NZ Yellow Self-Containment Explained: Requirements, Toilet Options & Where You Can Camp

🟡 What is a Yellow Warrant (Yellow Sticker)?

The Yellow CSC warrant is an internal NZMCA‑issued certification, valid for 10 years, and applies only at NZMCA parks and events or some private campgrounds that explicitly accept it.

It allows use of portable toilets, which are not permitted under green/government certification requirements.

Important: it is not accepted by enforcement for freedom camping on public DOC or council land.

🗺 Where Does Yellow Warrant Work? Sticker Zones

Sites are categorized as:

• Green‑only: require Green CSC for freedom camping.

• Accepts Yellow: generally private or NZMCA venues.

• No self‑containment needed: fully serviced urban campgrounds, holiday parks.

✅ What You Need for a Yellow Warrant (NZMCA Certification)

While the Green CSC (government standard) has stricter rules—Yellow allows for portable toilets. Otherwise, the technical requirements are similar:

1. Toilet

   • Portable toilet acceptable (unlike fixed requirement for Green CSC).

   • Must be adequately restrained, usable inside the vehicle (even with bed made), or in a toilet tent or awning.

2. Fresh Water Tank

   • Minimum capacity: 4 L per person per day, for at least 3 days (12 L per person minimum).

3. Wastewater Tank (Grey/Black)

   • Same capacity as fresh water (4 L /person/day × 3 days), vented and secure.

4. Sink with U‑bend Trap

   • Connected to sealed wastewater tank.

5. Evacuation Hose

   • At least 3 m for fitted tanks, or sufficient length for external sealed portable tank.

6. Sealable Rubbish Bin

   • Lidded container stored inside.

7. Ventilation

   • All tanks vented properly (though cassette toilets for Green require external vent, Yellow may not).

8. Inspection by NZMCA Authorised Inspector

   • NZMCA members can use volunteer inspectors; agency inspects and issues Yellow warrant & certificate, valid 10 years.

   • No government levy or PGDB register required for Yellow.

🚽 Dry Flush & Portable Toilets: Yellow‑Friendly

Since portable toilets are permitted under Yellow warrants, you can use solutions like the Dry Flush Toilet. Make sure it is:

• Adequately secured, usable within cabin space even with bed made.

• Acceptable with Yellow certification — it does not need to be permanently fixed as with Green CSC.

🔗 Official & Inspecting Resources

• NZMCA Certified Self‑Containment FAQs and guidelines (Yellow and Green info).

• Self Containment NZ – list of agencies and guide (non‑member certifiers) Self Containment NZ

• NZ Lifestyle Camping — a commercial certifier (Green or Yellow) across NZ.

✅ Summary Checklist – What You Need for Yellow Warrant

• Portable toilet (e.g. Dry Flush), securely restrained and usable within the vehicle/awning

• Fresh water supply: minimum 4 L/person/day × 3 days

• Wastewater tank: same as fresh water; vented and sealed

• Sink with U‑bend connected to wastewater

• Evacuation hose (approx. 3 m or fit‑for‑purpose)

• Sealable rubbish bin inside vehicle

• Proper ventilation for tanks/system

• Inspection by NZMCA authorised inspector

• Valid Yellow warrant card displayed on windscreen and certificate kept onboard

📝 In Summary

The Yellow Warrant from NZMCA offers a simpler, portable-toilet‑friendly form of certification — perfect if you’re mainly visiting NZMCA parks or private campgrounds and don’t plan to freedom camp on public DOC or council‑managed land.

If, however, you want legal freedom camping access on public land, you'll need the Green Warrant certification and meet its stricter rules (fixed toilet, PGDB-regulated inspection, levy and national register).