Queenstown lakes District Unveils New Freedom Camping Bylaw for Public Consultation

The Queenstown Lakes District council has introduced a revised bylaw to manage freedom camping within its boundaries, allocating designated parking areas for self-contained vehicles. The proposal,adopted by councilors on Thursday,is now open for public consultation from July 8 to August 8,aiming to address previous legal challenges and community concerns regarding responsible camping.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw

The new bylaw outlines specific regulations for freedom campers, including the allocation of 158 carparks across 14 sites for certified self-contained motor vehicles. These sites are distributed throughout the district, with 52 carparks in Queenstown, 50 in Kingston, 28 in Wānaka, 15 in Hāwea, and smaller allocations in Arrowtown, Lake Hayes, and Gibbston.

Campers will be limited to a maximum stay of two nights within a 30-day period, and the bylaw prohibits the use of tents or temporary structures. Freedom camping will be permitted on some rural roads, provided that campers are at least five meters from the road’s edge and situated on gravel or sealed surfaces.

Did You Know? The term “freedom camping” is commonly used in New Zealand to describe camping in non-designated campgrounds, often in natural or scenic areas.

Background: High Court Ruling and Previous Bylaw

The council’s previous 2021 bylaw was overturned by the High Court following a judicial review sought by the Motor caravan Association. The court found the bylaw to be “tainted” as it attempted to restrict camping based on amenity values such as views and noise, which is inconsistent with the Freedom Camping Act 2011.

councilor Concerns and Public Consultation

While the majority of councilors supported the new plan, some expressed reservations. Councilor Quentin Smith opposed the bylaw, arguing that it did not “equally spread the pain across the district,” with some areas bearing a heavier burden than others. Other councilors raised concerns about the complexity of the bylaw and whether the allocated spaces woudl be sufficient to meet camper demand.

policy manager carrie Williams acknowledged the difficulty in predicting freedom camper numbers but emphasized that the council’s goal was to provide an element of response, not to accommodate all demands.The public consultation period aims to gather feedback and address these concerns before the bylaw is finalized and implemented before the summer season.

Pro Tip: Participating in public consultations is a great way to influence local policies and ensure your voice is heard.

Freedom Camping Locations

Along with the council’s proposed sites, freedom camping is currently permitted at the Luggate Red Bridge reserve between Cromwell and Wānaka due to a special Ministerial exemption to the ban on camping in the Reserves Act.

Addressing Community Concerns

The new bylaw is also a response to growing frustrations from local residents regarding issues such as rubbish, overcrowded carparks, late-night partying, and public urination. The council has already banned overnight parking on some central Queenstown streets in response to these concerns.

queenstown Lakes Freedom Camping Bylaw: Key Metrics

Responsible Camping Strategy

The council plans to further investigate options for low-cost and freedom camping in the Queenstown Lakes District as part of its broader Responsible Camping Strategy.

What are your thoughts on the proposed freedom camping bylaw? Do you think it strikes a fair balance between accommodating tourists and addressing community concerns?

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