Freedom camping behaviour in tourist hotspot the Catlins appears to be improving, thanks to a fresh approach from officials.<\/p>\n
Clutha District Council moved to address issues with unregulated freedom camping in the area in 2019, following growing unrest among local people.<\/p>\n
Residents complained they were noticing an increase in littering and unregulated toileting, leading to the discovery of human waste at key beauty spots.<\/p>\n
In response, the council established a freedom camping site for self-contained campers behind the Catlins Inn in \u014cwaka and adopted a proactive, educational approach for its freedom camping wardens.<\/p>\n
Council community services group manager Mike Goldsmith told the\u00a0Otago Daily Times\u00a0the measures appeared to be effective in reducing problematic behaviour.<\/p>\n
“Freedom camping officers regularly receive feedback from members of the public, farmers and campers that our approach is making a noticeable difference.<\/p>\n
“Areas that previously experienced significant issues, like human waste, are now seeing those problems far less frequently, largely due to consistent, high-visibility patrolling and a focus on education and camper engagement.”<\/p>\n
Mr Goldsmith said the \u014cwaka site was well used.<\/p>\n
“The \u014cwaka site is popular and is often full, especially in summer.<\/p>\n
“We occasionally encounter non-complying campers at this site, but having a designated location allows us to identify issues and manage them when they occur.<\/p>\n
“[It\u2019s] been effective in helping manage freedom camping.”<\/p>\n
He said, to date, poor weather had meant fewer visitors than in previous seasons, although that was expected to change as summer progressed.<\/p>\n
From November 1 to December 22, officials relocated 59 campers and two tents, from a total of 487 camper interactions.<\/p>\n
“Relocations occur when a vehicle is found to be insufficiently self-contained and in breach of the rules, or where it is located in a restricted no-camping area.<\/p>\n
“Our officers help campers reorganise their vehicles so they are properly functional and compliant, or direct them to suitable campgrounds if this can\u2019t be achieved.”<\/p>\n
Tourists using freedom camping facilities praised the council for providing clear information and a friendly approach to monitoring.<\/p>\n
Pausing in K\u0101k\u0101 Point on Christmas Eve were Austrian freedom campers Luca Fankhauser and Susanne Hintner.<\/p>\n
Miss Hintner said apps such as CamperMate made it easy to find and use official freedom camping sites.<\/p>\n
“We always look for the sign, and only use designated sites.<\/p>\n
“Some areas have more freedom camping available than others, but I can understand if people want to keep things clean and under control.<\/p>\n
“What would be useful are more bins for rubbish \u2014 otherwise everything is great.”<\/p>\n