Following concerns raised about enforcement of the district’s new Freedom Camping Bylaw, some locals have also been eyeing the full carpark at Mt Iron, wondering who is responsible for enforcing camping restrictions there.

Last week residents of Allenby Place reacted to the influx of campervans to their quiet neighbourhood - now designated as one of 15 carpark sites in the district which allows freedom camping.

Some locals have also raised concerns about the number of freedom campers at the nearby Mt Iron carpark off SH86.

Read more: Freedom camping enforcement: ‘A bucket in a tsunami’

A Wānaka App reader said there were 25 vans at the carpark one morning last week (Tuesday December 9), with “pots and pans lying on gravel, [and a] lady getting dressed”.

However, the Mt Iron carpark is administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC), and freedom camping is not prohibited in the carpark.

“We are working towards transferring Mt Iron and the carpark to council control,” DOC operations manager Charlie Sklenar told the Wānaka App.

At that point it could be subject to the council’s Freedom Camping Bylaw and/or reserve restrictions. 

“Currently, we work collaboratively with council to try [to] minimise any issues that may arise, noting that we both have limited enforcement and infringement options,” Charlie said.

A Queenstown Lakes District Council spokesperson said the council’s summer ambassadors are “including this carpark on their regular rounds to let campers know it’s a much-loved community reserve which should be treated with respect”. 

“They actively encourage campers to use local campsites,” he said. 

PHOTO: Supplied