Visitors camping in streets, carparks
There has been an increase in campers staying overnight in previously prohibited areas - including people camping in streets and carparks - so far this summer, following the dissolution of this district’s freedom camping bylaw.
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) stopped enforcing its 2021 Freedom Camping Bylaw after it was revoked by the High Court in early November after the NZ Motor Caravan Owners Association (NZMCA) challenged the bylaw’s legality.
“As expected, we’ve seen campers arriving in larger numbers since Christmas and there have been some issues relating to littering, rubbish dumping, and inappropriate parking,” QLDC responsible camping programme manager Amy Galloway told the Wānaka App.
“While this is disappointing, our ambassadors and enforcement officers are keeping a close eye on things and are encouraging responsible camping and the use of nearby commercial campsites.”
There were 60 infringement notices issued under the Freedom Camping Act (mostly for non-self-contained vehicles) and 12 under the Reserves Act during the holiday period (December 23 to January 5), a QLDC spokesperson said.
Amy said the council’s summer ambassadors have reported that conversations with campers and visitors have been positive and advice around sustainable camping and local rules are being well received.
“Signage, maps, printed resources and in-person education have been positive tools, and the ambassadors have found most campers have been happy to comply with the rules,” she said.
“The relatively low number of infringement notices issued over the holiday period for camping on public reserves shows most freedom campers are doing so within the rules.”
However, she said there has been a rise in campers staying overnight in spots which were previously prohibited under the now-quashed 2021 bylaw.
“Some campers are using residential streets and community facilities such as the Queenstown Event Centre. Our ambassadors are reminding campers that community facility car parks are not intended to be used as a campsite, and use of the spaces needs to be done with respect.”
Read more: Council’s freedom camping bylaw ruled invalid
Since December the ambassadors have completed more than 1,000 site surveys across the district, reporting maintenance issues and signs of poor behaviour to council officers. They have also interviewed 175 campers via the council’s camper survey to gain insight into campers’ intentions and behaviours while they are in the district.
Amy said a key focus of the summer education programme (alongside responsible camping practices) is the new self-containment certifications for camping vehicles.
“Strengthened self-containment requirements for rental vehicles were in place from 7 December and will be in place for private vehicles later in 2025,” she said.
Work is underway to review and develop a new Freedom Camping Bylaw for the district. Find more information here.
Read more: Council to blame for freedom camping ‘open slather’ - NZMCA
