What this site is
Vanward is an independent, informational guide to freedom camping New Zealand by self-contained campervan. It exists because the two halves of this topic — where the good spots actually are, and what the self-containment rules genuinely require — are usually covered by different sources, if either is covered properly at all.
How it's put together
The self-containment standard and freedom-camping legal framework described on this site (NZS 5465, the Freedom Camping Act 2011, council-level bylaw authority) reflect the general, publicly documented structure of New Zealand's freedom-camping system. Specific fine amounts, current bylaw maps, and seasonal restrictions vary by council and change over time — always confirm the current rule for a specific council directly before relying on it.
What we're not
Not a campervan rental company, not a self-containment certifier, and not a booking agent. We don't sell vans, inspect them, or take a commission from any operator mentioned on this site.