Tauranga City Council is asking freedom campers visiting the city to follow the rules so that Tauranga can remain a friendly and safe freedom camping destination.

The city will soon see an influx of visitors as the busy summer period begins.

Freedom campers who are planning to stay overnight in Tauranga are required to comply with the city's freedom camping bylaw, or they may be issued with a $200 infringement notice.

'We want to remind campers that we have strict rules when it comes to freedom camping in our city," says Stuart Goodman, Team Leader: Regulation Monitoring.

"The rules are in place so that everyone can enjoy what Tauranga has to offer, while minimising the impact on our natural environment.”

Specific locations across Tauranga have been set aside for freedom campers.

At all permitted reserves, designated areas are clearly marked with signage showing the designated areas and any restrictions.

Restrictions include that campers must be in a certified self-contained vehicle and cannot stay more than two nights at any one location in a calendar month.

They cannot light fires and they must remove all their litter and waste.

'Our enforcement officers will be patrolling nightly, so please follow the rules to avoid receiving a fine,” says Stuart.

All freedom campers who are planning to visit Tauranga should take the time and visit the freedom camping webpage where all the rules around freedom camping are listed. Campers travelling in a non-self-contained vehicle must book into a campground.