The Dunedin City Council's freedom camping bylaw came into effect on November 1.
It is designed to find a balance between providing for visitors to our city, and protecting the environment and the community from any deleterious effects of uncontrolled camping.
The rules make it clearer for freedom campers as to where you can and cannot camp.
If you have a certified fully self-contained vehicle, you can generally camp throughout the Dunedin area on gravelled or sealed DCC parking areas for a maximum of two nights.
Holiday parks and camping grounds in the area provide a wide range of accommodation suitable for non self-contained campers to enjoy extended stays.
Dunedin city councillor Kate Wilson said the council received very few complaints about freedom campers in the Mosgiel and Taieri area.
Bikers with tents tended to camp by Lee Stream.
''Freedom camping is a way for tourist who are interested in looking around New Zealand, at a different price,'' Mrs Wilson said.
Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board chairman Bill Feather said he was happy about the freedom camping bylaws, but the Mosgiel-Taieri area was not really affected due to it not being on the main route for visitors.
''People tend to travel down the coastal roads, out Taieri Mouth down Waihola way, more than coming through Mosgiel,'' Mr Feather said.
The rules followed public feedback and a trial by the DCC at problem areas such as Macandrew Bay and the car park by Bayfield High School.
Under the camping control bylaw 2015, freedom camping will be monitored to make sure rules are followed and the environment protected.
If campers breach these rules, they will be liable to an instant fine of $200.
- Stacey Bryant
