The Queenstown Lakes District Council yesterday adopted the government-advised freedom camping policy, which will give councils power to issue instant fines to offenders.

"There was a lack of emphasis on carrot because we had no stick," Cr Cath Gilmour said of the Local Government New Zealand recommended regulation, slated to be in place before next year's Rugby World Cup.

Previously, enforcing freedom camping rules had been "the proverbial wet bus ticket on the wrist" because council had been unable to issue fines, she said at yesterday's council meeting.

The Department of Internal Affairs is drafting the regulations, which can be customised by individual territorial authorities, and council community services general manager Paul Wilson said specific infringements would need to be identified by the department's deadline of May 31.

Implementation of the policy would result in two dump stations being built at Lake Hawea and Queenstown, for which $41,062 has been provided for in the council's annual plan.

Warning signs will also be put up at entrances to the district and a broad public campaign on freedom camping requirements will be mounted in the New Year in anticipation of the Rugby World Cup.

At present, two companies are contracted, at a cost of about $70,000 a year, to patrol the district in an advisory capacity - vehicle registration numbers are recorded but there is no power to move campers along or fine them, Mr Wilson said.

The patrols will be stopped from February pending the implementation of the new regulations.

Councillor Russell Mawhinney expressed concern about enforcing fines for tourists who left the country.

Mr Wilson said he expected 40% of fines to be paid - in line with the council's parking-fine recovery rate for departed tourists.

Councillor Jude Battson said young travellers in toilet-less campervans were the main culprits in leaving human waste at campsites and the new instant fine regime would give the council "teeth" to issue infringements.

Deputy mayor Lyal Cocks "strongly urged" council to create a dedicated, separate bylaw.

Public signage, education brochures, information kiosks and public awareness campaigns are expected to cost about $90,000 for the 2010-11 financial year.

The majority of the 21 submitters on the draft strategy, including Wanaka police and most of the district's community associations, were supportive of the new regulations.

The Department of Conservation cited camping as "beneficial to Kiwi culture".