‘Unsightly nightmare’ fears for scenic lookout
A tourist operator from the Catlins is asking the Clutha District Council not to invest in freedom camping infrastructure at the Florence Hill lookout point.
The Papatowai spot looks out over Tautuku Bay.
The Whistling Frog owner Paul Bridson calls it ‘‘one of the most iconic, pristine views in the whole of New Zealand’’.
He’s worried an influx of freedom campers would mean locals could not enjoy it.
On December 10, the council’s regulatory and policy committee will discuss a proposal to either prohibit freedom camping at the site completely or create a restricted camping area.
The latter option would make two spaces available for overnight stays by certified, selfcontained vehicles.
Bridson said he wrote to the Clutha District Council last week.
Besides his own holiday park nearby, Bridson argued that the Department of Conservation campsite was three minutes away and charged $8 a night.
‘‘With perfect camping options just minutes away from this amazing lookout, it seems that the risk is way too high to take down the existing ‘No camping’ signs – which are working so well – in favour of what will quickly devolve into an unsightly and unregulated nightmare of vans and people setting up camp with million-dollar views in a post-Covid New Zealand,’’ he said.
The recommendation was being tabled as part of a review into the council’s freedom camping policy and bylaw after consultations with communities in the district.
The matter was expected to be discussed at a meeting last week, but was deferred because of time constraints.
A report prepared by senior policy adviser Mike Goldsmith says submitters referred to this site as ‘‘a problem area’’.
The report said this is probably because campervans block access, as there are no vulnerable waterways or native bush in the immediate vicinity.
Four submitters, including the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association, were generally supportive of providing camping opportunities in remote areas, the report said.
At least three submitters asked for freedom camping to be banned at Florence Hill.
The report said freedom camping was provided for at the Florence Hill car park, subject to the general provisions of the bylaw.
But Bridson’s wife, Lynn, said there were ‘‘No camping’’ signs at the site.
Clutha District Council chief executive Steve Hill said the council could consider further public consultation, but it was not one of the recommended options. Some form of infrastructure investment would be needed should council decide to allow self-contained freedom camping at the site, he said.
‘‘It seems that the risk is way too high to take down the existing ‘No camping signs’ [at Florence Hill].’’ Paul Bridson Holiday park owner