mackenzie region is a zero-waste district. All rubbish must be sorted to ensure that the majority of waste can be recycled. Rubbish bags are available for purchase at supermarkets in Lake Tekapo and Twizel, the Council offices in Twizel and Fairlie, and Fairlie House & Garden.

Please sort your rubbish as follows:

Rubbish bags can be dropped off at the Resource Recovery Parks in Fairlie, Lake Tekapo and Twizel. More info here.