Rules of Etiquette

Part of the reason that staying on a Campable site is so special is that you’re on private property, staying with locals where they live and work. At the same time, this means that you need to be mindful of your Hosts and their property, and remember that each site will be different. With that in mind, here are a few things to remember.

Be good to your Host

Every Campable site and Host will be different. Some Hosts will want to chat, show you around their property, or have a drink with you, while others will be busy working or might not be onsite while you’re there.

If your Host is onsite...

Say 'Hello!' when you arrive, and let them know when you're leaving.
Give yourself enough time to arrive before nightfall, unless you’ve agreed to a later time with your Host. Plus, this way you get to enjoy the sunset.

If you're staying on a farm...

Always leave gates as you found them. If a gate is open it’s so animals can graze between paddocks, and if it’s closed this will be so animals don’t get out.
As cute as they are, farm animals aren’t pets. Don’t approach them, as you may scare them, separate young from their mothers, and endanger yourself.
Keep to your own paddock. Don’t explore your Host’s or their neighbours’ property without permission.
Make sure that you remove all rubbish. If your Host offers rubbish disposal, only leave your rubbish where they designate.

Be safe

Before you arrive, always read each site’s specific safety and welcome instructions. There may be hazards on the property that you should know about.

Drive safe

In New Zealand we drive on the left side of the road... doing otherwise can be a scary hazard.
Don’t use your mobile phone while driving; even excitement over checking out Campable sites isn't an acceptable excuse!
Our roads are sometimes narrow, so if you feel unsafe driving, please pull over and request help.

Stay safe

Do not climb trees or structures - the dramatic photo is not worth the risk!
Do not approach working machinery; operators often can’t see or hear you, and sprays can be toxic.
Keep a close eye on any children and pets.

A note on pooping in the woods...

Basically - don't do it! Most people don't need to be told this, but the small minority who do give everyone else a bad name.

If you stay at a site that's for certified self-contained vehicles, you're expected to use the toilet in your vehicle. If the host allows portable toilets, use yours and empty it at a dump station, never on the host's land - don’t use your Host’s property as a litter box. (I think we can agree that no one likes to discover someone else’s poop!)

If your Host has a toilet, shower, rubbish disposal or other facilities that they have made available, please be sure to leave everything clean and as you found it.

Park Here!

Please only park in the spot that your Host has asked you to use. This is New Zealand - there may be “Taniwha” (ie. big monsters) everywhere else. If you do see a great spot that you would prefer, and are pretty sure it’s monster-free, check with your Host before moving.

Some friendly tips...

Some sites are not level - we suggest you take leveling ramps with you.
Inform your Host if you have slide-outs (pop out extensions on the side of your motorhome) so that you can be parked in an appropriate location.
Watch your jacks. Do not use jacks without jack-pads on asphalt - the weight of your vehicle could cause damage and you’ll be expected to reimburse any costs.

Shhh... They might need to sleep

Sometimes when you’re on holiday it’s easy to forget that other people aren’t. Keep in mind that your Host may want to sleep earlier than you, so don’t be too loud at night, especially if you are parked within hearing range of your Host’s home or their neighbours.

The cats and the dogs

Only bring pets to a site that allows them, and tell us about them when you book. If they're welcome, be aware that farm dogs may be present, and that you must always pick up after your pet.

Sheep chasers: Do not allow your dog to roam free in the country. Naturally, dogs love chasing sheep, but it is your responsibility to make sure this doesn't happen. Your Host or their neighbour will not be impressed and your dog’s life may be endangered.
Small pets: If you are parking in rural areas with small pets it is advisable to keep them in your motorhome.

Shout from the hilltops!

If you have a great time with Campable, let us know! We love to get positive feedback and reviews (and it’s great when other people hear it too!).

If you have a negative experience, please contact us and let us know what went wrong. If you have an issue with a particular Host, please talk to them (or to us) before you write your review - there may be an explanation or a simple solution.

Check with your Host before you...

Light a BBQ, Charcoal grill, or a fire
Use a generator
Explore your Host’s property
Approach animals
Approach machinery
Climb any structure
Use a Drone (they can scare animals and violate privacy)
Swim in natural waterways
Have a party

Legal stuff

As a Guest, you are bound by the Campable Terms and Conditions, which includes the very exciting Rules of Etiquette which you have just been perusing. If you have any questions about our Rules of Etiquette, or if something is unclear, please email us at support@campable.com - we are always trying to better ourselves.

And one more thing: every stay is booked and paid through Campable. Please don't arrange to pay a host in cash or book directly with them; that's what keeps you both covered.

Now, after reading all of this, we hope that you are very, very prepared to have a very, very fun time.

The Campable Team

Camping responsibly in New Zealand

Wherever you stay — on a Campable host's land or elsewhere on your trip — please look after the places you visit:

Use the toilet facilities your host provides, or your vehicle's own; never use the bush or waterways as a toilet.
Leave no trace of your visit.
Dispose of all rubbish as your host asks, or take it with you.
Only camp where you've booked or where camping is allowed; respect 'No Camping' signs — they are there for a reason.
Keep detergents, soap, toothpaste etc. out of streams, rivers and lakes.
Only empty motorhome waste at approved dump stations — never on a host's land unless they've shown you where.
If you're freedom camping on public land, your vehicle needs a current green self-containment warrant.