Free online information for freedom campers launched

June 15th 2011

PRESS RELEASE

Free online information for freedom campers launched.

Travel website rankers.co.nz is launching a free online information source aimed at helping freedom campers find places they are allowed to stay around New Zealand.

The ‘I Respect NZ’ camping map is a free, shared resource where all camping areas around NZ are listed. For the first time, over 500 freedom camping locations and more than 1000 camping areas in total are pinpointed on an online, interactive map. The rules surrounding the use of each camping area are clearly marked, eliminating confusion; for the first time, travellers have surety about where and how they can stay.

Rankers is working with the Responsible Camping Forum, DOC, local government, major campervan companies and the NZ Motor Caravan Association to create the freedom-camping solution in time for the influx of Rugby World Cup visitors.

Surveying travellers since 2007, Rankers Directors Cymen Crick and Nick Morrison have learned the biggest issue around freedom camping is a lack of freely available information.

“The tourism industry needs to provide travellers with tools so they can camp responsibly. If this issue is not addressed, we stand to lose more than we realise. We lose a right of freedom for New Zealanders, and gain a landscape covered in ‘No Camping’ signs,” Nick says.

Responsible Camping Forum chairman and Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) Geoff Ensor says the Forum supports efforts to provide campers with useful and accurate information.

“Proposed legislation currently before Parliament that will enable councils to fine freedom campers will only work in conjunction with education. Once travellers understand the rules, they can respect them,” Mr Ensor says.

Tamara Schuerlein from Kea Camper says “Finally, a tool that allows our customers to pre-plan their travels through New Zealand, and have one map on hand during their stay that shows all camping options. This valuable information will provide the customers more choices and the opportunity to camp responsibly. The most common complaint of KEA customers is that they are unsure of where they can camp other than a commercial campground, often missing out on the unique camping experiences that our country has to offer”.

The new map is unique as those with responsibility over camping areas – DOC, Holiday Park managers and all sixty seven local councils – will be empowered with editing access to keep it current. Cymen from Rankers says “It’s a large undertaking from industry and through refinement it will only improve”.

"The NZ Motor Caravan Association Inc. is delighted to work alongside Rankers.co.nz as both our organisations aim to provide relevant freedom camping information for all travellers. For the industry to help promote responsible camping we must collaborate in this way to ensure tourists have easy access to accurate and reliable information", says Resource Management Coordinator James Imlach.

The ‘I Respect NZ’ movement stands for respecting the people, places and nature of New Zealand, allowing Kiwis and international travellers alike to feel positive about camping in NZ.

Nick from Rankers says “Empower travellers with choice and the ability to do the right thing. This allows us to focus on one of our greatest assets – being great hosts and welcoming folk to our country”.

The ‘I Respect NZ’ Camping Map can be viewed at www.rankers.co.nz
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