Local Government Minister Paula Bennett is ''awaiting advice'' on the issue of overseas tourists failing to pay their $200 freedom camping fines.
Last year, about a third of tourists issued with infringement notices by the Queenstown Lakes District Council left the country without paying.
Two weeks ago, council regulatory manager Lee Webster called for legislation to be changed so rental car companies were required to deduct the fines from tourists' credit cards.
Ms Bennett said it was the first time the matter had been raised with her and she would investigate.
A spokeswoman for Ms Bennett said yesterday she was ''awaiting advice on the issue from officials'' but it was ''important to note'' it would not be a formal investigation.
