Freedom campers will be welcome into Dunedin's city centre this summer.
The Dunedin City Council will trail an inner-city freedom camping site in part of the Thomas Burns St car park from November to the end of April.
Council parks and recreation group manager Robert West said the site is a good place for a trial as it is in a non-residential area and within walking distance of eateries, shops and other local tourism places.
A tap for drinking water has already been installed and a sink, rubbish/recycling bins, portable toilets and signs will be installed soon, Mr West said.
Last month the council demolished a building on the site, due to asbestos contamination, which created additional space.
As well as freedom campers, the space will be available for casual parking and leased parking will continue in a separate, clearly marked area.
If freedom campers park during the day (Monday-Saturday 8am to 6pm) normal parking charges will apply.
The maximum stay for freedom campers at any site is two consecutive nights.
Contractors will monitor the area in the evening and parking wardens during the day.
At the end of April the area will revert to casual parking only and the council will evaluate the success of the trial.
Other initiatives to better handle the thousands of freedom campers visiting the city every year will include more bins at the Brighton Domain the Warrington and Ocean View designated freedom camping sites.
There would also be an increase in the number of security patrols in areas used by freedom campers and more customer service support.
The cost of the increased freedom camping services will be largely covered by the $79,000 from the Government's tourism facilities grants fund.
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The "self contained " camper van madness is kicking off up here in the Tasman District already....ignoring speed limits, pedestrian crossings, no camping signs and crapping where they please." Welcome" them with a mandatory insurance levy upon purchase of any vehicle and one for emergency services and yet another for infrastructure costs. That might thin them down by half and that would still be too bloody many.