The Queenstown Lakes District Council has put forth a new strategy to manage freedom campers in the area. The plan involves allocating 158 designated carparks across 14 sites for certified self-contained motor vehicles to utilize for free.
These sites include locations in Queenstown, Kingston, Wānaka, Hāwea, Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, and Gibbston. Campers would be restricted to a maximum stay of two nights within a 30-day period and would be permitted to stay in tents or temporary structures.
Additionally, under the proposed bylaw, freedom camping would be allowed on certain rural roads as long as campers are 5m away from the edge of the road on gravel or sealed surfaces.
The council’s previous bylaw from 2021 was overturned by the High Court due to inconsistencies with the Freedom Camping Act 2011. The new plan aims to address these issues while providing designated spaces for freedom campers.
While some council members expressed concerns about the distribution of camping spots across the district, the plan was ultimately approved for public consultation. The consultation period will run from July 8 to August 8, with the intention of implementing the new bylaw before the summer season.
In addition to the bylaw, the council is exploring other options for low-cost and freedom camping as part of its Responsible Camping Strategy. This initiative comes in response to the challenges faced during the previous summer, including overcrowding, littering, and disturbances caused by freedom campers.
Overall, the council’s goal is to strike a balance between accommodating freedom campers and addressing the concerns of residents in the Queenstown Lakes District.
