A draft Freedom Camping Bylaw for this district is scheduled to be considered by councillors next week before public consultation begins.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) mayor Glyn Lewers has acknowledged “the challenges and frustrations” freedom camping has brought to some residents this past summer. 

“No one wants to see any visitor using our pristine waterways for washing, nor do they want to see toilet paper where it shouldn’t be,” he said. “Sadly, that’s been the experience for some.”

Last year the High Court quashed QLDC’s 2021 Freedom Camping Bylaw, leaving the district without freedom camping restrictions - apart from restrictions under the Reserves Act regarding temporary and permanent accommodation, and the national Freedom Camping Act 2011 which requires that vehicles be certified self-contained to freedom camp. 

Glyn said while QLDC’s “current powers are somewhat limited”, it still has tools to address poor behaviour. 

“Work to develop a new bylaw is well underway and … there’ll be plenty of opportunities to have your say before the new bylaw is adopted before the next summer holidays,” Glyn said. 

“In the meantime, I can assure you we’re doing everything we can to protect our little piece of paradise.”

The council reported its responsible camping summer ambassadors clocked up more than 3,000 visits to freedom camping hot spots and surveyed more than 300 campers, providing insight into behaviour and intentions. 

Vans parked on reserve land opposite Puzzling World during autumn.

From December through to the end of March, council officers issued 86 infringements under the Reserves Act (at $800 each) and 360 under the Freedom Camping Act ($400). The customer service team received more than 300 reports and queries from the community regarding freedom camping, around double the previous summer.

“This has sent a clear message that while campers are welcome in our district, there are consequences if our environment isn’t respected,” Glyn said.

Read more: NZTA takes action on freedom camping on reserve

Glyn encouraged people to contact QLDC when they have concerns (for urgent issues phone 03 443 0024; email less urgent requests to [email protected] or use the Snap Send Solve app).

Councillors will consider the draft Freedom Camping Bylaw for public consultation next Thursday (June 26) before a hearing of submissions in August. QLDC anticipates the final version of the bylaw will be adopted on October 9, in readiness for the main summer season.

Formal consultation on the new Freedom Camping Bylaw will include drop-in sessions for the community to chat with council staff at key locations across the district, which will be announced once public consultation opens.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App