Much to offer with Bay camping sites
Camping is a rite of passage in New Zealand.
Each summer we hustle to get a good spot close to a lake, a river, beach or forest, and enjoy time reconnecting with wha¯nau surrounded by nature.
Freedom campers are welcomed in the Western Bay of Plenty district, with facilities designed to accommodate as many people as possible.
Freedom camping is a pastime protected by law within Aotearoa New Zealand. It allows any one to use designated public land to camp for free, provided they follow the rules to ensure camping is sustainable and responsible.
There are ¯46 freedom camping spots from Otamara¯kau to Waih¯ı Beach and they are all unique. The three most popular areas are around Waih¯ı Beach, Tuapiro Point and O¯ mokoroa. And it can get really busy over the summer period.
When it’s crowded and campers are not playing by the rules, things can start to get awkward. So here are some tips to make freedom camping in the Western Bay better for everyone.
■ Camp at one of the 46 designated freedom camping sites. There is an interactive map that shows where each site is, along with rubbish bins, picnic tables and toilet on the Western Bay of Plenty District Council website.
■ You must stay in a fully selfcontained vehicle. Camping in a tent can only take place at TECT Park in the camping area.
■ Take all rubbish with you, including liquids. Don’t pour anything on the ground, as it can kill the grass and contaminate local water ways.
■ Mind your fellow campers. Keep the noise down, and don’t take up more space than you need.
■ Make sure you park within the specified freedom camping spots as indicated on the signs.
If everyone follows these tips it’ll be smooth sailing all summer.
For the third year running the district council has four summer ambassadors who will be visiting freedom camping spots this summer.
The ambassadors’ role is to help people camp responsibly and promote all the great things there are to do in the Western Bay. wambassadors will also be talking to people about the proposed new freedom camping rules, so if there’s something you want to know, ask away. They’ll be giving away some sweet freebies too.