CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

Freedom campers, both international and domestic visitors, face frustration with the proposed bylaw restrictions in the Queenstown Lakes District. Many campers simply refuse to go there.

Despite increasing demand, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has yet to take a practical approach to their Freedom Camping Bylaw that balances access, environmental protection, and infrastructure.

Many are asking a simple question: Why can’t QLDC designate safe, sensible overnight camping areas near existing public facilities?

These spots are already used by day visitors — yet self-contained campers, who leave no trace, are being penalised or pushed out.

While QLDC claims that more sites will be open to camping under their new bylaw, the fine print tells a different story. The criteria to use rural roadside sites are so restrictive that, in practice, very few will be usable.

Further adding to the confusion is misinformation around 14 newly-announced “freedom camping sites” — some of which are not under QLDC jurisdiction and were already available.

Many are just public car parking areas, and campers are expected to vacate spots by 7am or 8am — making the 2-day allocated overnight stays virtually impossible.

It’s important to remember that, by law, all areas (except reserves) should be open to camping unless there is a genuine reason to prohibit it. The previous QLDC bylaw was overturned in the High Court for not meeting this standard, and many, including NZMCA, argue the new bylaw is no better. (NZ Herald interview with NZMCA: youtu.be/tSdpxSTkfao.)

It’s also difficult to ignore the irony of QLDC’s strict stance on campers while the council itself struggles with serious environmental issues — such as a $1.8 million failure at the Shotover Wastewater Treatment Plant and an additional $600,000 in legal costs (ckw.nz/qtown-shotover). Compared to this, the environmental impact of a responsible, self-contained camper is negligible.

The truth is, 99% of freedom campers are respectful and self-contained, thanks to the new freedom camping law amendments of 2023. But there are only two public dump stations provided between Queenstown and Haast, limiting proper waste disposal options.

What could a better solution look like?

1. Fix local pollution first

Before targeting campers, QLDC should address ongoing local wastewater and pollution issues.

2. Support visitors with reasonable options

If QLDC are going to continue to try to ‘designate’ freedom camping sites — then use existing infrastructure. Even basic, low-cost “pay to stay” areas would better provide for campers.

3. Use the International Visitor Levy appropriately: invest in practical solutions

Instead of spending up to $500,000 a year — and untold amounts of ratepayer money — on restrictive bylaws and costly enforcement, QLDC could invest in practical solutions that benefit everyone.

The freedom camping issue doesn’t need to be a battleground.

With a little manaaki (hospitality), balanced views, and genuine use of community engagement, Queenstown could become a welcoming destination — without alienating responsible campers or overburdening locals.

Watch this space. Because right now, almost no-one is winning. 🏕️