Freedom camping controls likely

Share your news and views Share your stories, photos and videos.

A crackdown on freedom camping in the greater Christchurch area could be on the cards.

Christchurch City councillors have voted for a staff investigation into what action can be taken to control, restrict or designate specific areas for freedom camping in Banks Peninsula and Christchurch city.

On Banks Peninsula, freedom campers have created tension at Akaroa's boat ramp. Up to 20 campervans have been parking by the ramp, clogging up the carpark and creating chaos when boaties want to launch early in the morning.

In nearby Duvauchelle, freedom campers had been parking outside the campground and using its facilities.

The council has also received complaints about freedom campers using some of Christchurch's urban parks.

Banks Peninsula councillor Andrew Turner said he was against over-regulation but felt the council had to act.

He had returned from holidays to a flood of complaints from local residents. It was clear some were acting inappropriately and quite disrespectfully, he said.

The council needed to come up with some solutions before next summer, Turner said.

In other popular tourists areas, councils have brought in bylaws to stop freedom campers but the Christchurch City Council has no such bylaw.

Continue reading here:
Freedom camping controls likely