A $200 instant fine will be issued if "freedom camping" rules
are broken, the Department of Conservation (Doc) Wakatipu
area office warns.
The department advised last week it will actively enforce
freedom camping rules on public conservation land this
summer, following the introduction of the Freedom Camping Act
2011.
The Wakatipu and Wanaka offices placed signs in all vehicle
accessible reserves and conservation areas where freedom
camping was inappropriate.
Symbols on signs meant either absolutely no freedom camping
for anyone within 200m, or freedom camping was allowed within
200m, but only for self-contained vehicles.
Doc Wakatipu area manager Greg Lind said people found
breaking the rules could receive the $200 instant fine.
The penalty could also happen if people dumped rubbish, lit
campfires, damaged plants or inappropriately toileted
anywhere within 200m of the signs.
The maximum penalties were higher for dumping campervan
toilet waste - up to $10,000.
Doc camp grounds in the Wakatipu include Twelve Mile Delta,
Moke Lake, Kinloch and Lake Sylvan.
There are several Doc camp grounds on the highway between
Wanaka and Haast.
Freedom camping may be in a tent, caravan or any type of
motor vehicle including campervan, car or house-truck.
Freedom camping does not include back-country tramping, day
visitor parking, or short stops at night to avoid fatigue.
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