Freedom camping best practice promoted
05 Jan 2009
Caring for New Zealand's natural environment so that it can be preserved for future generations is the focus of a new website encouraging best practice for holidaymakers pitching tents, or parking campervans or caravans.
Launched in December 2008, the 'Camping our way, love NZ!' website has plenty of useful information and eco-wisdom for freedom campers who want to leave gentle footprints when travelling in New Zealand's more remote open spaces.
The website is the work of the New Zealand Freedom Camping Forum (NZFCF), a tourism industry initiative formed in response to concerns about the environmental impacts of freedom camping.
Kaitiakitanga
Promoting the New Zealand tourism industry's guiding principle of kaitiakitanga - guardianship and sustainable management of natural, built and cultural resources for the collective benefit of current and future generations - the website's key message is respect for the environment.
"New Zealand is a beautiful country. Help keep our towns, cities, parks, beaches and native bush free from pollution and waste. Please also respect our unique flora and fauna. Be active and get involved in caring for the environment. It is everyone's responsibility."
Local information
The website has national and regional information covering safety, recycling, public toilets, dump stations, signage, and links to i-Site visitor centres, DOC (Department of Conservation), holiday parks, police stations, and weather forecasts.
A new national No Camping sign will be appearing this summer, and other supporting material will be displayed at campervan operators, i-SITE visitor information centres, DOC visitor centres, and holiday parks.
As camping guidelines can vary from region to region, campers are advised to check with locals on where and how to freedom camp.
NZ Freedom Camping Forum
The NZFCF was convened in December 2007 by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA). Forum members include rental vehicle companies, government and tourism organisations.
"Freedom camping is a popular way to enjoy New Zealand and we don't want to prohibit people from travelling that way, but we do want to minimise the negative impacts," TIA advocacy manager Geoff Ensor said.
While the website is aimed directly at freedom campers, the NZFCF has also developed other initiatives to help communities better manage freedom camping in their areas.
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i-SITE
New Zealand's official network of visitor centres, providing free information about local attractions, transport and accommodation.
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