New rules for freedom campers
Dunedin (Thursday, 29 October 2015) – Freedom campers will have new set of dos and don’ts from 1 November.
The Dunedin City Council welcomes responsible freedom campers to the city and the new rules are for the benefit of
residents, visitors and the environment.
DCC Group Manager Parks, Recreation and Aquatics Richard Saunders says, “The new bylaw is designed to find a balance
between providing for visitors to our city and protecting our natural environment and communities from the potential
effects of camping.”
The new rules will make it clearer to freedom campers where they can and cannot camp. There are some areas on the Otago
Peninsula where freedom camping is not permitted.
If you have a certified fully self-contained vehicle, you can generally freedom camp throughout the Dunedin area on
gravelled or sealed DCC parking areas. You can stay at any one location for a maximum of two nights.
Warrington Domain provides for non self-contained vehicles and tent camping, and non self-contained vehicles can also
stay in a designated area at the Ocean View Recreation Reserve car park.
Holiday parks and camping grounds in the area provide a wide range of accommodation options and facilities so are ideal
for non self-contained campers or those enjoying an extended stay.
Under the DCC’s new Camping Control Bylaw 2015, freedom camping will be monitored to make sure the rules are followed
and the local environment and wildlife are protected. If people breach these rules, they may receive an instant fine of
$200 or face prosecution for fires and environmental damage.
Mr Saunders says the new rules came about after public feedback on the previous bylaw and responsible camping policy.
“We have looked at the issues carefully to balance the needs of freedom campers with those of residents and other
visitors so everyone gets to enjoy what our city has to offer.
“It’s great to have freedom campers visit Dunedin, but we ask that they care for the environment and be careful about
what they leave behind.”
ENDS