East Coast Beach Vehicle Bylaw 2023

For the complete rules, check the bylaw document or GIS map on this webpage. In general, all vehicles are prohibited on beaches from the mouth of the Awatere River to south of the Ure (Waima) River, with the following exceptions:

• Boat launching and retrieval in designated areas at Marfells Beach and Ward Beach,
• ATV/UTVs are allowed south of the Marfells Beach Campsite to the end of the ‘airstrip’ with restrictions,
• All vehicles are allowed south of the Waima (Ure) River to the southern district boundary, travelling under 30km/h.

No vehicles are allowed on dunes or reefs throughout the bylaw area.

Marfells Beach is the most popular destination on the East Coast for a wide range of activities. To protect the natural environment and promote the enjoyment for all beach users, the area south of Marfells Beach Campsite has been designated a “yellow zone”.

In this area south of the campsite, All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) are permitted, traveling below the high tide mark, to enable fishing, harvesting, customary practices and equitable access for the public. To protect this ecologically significant area and the enjoyment of other beach users:

• Only drive during daylight hours
• Travel below the high tide mark
• Drive under 30km/hr or safely for the conditions
• Be considerate to other beach users, including wildlife
• No dangerous or unsafe behaviour.
• Vehicles are not allowed on dunes or reefs.

There are two designated areas where vehicles are permitted on the beach to launch or retrieve a boat, one north of the campsite and one south of the campsite.

The bylaw uses the same definition of a motor vehicle as the Land Transport Act 1998. Examples include a car, ute, quad bike, two-wheeled motorbike or other vehicle propelled by mechanical power. There are exceptions to the definition of a motor vehicle, such as a machine used as a mobility device.

The bylaw makes an exception to motor vehicles south of Marfells Beach Campsite for Utility Task Vehicles (side by side), and All-Terrain Vehicles (quad bikes). Where the bylaw refers to ATV/UTV, these vehicles have three or more wheels running low-pressure tyres and a gross weight of less than 1000kg.

UTV/ATV does not include utes or light vehicles, even if modified for off-road travel. For clarity, dune buggies are not defined as an ATV/UTV.

See the full bylaw on this webpage for the complete definition.

The bylaw covers motor vehicle use. Walking, cycling, and horse riding are permitted along the entire East Coast. The bylaw also permits vehicle use for businesses already operating in the area under existing resource consents, which include commercial fishing and sea salt production.

Councils across New Zealand have beach vehicle bylaws, limiting vehicle access on beaches - from Whangarei to Clutha and many beaches in between.

After the Kaikoura earthquake in 2016, members of the Marlborough community approached Council about increased traffic and damage to ecosystems along the coast. Following extensive public consultation and hearings, Council created a bylaw under section 22AB of the Land Transport Act 1998 (LTA). The Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) also applies to this Bylaw.

Breaches should be reported to Council. These reports will be included during the review of the “yellow zone” (south of Marfells Beach Campsite) after three years, as well as a complete review of the bylaw after five years.

People who breach the bylaw commit an offence under the Land Transport Act 1998. The following penalties apply;

• Breach of Bylaw made under LTA (infringement offence): $150
• Breach of Bylaw made under LTA (ordinary offence): Fine not exceeding $1,000