New message for freedom campers
05 Aug 2010
Freedom campers wanting to take advantage of New Zealand’s unspoilt environment are being given a simple message - if there's no toilet, don't camp there.
Information for holidaymakers wanting to pitch their tents or park campervans and caravans has been given new priority after some unfortunate experiences last summer.
In some areas freedom campers left their mark on the landscape and to clear up any confusion over appropriate places to camp, the New Zealand tourism industry has launched a new campaign.
Where can I camp?
Freedom camping is an area of concern for many New Zealand communities because of the unwanted waste left behind by some campers, particularly those using vehicles without built-in toilet and waste-water facilities.
In the past freedom campers had been encouraged to ask a local for advice on where to camp, but this had produced mixed results.
Geoff Ensor, Tourism Industry Association Advocacy Manager, who heads New Zealand's Freedom Camping Forum says a new 'Where can I camp?' message will be at the centre of a fresh awareness campaign targeting travellers using vans and campervans to camp.
"In the summer of 2009/10 we had very negative feedback from media and communities around freedom camping. We had been working with DOC [Department of Conservation] Visitor Centres, i-SITEs and Holiday Parks to encourage campers to 'ask a local' about where to camp.
"But it was clear this message wasn't working - locals didn't always know the right advice to give," says Ensor.
No toilet no camping
The new message is much clearer, confirming that it is unacceptable for campers without an on-board toilet to camp anywhere but designated camping sites or holiday parks, he said.
The 'Where can I camp?' message and a simple check-point system have been added to the Freedom Camping Forum's website camping.org.nz.
The message will also be integrated into the booking and key pick-up processes of participating campervan rental companies estimated to represent about 80% of the rental vehicle fleet on New Zealand roads.
Geoff Ensor says several campervan companies have been quick to come onboard, adding the message and campaign logo to their websites, and sharing information with staff who have front-line contact with travellers collecting their vehicles.
Spaceships
James Rolleston, general manager of Spaceships Rentals says his company has been pushing the responsible freedom camping message for many years.
"I am a passionate backcountry fly fisherman who loves New Zealand’s wild and remote places and camping comes hand in hand with being in these places.
"We are blessed in New Zealand to have so many fantastic options to camp and enjoy the outdoors. But these locations are very sensitive and need to be looked after to remain sustainable for our future travellers and New Zealand’s future children to enjoy," says Rolleston.
He says Spaceships has been educating customers for more than five years now on camping options, environmental information and that it is not okay to just freedom camp anywhere and dispose of waste incorrectly.
"We advise them to use the DOC camps, holiday parks or other designated facilities and to dispose of their waste correctly and respect our country."
Rolleston says that over time he had seen a decrease in freedom camping from around 35% to 10 - 15%.
Local bylaws
As part of increasing awareness, the tourism industry is also looking at local by-laws, which differ from region to region and have added to confusion for freedom campers.
Andrew Leslie, manager i-SITE New Zealand, says there is an important role for i-SITE Visitor Centres to play in spreading the word about responsible camping.
"i-SITEs are a key point of contact for campers as they make their way around the country and we have a duty of care to make sure these visitors understand what they should and shouldn't do," says Leslie.
Environmental damage
Geoff Ensor says the forum is also working to develop a number of other initiatives that will curb the environmental damage caused by irresponsible freedom campers.
These include a nationally consistent set of regulations that councils will be able to adopt and adapt to their own regions.
The New Zealand Freedom Camping Forum (NZFCF) was formed in 2007 by the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA). Members include a number of tourism industry bodies, private companies, local government and central government agencies, including Tourism New Zealand.
Camping in New Zealand
New Zealand is well served with campsites - many are situated on prime real estate with easy access to beaches, lakes, rivers, bush and parkland - offering tourists the chance to immerse themselves in the natural environment as part of their Kiwi experience.
Camping grounds are well appointed with most offering good kitchen facilities, recreation rooms and well-serviced ablution blocks. Many sites are also family friendly with playgrounds and equipment to enhance the outdoor experience.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages over 250 vehicle-accessible camping areas on conservation land throughout New Zealand offering the best chance to stay off the beaten track.
Depending on the campsite category - basic, standard and serviced - costs range from no charge to about $14 per person per night.
Serviced campsites offer hot showers, flush toilets, cooking and laundry facilities, barbecues, fireplaces and more, while standard sites have a more limited range of amenities. Basic campsites are limited further but will still offer basic toilets (composting or pit variety) and water sourced from a tank, stream or lake.
More information
Freedom campers asked to assume nothing
DOC freezes campground fees
Camping in a local’s backyard
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