Freedom camping will soon be prohibited at the Mount Iron carpark, with anyone staying overnight facing an $800 fine once enforcement begins.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has taken over management of the remaining public conservation land at Mount Iron, including the State Highway 84 carpark, bringing all reserve land under one authority. 

As a result, the site is now a recreation reserve and overnight camping will not be permitted.

QLDC parks manager Dave Winterburn said the change means Mount Iron will now be managed consistently as one reserve.

“Following the official vesting of land from DOC [the Department of Conservation] under the Reserves Act 1977, QLDC is now the administering body of approximately 55 hectares of reserve land, which includes the SH84 Mount Iron carpark and the Mount Iron Scenic Reserve,” he said.

“Having all the reserve land at Mount Iron managed by one organisation is a great outcome for the community and will enhance the experience for Mount Iron users long-term.”

Because the area is reserve land, it is not covered by the QLDC Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025. Instead, it is managed under the Reserves Act, which means overnight camping in campervans, vehicles or tents is banned.

The move comes just days after QLDC temporarily banned freedom camping at the nearby Allenby Place carpark due to “access and health and safety issues”.

Read more: Temporary freedom camping ban at Wānaka site

QLDC said summer ambassadors will be onsite at the Mount Iron carpark over the coming week to educate visitors about the change, placing flyers on vehicles and advising campers before enforcement begins. New signage will also be installed, and updates made online.

QLDC and DOC will also contact community groups and concession holders about the change, with a community morning tea planned at Mount Iron next month.

PHOTO: Supplied