Self Containment
Certifying Authority
Advice on Small Self-contained Campers - for Freedom Camping in New Zealand
NZ Self Containment Issuing Authority
Information and Resources
for vehicle Inspectors
For priority contact, support and issues including problem
resolution please contact Gary on 027 246 9778 (text or call)
or email admin@nzlifestylecamping.com
NZ Self Containment Issuing Authority
Information and Resources
for vehicle Inspectors
For priority contact, support and issues
including problem resolution
please contact Gary on 027 246 9778 (text or call)
or email admin@nzlifestylecamping.com
A copy of the NZLC master test sheet for the green PGDB warrants can be viewed and downloaded here.
For Freedom Camping
A copy of the NZLC test sheet for the blue NZ Standard warrants can be
viewed and downloaded here. Not for Freedom Camping
NZLC Vehicle Inspector (Testing Officer)
Required Forms and Legislated Requirements
All NZLC self-containment vehicle inspectors are required to have a good working knowledge and understanding of the following forms .
1) NZLC Green warrant - Master Test Sheet
2) PGDB Self-contained Vehicle Regulations
3) Gazetted Vehicle Inspections and recording requirements
Vehicle Inspectors must follow the regulations when inspecting a vehicle and correctly complete the inspection test sheet.
Vehicle Inspectors can be suspended for failure to meet the requirements.
FOR PGDB Administered
Green 4 year warrants
NZLC Fees and charges
From 01 April 2026
$75.00
Total payment $195.00 includes the $120.00 PGDB levy
- Payment can be made to the NZ Lifestyle Camping bank account 02-0628-0084975-00 stating the vehicle registration number or invoice number as a reference.
- An invoice can be requested, payable online by credit card.
Note: A discounted rate may apply for fleet operators with bulk requests
A standard $20 fee applies for replacement documentation or reissue of missing window cards or $30 where the vehicle registration plates have been changed as this requires us to produce and lodge new documentation.
What does the NZLC $75.00 fee cover?
- processing, printing, sending and uploading documentation
- paying staff and maintaining equipment and systems
- checking and rectifying errors, liaising with owners and vehicle inspectors NZ wide
- appointing, mentoring and monitoring vehicle inspectors. Support, checks and audits
- accountability to the Plumbers, Gasfittres and drainlayers board
- providing support to NZ vehicle campers and vehicle builders.
Portable Toilet or Not Freedom Camping ?
Vehicles that will not be used for Freedom Camping can still be certified under the NZ Standard 5465:2001 - No PGDB Levy.
A blue warrant card will be issued together with the certificate.
Regulations, Guidelines and suggested solutions
Note: Guidelines are suggestions only to assist in making determinations.
In all cases the relevant legislation, including regulations and Standards only have standing when qualifying a vehicle for self-containment.
Please click on the following links and icons to view, download or print PDF documents.
NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd is committed to supporting NZ campers and the associated industry in meeting self containment requirements. As such we are continually providing support and guidance to our vehicle inspectors and the wider industry.
The law / regulations pertaining to certified self-containment
NZ Lifestyle Camping Self-containment
Forms, Guidelines and advice
PGDB Self-containment
Guidelines / Suggestions
Minimum Capacities required for Self-containment certification.
The regulations expressly do not set minimum capacities for freshwater or wastewater, toilet or rubbish containment .
PGDB Guidelines stating recommended minimums are suggestions only and have no legal standing. The vehicle inspector is required to use their judgement as to whether the capacities are sufficient to meet the occupants needs.
As a general rule NZLC accepts 20 litres as a reasonable water capacity for 2 persons, in small camping vehicles for the following reasons.
- Bottled water is often used for drinking
- A minimal amount of water is used in small sinks with no separate shower or handbasin.
- A full 20 litre container weighs over 20 kg whereas a 25 litre container weighs 5kg more. This is a significant weight to lift and remove / transport for emptying and there is less risk of spillage with smaller containers.
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