Public feedback is being sought on tighter rules for freedom camping, which include proposed new rules for self-contained vehicles, increased penalties, and the recommendation that rental companies collect fines from campers who hire vehicles.

Tourism minister Stuart Nash released a discussion document this morning (Friday April 9) with ideas to better manage freedom camping to reduce the negative impacts on local councils and communities, as well as the country’s “100% Pure” brand.

“The most consistent complaints I hear about the tourism sector relate to abuse of the freedom camping rules,” Stuart said. “A sub-group of visitors are spoiling the experience for more responsible campers and for locals who are left to clean up the mess.”

He cited cases around the country where a surge in freedom camping has led to local bans, including within city limits in the Queenstown Lakes District.

Stuart said while backpackers and budget travellers are welcome, “it must be ‘right vehicle, right place’”. 

“Freedom camping in self-contained vehicles has a place for Kiwis and international visitors. However change is needed where vehicles are not self-contained, so communities have more confidence in the system. We want clear rules and expectations so we can deliver a high quality visitor experience,” the minister said.

Freedom camping at the Red Bridge site.

The discussion document asks for public feedback on the future of vehicles that are not self-contained, with four main proposals. 

The first two are alternatives: that all vehicle-based freedom camping would be limited to certified self-contained vehicles only, or that vehicle-based freedom campers would be required to either stay at a site with toilet facilities, or stay in a vehicle that is certified as self-contained. 

Freedom campers on public conservation land and regional parks would be excluded from this requirement.

Other proposals are stronger powers to enforce the rules, including a regulatory system for certifying self-contained vehicles involving checks on the people doing the plumbing work and issuing the certificates, and a centralised vehicle register; tougher penalties and fines; requiring vehicle rental companies to collect fines; and additional grounds for confiscation of vehicles that breach freedom camping requirements.

The fourth proposal is to strengthen the standard for self-contained vehicles, including testing whether it should align with the recommendation from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment that would require toilets in self-contained vehicles to be permanently plumbed in, rather than merely portable.

The minister said improving freedom camping regulations would “go a long way” to changing campers’ behaviour.

“These proposed changes are in line with our priorities for tourism once borders can safely reopen. We want to reset tourism on a sustainable model, mitigate the negative impacts associated with tourism, and elevate Brand New Zealand. The time to do so is now, before we fully reopen to international tourism,” he said.

Find the discussion document and details about how you can share their views here. Public consultation opens today (Friday April 9) and closes on Sunday May 16.

Submissions can be made online, by email or mail. MBIE tourism officials will also hold public information sessions around New Zealand, as well as webinars for people who are not able to attend a meeting.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App