Gisborne/Tairāwhiti summer camping starts this weekend

Labour weekend marks the start of the summer camping season in this region, and campers will be on-site again at spots like the ever-popular Pouawa (pictured).

Gisborne District Council is urging people to follow the rules for the summer camping season, which opens in Tairāwhiti over the long weekend.

Would-be campers must have applied for a permit before they set up.

“They must follow all the conditions on the permit and in the Freedom Camping Bylaw,” the council said on its website.

“Our inspectors will be monitoring sites throughout the season.”

Among the key rules are:

• All vehicles at your campsite must be listed on your permit.
• All vehicles, including caravans, must have a valid registration and warrant of fitness, and caravans also need a valid electrical certificate. Infringement fines may apply.
• You must have one chemical toilet per eight people set up on-site.

A contribution towards camping costs will be accepted when applying for a permit.

Camp areas at Turihaua, Pouawa, Waihau, Tolaga Bay, Kaiaua and Tokomaru Bay open this weekend.

Doneraille Park and Waipiro Bay remain closed.