Cheap seats for freedom campers

Tourists wanting to travel on the cheap should not be allowed to use the best tourist spots, accommodation providers have told councillors.

New Plymouth District Council received 876 submissions on its proposed freedom camping bylaw, which would restrict where non-self contained campers could park.

They would be confined to sites near 23 public toilets and could only use the same spot for two nights over a 30-day period.

Al Rawlinson, from Oakura Beach Holiday Park, told yesterday’s public hearing on the bylaw that he charges $44 a night for a basic campsite.

In Huntington, California, which travel guide Lonely Planet ranked behind Taranaki in 2017, basic camping sites cost NZ$127 a night.

‘‘I don’t think we should go any cheaper. If they want to go cheaper they should use DOC camps and not get the prime positions. You put them in the carpark down the road and I have to drive past them every day counting the money you’re costing me every night.’’

Deb Tawa, from Fitzroy Beach Motel, agreed that those who were travelling the budget route should not get the prime spots.

‘‘I don’t think Waiwhakaiho, Kawaroa, those kind of spots, are designed for any freedom camping.

‘‘If they want to come into town they can go to campgrounds.’’

Craig Williamson, from Surfing Taranaki, said the region should not be selling itself cheaply.

‘‘Are we that desperate? I think we should be targeting the top niche, the top echelon.’’

Williamson also suggested using the temporary changing rooms at Yarrow Stadium for freedom camping.

However, James Imlach, from the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association, said most members supported most of what the council proposed.

‘‘We can tell the council’s trying to strike that balance between providing places for responsible campers to freedom camp and protecting the environment.’’

Resident Kristian Slack said campers should not be allowed within a 5km radius of campgrounds.

‘‘This isn’t some sort of humanitarian issue, opening the door for people or refugees who need to come here, although Waiwhakaiho certainly looked like that at times last year. People are choosing to come here.’’

The council will now consider the feedback and make a decision on the bylaw at a future date.