Debbie Francis said the council's new anti-freedom camping bylaw, which came into force earlier this year, could be pushing freedom campers, such as the ones she found parked on her driveway on Monday night, into more rural areas.
She believed her discovery could signal a raft of new issues concerning the controversial bylaw.
If there was a change and freedom campers became part of the rural landscape, those who chose to live in the country might became complacent about new vehicles arriving in their areas and their guard could be let down, thus getting rid of a natural barrier to crime - the sceptical local taking note of suspicious activity or new vehicles in the area.
''I just think it's a bit scary they're coming out to the country if they can't find a place to freedom camp.''
Mrs Francis arrived home late and made the decision not to approach the people, for her own safety and out of courtesy, instead, opting to do something about the unwelcome visitors in the morning.
Her neighbour came past the unwanted arrivals about 1am on Tuesday and moved them on.
Deputy mayor Melanie Tavendale said that if people were experiencing issues with freedom campers setting up on private land, they should call the council for assistance.
Camper vans used for freedom camping must meet national standards for self-containment and can camp in the same spot for a maximum of three days over a four-week period.
The bylaw also continued to draw criticism on social media this week after it was alleged a family camping at Gemmells Crossing was moved off by council hired security after they failed to display a sticker certifying their vehicle was able to be used in a freedom camping zone.
Cr Tavendale said online the bylaw was the council's response to a public outcry about what freedom campers were doing to the area.
''The process the council went through was in an effort to give access back to locals. I realise in the attempt that people who are not certified self-contained are having to go to camping grounds, Department of Conservation reserves or to rethink their plans. There may be need for further refinement of the bylaw in the future. We knew this process would be a challenge. That being said, when we attempted to have an open conversation with our community, almost 90% of people supported the direction we were taking.
''We can't legally allow locals and not tourists access to areas. Having enforcement officers going out the night before is far from revenue gathering; it gives people the chance to become aware of the new rules to not be fined - certainly preferable to an instant fine.''
- Additional reporting Hamish MacLean.
