Freedom Campers
Govt wants stricter freedom camping rules
The government wants stricter rules for freedom campers - including fines of up to one thousand dollars for those who break the rules.
The Tourism Minister is proposing limiting freedom camping to… Audio
Last ditch effort to overturn freedom camping rules
Hurunui District Council passed a new freedom camping bylaw in July, which opens up four parts of the town centre to freedom campers where none were allowed previously. Video, Audio
Freedom campers sites in Auckland
Auckland's parks could soon be available for freedom campers to use. But not everyone is happy with the idea. Audio
Tourists freedom camping doubled in two years
There were 60,000 foreign freedom campers in 2015, with the numbers swelling to around 110,000 last year, according to a new report from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Video, Audio
Lake Hawea residents build wall to keep freedom campers out
Lake Hawea residents fed up with human waste at Craig Burn, a popular recreation spot, have taken matters into their own hands building a wall of rocks and soil to block freedom campers. Video, Audio
Roadblock to freedom campers
Farmer Richard Burdon has had a huge pile of gravel dumped in front of the entrance to a Lake Hawea reserve which is also a popular freedom camping spot. He talks about taking the freedom out of the… Audio
Government looks to clean up freedom campers
Mayors met with Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis today to discuss what can be done to counter an explosion in the number of freedom campers, which they describe as reaching crisis point. Audio
Freedom campers in Dunedin
The Oval carpark in Dunedin has been bursting at the seams with freedom campers. And some of them are bursting and going to the loo in the bushes. Audio
Queenstown brings in freedom camping ban
Freedom camping bans have been put in place at Queenstown council reserves at Lake Hayes, the Shotover Delta and the Wanaka lakefront.
Freedom camping: Economic driver or burden?
Smaller councils say freedom campers in their region are a burden on infrastructure, and they bring little economic benefit. Mayors and tourist operators tell John Campbell why it feels like their… Video, Audio
Residents oppose Wellington freedom camping expansion
Residents sick of seeing toilets being emptied into Wellington's harbour don't want more space made available to freedom campers on the capital's waterfront. Audio
Freedom camping continued...
We continue our discussion on the bad habits of those visiting our popular hot spots. The Guardian is reporting that tourists have ruined the Milford track with their disgusting ways which is taking… Audio
Queenstown set to close freedom camping areas
A council crackdown on unruly freedom campers is underway in Queenstown, with two popular freedom camping sites set to close.
Queenstown bans freedom campers from reserves
The council will be encouraging campers to utilise Department of Conservation campsites in the district as well as exploring the possibility of opening up and expanding an area at the Shotover Bridge.
…Queenstown freedom campers may face crackdown
Lake Hayes locals want a zero tolerance approach when it comes to people setting up camp and leaving a mess on their shores. The residents have been drumming up support for a major crackdown on… Audio
Freedom campers in Queenstown 'not playing by the rules'
Despite toilets and a rule banning vehicles without self-contained plumbing, Lake Hayes is Reserve is being overrun with freedom campers, local say.
Freedom Camping bylaw riles locals
In a surprise move, New Plymouth District Council has scrapped an existing ban on freedom camping in vehicles without toilets and tossed out proposed limits on the number of motorhomes at sensitive… Audio
Residents fearful after Dunedin freedom camping ban dismissed
Residents and camping ground owners in Brighton and Warrington are scratching their heads as to how the proposal was voted down, against the recommendations of staff and the majority of the community.
…Dunedin council votes against freedom camper ban
The Dunedin City Council has shot down a proposed ban on freedom campers - against the wishes of its own staff and community.
Dunedin considers kicking out freedom campers
Dunedin's councillors will today vote on measures which clamp down on freedom camping in the city. In the past, visitors have been able to use two recreational reserves within the city's boundaries to… Audio