Not-so-happy campers fined

DoC collects $2200 from 11 people for illegal freedom camping over summer

Eleven people were hit with fines after illegally freedom camping in DoC-controlled spots over summer, with the department taking in $2200 for campers’ misdemeanours.

Figures from the Department of Conservation released to the Herald on Sunday show rangers and wardens issued nine fines to people camping in the Central Plateau area over summer.

It comes as councils around the country wrestle with public consultation over freedom camping bylaws in individual regions.

Under DoC’s watch, one fine was issued to someone camping around Tongariro National Park, and another person was penalised for camping around the Franz Josef glacier.

All of the fines came to the value of $200, issued to groups of people

failing to abide by rules laid down for campers in the area.

Camping or preparing to camp in a prohibited area was the most common offence picked up by DoC staffers.

Other actions that would warrant a fine of this sum include damaging a camping area, dumping waste or rubbish, refusing to leave an area when asked to, and camping without a toilet in a spot only allowing for fully self-contained vehicles.

An infringement notice would typically be issued to one person in the offending tent or vehicle — usually the driver or the individual who appeared to be in charge.

DoC’s director of national operations, Hilary Aikman, said extra rangers and wardens were employed over the summer period to collect fees, keep places tidy and advocate for New Zealand’s natural attractions.

“They also monitor popular freedom camping sites to ensure people are camping in places where this is permitted, behaving responsibly and not damaging the environment,” Aikman said.

“We work closely with local councils and others to ensure our approach supports their work in managing freedom camping and to identify long- and short-term solutions”.

Aikman said there were plenty of inexpensive options for campers, as well as widespread communication around appropriate when travelling.

Camping is restricted or prohibited at more than 200 sites across New Zealand. Reasons for these restrictions ranged from public health and safety to the potential damage human presence can cause to plants and wildlife.

Thousands of unruly freedom campers have been issued infringements under regional freedom camping bylaws over the past two years. behaviour ● ● ●