Freedom campers?

Tenting outside Te Papa

The spot has a lovely view of Wellington Harbour and the national museum, but two campers have been flouting the rules by pitching a tent on Te Papa’s lawn.

A tent, complete with dressing gown drying on a nearby tree, attracted confused gazes from people walking along the waterfront for about three days before the campers were moved on.

A Te Papa spokeswoman said the couple set up camp between Chaffers Marina and Te Papa after not being able to find accommodation during the CubaDupa festival at the weekend. They had finally left last night. ‘‘When our security team spoke to them, the guy said he was in Wellington visiting a family member who was sick in hospital,’’ she said. ‘‘Police had talked to them, but that’s all I know.’’

Wellington City Council spokesman Richard MacLean said the campers had come to the council’s attention early yesterday. ‘‘Our people who patrol the waterfront and the CBD have visited the site several times today, but there’s noone there,’’ he said yesterday.

‘‘It appears, if it’s true they are freedom campers, that they are out and about, seeing the sights of Wellington.’’

Fining the campers was unlikely, unless there were some further disobedience, MacLean said.

There were a number of wellknown spots on the South Coast for freedom campers to stay, but tenting opportunities around the capital were limited, he said.

‘‘Wellington isn’t the sort of place you see freedom campers throwing up tents very often.’’

German traveller Nils Wuerker, who was parked in the Te Papa car park, said it would be unusual to see someone camping in the shadow of a national museum in his country.

Jess Moser, of Nelson, could not see a problem with the camp site, and said the campers deserved an award for being so tidy.

‘‘Nelson is a complete tip with people. They are, like, urinating outside people’s houses. This guy is just chilling, with his little tent,’’ she said.

‘‘At least there’s not 50 campervans here. If you were in Nelson this whole place would be just covered in them.’’

PHOTO: MONIQUE FORD/FAIRFAX NZ It is understood two freedom campers spent the weekend outside Te Papa after being unable to find accommodation in the city.