Queenstown Lakes District Council clamps down on freedom campers

Queenstown Lakes District Council has today moved to reduce the impact freedom campers are having at several popular community spaces in Queenstown and Wanaka.

Beginning today, Friday 16 February, freedom campers will no longer be able to stay overnight in council reserves at Lake Hayes and the Shotover Delta, while in Wanaka people found camping overnight on the lakefront risk having their vehicles clamped.

The entrances to Lake Hayes and the Shotover Delta have had gates installed that will be locked at night, restricting vehicle access between the hours of 10.00pm and 5.30am. Anyone found camped overnight in these areas between these times will be fined $200, risk being clamped and may have their belongings seized. Signs have been installed explaining the changes. During daytime the gates will be open and unlocked so people can still take their vehicles to both of these reserves during the day, while walking access will be available at all times.

On the Wanaka Lakefront signage has been installed explaining that freedom camping is prohibited and vehicles found camped overnight will have their wheels clamped. Anyone found in breach of this will be fined $200 and risks an additional $200 as a clamp release fee.

Meanwhile, Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult explains that work is underway to review QLDC’s Freedom Camping Bylaw, Reserve Management Plans and develop a wider camping strategy for the district.

“We’re in discussion with government agencies including DoC, LINZ, NZTA and MBIE to look at funding and support for providing more roadside toilet facilities throughout the district, and to support other aspects of our review of the Bylaw and Reserves Management Plans. I’d also like to personally thank everyone who has taken the time to leave their feedback on this issue, this will be looked at by Council and directly feed into our plans.”

“This is an issue that is bigger than our district and we’re happy to sit around the table with local Councils, central Government, and industry to work on solutions that crack down on the irresponsible minority of freedom campers, while supporting those who play by the rules and respect our landscapes and special places.”

Council has also been seeking community suggestions on what solutions might look like and has had a huge amount of feedback.

This comes as increasing freedom camper numbers in the district this summer, and the behaviour of a minority of those campers, risks degrading the unique experience on offer for both locals and holiday-makers.

The surge in numbers has seen over-crowding, risks to public health due to human waste, and potential damage to our environment with people bathing and washing dishes or clothes in the lakes and rivers at well-known reserves such as Lakes Hayes, Shotover Delta and the Wanaka Lakefront.

“These areas are special to both residents and visitors alike and have simply been abused by a small minority of freedom campers, and there has been a loud and understandable public outcry. Families should be able to visit our reserves without worrying about seeing human waste or people literally airing their dirty laundry,” said Mayor Boult.

“It’s a shame that we’ve had to take these measures as it will no doubt have an impact on responsible freedom campers staying in fit for purpose certified self-contained campervans. At the end of the day there is a legitimate concern around public health, we have heard the community’s concerns, we have listened, and we have acted.”

ENDS

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