Freedom Camping Bylaw review 2024

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Work is underway to develop a new Freedom Camping Bylaw for the Queenstown Lakes District.

We are in the very early stages of developing the bylaw, so we have set up this page to share information and updates as we progress.

Background

While the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2021 was already due to be reviewed this year, the timing has been brought forward following a judicial review challenge by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA).

The main focus of the NZMCA challenge was on Council’s alleged consideration of irrelevant matters being the effects of freedom camping on neighbouring areas. The High Court ruled that these were irrelevant considerations and declared Council’s decision to adopt the 2021 bylaw invalid. On 5 November, QLDC received a Court order formally quashing the Freedom Camping Bylaw with effect from 20 September 2024. The Court order is available in the documents section on the right hand side of this page.

We are a tourist destination and we warmly welcome responsible campers to our district. But over the years we’ve had to respond to overuse by a large number of freedom campers and very anti-social behaviour by some, which has affected our communities and environment.

We know from extensive community feedback that the inconsiderate actions of so many freedom campers created a very negative experience for locals and other visitors. While we acknowledge this was not true of all freedom campers, the impact of some on the community has been serious.

The Court's decision provides valuable insight into the factors that Council can take into account when making the new bylaw and the extent to which Council can respond to community sentiment.


The bylaw development process

It is expected to take approximately nine months to have a new bylaw in place. This will include community consultation, which is expected to take place early in 2025.

Local Government New Zealand has provided more information and guidance on what Council’s should consider when making a bylaw under the Freedom Camping Act. Read the guidance here


What to expect over the 2024-2025 summer season

Signage and all public information will be updated as priority to ensure it aligns with the court decision.

This will be supported by a strong focus on education, with an emphasis on responsible camping practices and the new self-containment certifications. Our summer ambassadors will be tasked with engaging with visitors, heading to popular freedom camping spots to share information on how to camp responsibly, local expectations and promoting local campgrounds nearby.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Camping webpage


Frequently asked questions

We've provided answers to some frequently asked questions below. This is a live document and will be updated regularly.

If f you have another question that hasn't already been answered, please use the online 'ask a question' tool below. We'll aim to publish an answer for everyone to see within 48 hours.

Work is underway to develop a new Freedom Camping Bylaw for the Queenstown Lakes District.

We are in the very early stages of developing the bylaw, so we have set up this page to share information and updates as we progress.

Background

While the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2021 was already due to be reviewed this year, the timing has been brought forward following a judicial review challenge by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA).

The main focus of the NZMCA challenge was on Council’s alleged consideration of irrelevant matters being the effects of freedom camping on neighbouring areas. The High Court ruled that these were irrelevant considerations and declared Council’s decision to adopt the 2021 bylaw invalid. On 5 November, QLDC received a Court order formally quashing the Freedom Camping Bylaw with effect from 20 September 2024. The Court order is available in the documents section on the right hand side of this page.

We are a tourist destination and we warmly welcome responsible campers to our district. But over the years we’ve had to respond to overuse by a large number of freedom campers and very anti-social behaviour by some, which has affected our communities and environment.

We know from extensive community feedback that the inconsiderate actions of so many freedom campers created a very negative experience for locals and other visitors. While we acknowledge this was not true of all freedom campers, the impact of some on the community has been serious.

The Court's decision provides valuable insight into the factors that Council can take into account when making the new bylaw and the extent to which Council can respond to community sentiment.


The bylaw development process

It is expected to take approximately nine months to have a new bylaw in place. This will include community consultation, which is expected to take place early in 2025.

Local Government New Zealand has provided more information and guidance on what Council’s should consider when making a bylaw under the Freedom Camping Act. Read the guidance here


What to expect over the 2024-2025 summer season

Signage and all public information will be updated as priority to ensure it aligns with the court decision.

This will be supported by a strong focus on education, with an emphasis on responsible camping practices and the new self-containment certifications. Our summer ambassadors will be tasked with engaging with visitors, heading to popular freedom camping spots to share information on how to camp responsibly, local expectations and promoting local campgrounds nearby.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Camping webpage


Frequently asked questions

We've provided answers to some frequently asked questions below. This is a live document and will be updated regularly.

If f you have another question that hasn't already been answered, please use the online 'ask a question' tool below. We'll aim to publish an answer for everyone to see within 48 hours.

Ask a question

Ask us a question about the Freedom Camping Bylaw below. 

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  • Share who and how do I discuss a fine relating to freedom camping and littering? Not present for event that took place.....left qt 5 yrs ago......pls help on Facebook Share who and how do I discuss a fine relating to freedom camping and littering? Not present for event that took place.....left qt 5 yrs ago......pls help on Twitter Share who and how do I discuss a fine relating to freedom camping and littering? Not present for event that took place.....left qt 5 yrs ago......pls help on Linkedin Email who and how do I discuss a fine relating to freedom camping and littering? Not present for event that took place.....left qt 5 yrs ago......pls help link

    who and how do I discuss a fine relating to freedom camping and littering? Not present for event that took place.....left qt 5 yrs ago......pls help

    lorrainedale asked 13 days ago

    Hi Lorraine

    There is a waiver application online where you can lodge a dispute to an infringement: Parking Ticket Waiver Request

    Or you can email services@qldc.govt.nz and it will be directed to the correct channels to be looked into.


    Kā mihi,

    Let's Talk team 

  • Share Following up from my earlier queries, your cut and paste reply didn't really answer the question. So let's rephrase it: Is QLDC going to put appropriate signage, such as "self-contained camping permitted", on areas which, per the court ruling, are now permitted areas? If so, when; if not, why not? Because to blithely say people "should check if other restrictions exist" is not user-friendly; who is to know what agencies might have authority, and who (and how many) to contact to find out? However in light of your reply, I suggest people camping in unmarked areas could justifiably claim to have reasonable cause to assume they were permitted to do so. So you might want to refine your approach. on Facebook Share Following up from my earlier queries, your cut and paste reply didn't really answer the question. So let's rephrase it: Is QLDC going to put appropriate signage, such as "self-contained camping permitted", on areas which, per the court ruling, are now permitted areas? If so, when; if not, why not? Because to blithely say people "should check if other restrictions exist" is not user-friendly; who is to know what agencies might have authority, and who (and how many) to contact to find out? However in light of your reply, I suggest people camping in unmarked areas could justifiably claim to have reasonable cause to assume they were permitted to do so. So you might want to refine your approach. on Twitter Share Following up from my earlier queries, your cut and paste reply didn't really answer the question. So let's rephrase it: Is QLDC going to put appropriate signage, such as "self-contained camping permitted", on areas which, per the court ruling, are now permitted areas? If so, when; if not, why not? Because to blithely say people "should check if other restrictions exist" is not user-friendly; who is to know what agencies might have authority, and who (and how many) to contact to find out? However in light of your reply, I suggest people camping in unmarked areas could justifiably claim to have reasonable cause to assume they were permitted to do so. So you might want to refine your approach. on Linkedin Email Following up from my earlier queries, your cut and paste reply didn't really answer the question. So let's rephrase it: Is QLDC going to put appropriate signage, such as "self-contained camping permitted", on areas which, per the court ruling, are now permitted areas? If so, when; if not, why not? Because to blithely say people "should check if other restrictions exist" is not user-friendly; who is to know what agencies might have authority, and who (and how many) to contact to find out? However in light of your reply, I suggest people camping in unmarked areas could justifiably claim to have reasonable cause to assume they were permitted to do so. So you might want to refine your approach. link

    Following up from my earlier queries, your cut and paste reply didn't really answer the question. So let's rephrase it: Is QLDC going to put appropriate signage, such as "self-contained camping permitted", on areas which, per the court ruling, are now permitted areas? If so, when; if not, why not? Because to blithely say people "should check if other restrictions exist" is not user-friendly; who is to know what agencies might have authority, and who (and how many) to contact to find out? However in light of your reply, I suggest people camping in unmarked areas could justifiably claim to have reasonable cause to assume they were permitted to do so. So you might want to refine your approach.

    BruceB asked about 2 months ago

    Hi Bruce

    While responsible campers are welcome in our district, they must ensure they do so in accordance with all applicable requirements.  People choosing to freedom camp are themselves responsible for ensuring they are doing so within the rules. Those rules are set by several authorities, of which Council is one. 

    To assist responsible campers, we use ‘no camping’ signage, along with maps, and education campaigns. We also provide a resources webpage at https://www.qldc.govt.nz/responsible-camping and are in the process of developing a responsible camping map that will show Council reserves prohibited for camping. The map will be available at the above link shortly.

    Freedom campers need to check whether other restrictions still apply. These include traffic and parking restrictions (which are typically sign posted), and Reserves Act restrictions. Council reserves remain prohibited for freedom camping under the Reserves Act. Our focus will be on ensuring clear signage at these prohibited locations, in particular high-use public reserves.

    The Freedom Camping Act 2011 states that freedom camping in a local authority area is permitted unless it is prohibited by a bylaw or other legislation. As the QLDC 2021 Freedom Camping Bylaw has been quashed, those restrictions are lifted, and we are updating a wide range of signage related to freedom camping to reflect this. This includes the removal of several no-camping signs. 

    The changes to signage and maps are significant and will take some time.  We will continue providing more information before summer to give greater awareness of freedom camping options. 

    Hope this helps.

    Kā Mihi

    Let’s Talk Team

  • Share If an area (such as a roadside layby) has no signage to indicate whether it is formally a Council reserve or not, how are people to know whether or not they can stay there? What is Council's current enforcement policy with self-contained vehicles parked in such areas? And has the Council (as it should) already removed "no camping" signs from areas which are, per the court ruling, now open to campers? If not, why not? on Facebook Share If an area (such as a roadside layby) has no signage to indicate whether it is formally a Council reserve or not, how are people to know whether or not they can stay there? What is Council's current enforcement policy with self-contained vehicles parked in such areas? And has the Council (as it should) already removed "no camping" signs from areas which are, per the court ruling, now open to campers? If not, why not? on Twitter Share If an area (such as a roadside layby) has no signage to indicate whether it is formally a Council reserve or not, how are people to know whether or not they can stay there? What is Council's current enforcement policy with self-contained vehicles parked in such areas? And has the Council (as it should) already removed "no camping" signs from areas which are, per the court ruling, now open to campers? If not, why not? on Linkedin Email If an area (such as a roadside layby) has no signage to indicate whether it is formally a Council reserve or not, how are people to know whether or not they can stay there? What is Council's current enforcement policy with self-contained vehicles parked in such areas? And has the Council (as it should) already removed "no camping" signs from areas which are, per the court ruling, now open to campers? If not, why not? link

    If an area (such as a roadside layby) has no signage to indicate whether it is formally a Council reserve or not, how are people to know whether or not they can stay there? What is Council's current enforcement policy with self-contained vehicles parked in such areas? And has the Council (as it should) already removed "no camping" signs from areas which are, per the court ruling, now open to campers? If not, why not?

    BruceB asked about 2 months ago

    Kia ora Bruce

    Thank you for your query. The Freedom Camping Bylaw 2021 restricted freedom camping in a number of local authority areas in the district. Without the bylaw, those restrictions are lifted.

    The Court is going to make a later ruling about how its decision will take effect in respect of the 2021 Bylaw. In the meantime, QLDC has paused enforcement under the 2021 Freedom Camping Bylaw.

    Signage, maps and other public information are being updated as a priority to ensure they aligns with the Court decision. This will include removing signage that no longer applies, and updating signage in reserves where camping is not permitted.

    Freedom campers should not assume that they can camp on any public land without first checking whether other restrictions apply. 

    Please note:

    • To freedom camp, vehicles must be certified self-contained, with a valid warrant.
    • Council recreational reserves are not permitted for freedom camping (under the Reserves Act). Our signage and maps are in the process of being updated.  
    • Public land, including the plants, animals, soil and water, must never be damaged and people causing damage will be committing an offence. 

    Regarding road reserves, many areas, especially around the built-up areas of towns, have traffic and parking restrictions, and these still apply. These areas are typically signposted. 

    Safety rules and common sense always apply, and people should never freedom camp in a place that is unsafe to themselves or other people, or in a way that interferes with public access.

    Kā mihi
    Let’s Talk team 

  • Share If your current Freedom Camping Bylaws are now invalid will currently certified self-contained vehicles be able to RESPONSIBLY freedom camp in all public spaces, and NZTA areas, which are not prohibited by the Reserves Act, now ..as the LAW allows [Freedom Camping Act] - particularly over this 24/25 Summer when you have no lawful Bylaw to restrict or prohibit any spaces? on Facebook Share If your current Freedom Camping Bylaws are now invalid will currently certified self-contained vehicles be able to RESPONSIBLY freedom camp in all public spaces, and NZTA areas, which are not prohibited by the Reserves Act, now ..as the LAW allows [Freedom Camping Act] - particularly over this 24/25 Summer when you have no lawful Bylaw to restrict or prohibit any spaces? on Twitter Share If your current Freedom Camping Bylaws are now invalid will currently certified self-contained vehicles be able to RESPONSIBLY freedom camp in all public spaces, and NZTA areas, which are not prohibited by the Reserves Act, now ..as the LAW allows [Freedom Camping Act] - particularly over this 24/25 Summer when you have no lawful Bylaw to restrict or prohibit any spaces? on Linkedin Email If your current Freedom Camping Bylaws are now invalid will currently certified self-contained vehicles be able to RESPONSIBLY freedom camp in all public spaces, and NZTA areas, which are not prohibited by the Reserves Act, now ..as the LAW allows [Freedom Camping Act] - particularly over this 24/25 Summer when you have no lawful Bylaw to restrict or prohibit any spaces? link

    If your current Freedom Camping Bylaws are now invalid will currently certified self-contained vehicles be able to RESPONSIBLY freedom camp in all public spaces, and NZTA areas, which are not prohibited by the Reserves Act, now ..as the LAW allows [Freedom Camping Act] - particularly over this 24/25 Summer when you have no lawful Bylaw to restrict or prohibit any spaces?

    Bette asked about 2 months ago

    Kia ora Bette 

     

    Thank you for your query. We welcome responsible camping in our district and have set up this dedicated webpage that provides information, resources, and advice for visitors.

     

    The Freedom Camping Bylaw 2021 restricted freedom camping in a number of local authority areas in the district. Without the bylaw, those restrictions are lifted. 

     

    Regarding current restrictions, freedom campers should not assume that they can camp on any public land without first checking whether other restrictions apply. 

     

    • To freedom camp, vehicles must be certified self-contained, with a valid warrant.
    • Council Reserves are not permitted for freedom camping (under the Reserves Act).
    • Public land, including the plants, animals, soil and water, must never be damaged and people causing damage will be committing an offence. 
    • Many areas, especially around the built-up areas of towns, have traffic and parking restrictions, and these still apply.
    • Safety rules and common sense still always apply, and people should never freedom camp in a place that is unsafe to themselves or other people, or in a way that interferes with public access.

     

    Ngā mihi

    Let’s Talk Team

  • Share Do you get a fine if you sleep in your car in the Queenstown area? on Facebook Share Do you get a fine if you sleep in your car in the Queenstown area? on Twitter Share Do you get a fine if you sleep in your car in the Queenstown area? on Linkedin Email Do you get a fine if you sleep in your car in the Queenstown area? link

    Do you get a fine if you sleep in your car in the Queenstown area?

    Stephanie Hester asked about 2 months ago

    Kia ora Stephanie

     

    Thank you for your query.

     

    Freedom camping is permitted only if your vehicle is certified self-contained, with a toilet and enough fresh and wastewater storage for three days without getting more or dumping waste. Freedom campers should not assume that they can camp on any public land without first checking whether other restrictions apply.

     

    For information about places where you can camp in your car in Queenstown Lakes district, please visit our Responsible Camping webpage. It includes information for both self-contained and non-self-contained vehicles. 

     

    Kind regards,

    Let’s Talk team

  • Share Why not will require everyone to be a member of the Responsible Camping Association, instead of inquiring the vehicles to be up to scratch it should be the people that go through training and learn about the environment and keeping everything tidy instead. After all the New Zealand motor caravan Association only represent a small fractionof the camping public in New Zealand and from overseas. on Facebook Share Why not will require everyone to be a member of the Responsible Camping Association, instead of inquiring the vehicles to be up to scratch it should be the people that go through training and learn about the environment and keeping everything tidy instead. After all the New Zealand motor caravan Association only represent a small fractionof the camping public in New Zealand and from overseas. on Twitter Share Why not will require everyone to be a member of the Responsible Camping Association, instead of inquiring the vehicles to be up to scratch it should be the people that go through training and learn about the environment and keeping everything tidy instead. After all the New Zealand motor caravan Association only represent a small fractionof the camping public in New Zealand and from overseas. on Linkedin Email Why not will require everyone to be a member of the Responsible Camping Association, instead of inquiring the vehicles to be up to scratch it should be the people that go through training and learn about the environment and keeping everything tidy instead. After all the New Zealand motor caravan Association only represent a small fractionof the camping public in New Zealand and from overseas. link

    Why not will require everyone to be a member of the Responsible Camping Association, instead of inquiring the vehicles to be up to scratch it should be the people that go through training and learn about the environment and keeping everything tidy instead. After all the New Zealand motor caravan Association only represent a small fractionof the camping public in New Zealand and from overseas.

    Peter Goodman asked 2 months ago

    Hi Peter

    Thank you for your suggestion. We’ll pass it on to the officers working on the draft bylaw. Please refer to the Let’s Talk page for updates on the process and plans for community consultation in 2025.

    Kind regards,
    Let's Talk Team 

  • Share Shouldn't QLDC do what is morally right and refund those campers who were fined on the basis of their illegal and discredited bylaw rather than claim they will only do so if the court directs this action? on Facebook Share Shouldn't QLDC do what is morally right and refund those campers who were fined on the basis of their illegal and discredited bylaw rather than claim they will only do so if the court directs this action? on Twitter Share Shouldn't QLDC do what is morally right and refund those campers who were fined on the basis of their illegal and discredited bylaw rather than claim they will only do so if the court directs this action? on Linkedin Email Shouldn't QLDC do what is morally right and refund those campers who were fined on the basis of their illegal and discredited bylaw rather than claim they will only do so if the court directs this action? link

    Shouldn't QLDC do what is morally right and refund those campers who were fined on the basis of their illegal and discredited bylaw rather than claim they will only do so if the court directs this action?

    Tup asked about 2 months ago

    Kia ora Tup

    Thank you for your query. The freedom camping bylaw was legally valid until the Court decision on 20 September 2024, and the Council was performing its statutory functions enforcing the bylaw, as it was required to do.

    People who were fined before 20 September 2024 were committing an infringement under the law that was in force at the time. 

    We continue to promote self-compliance through education. Please visit our Responsible Camping webpage if you would like to know more.  

    Kind regards,

    Let’s Talk Team 


Page last updated: 06 Nov 2024, 11:27 AM