Freedom camping 'middle ground' mooted

The owner of the Whistling Frog Resort in the Catlins, Paul Bridson, believes freedom camping can remain part of the New Zealand tourism offering, but only at a cost. Photo: Richard Davison
The owner of the Whistling Frog Resort in the Catlins, Paul Bridson, believes freedom camping can remain part of the New Zealand tourism offering, but only at a cost. Photo: Richard Davison
A Catlins holiday park owner wants New Zealand to take a lead from US freedom camping policy.

Whistling Frog Resort owner Paul Bridson opened the complex of cafe/bar, motels and camping sites on his farm adjoining the Southern Scenic Route at McLean Falls in 2006.

Business overall had been ''doing well'' since that time, but he and US-born wife and co-owner Lynn had seen a 50% decline in camping and camper van visitors during the past three years, which they attributed to the ''explosion'' in freedom camping in the Catlins.

Aware of the polarising nature of the freedom camping debate, Mr Bridson said they had become interested in finding a ''middle ground'' to ''bring freedom campers into the fold''.

''Lynn and I visit the US each year in our motorhome, and they're just streets ahead in the way they've tackled this issue. They don't have the same, well-publicised problems we do with toileting and abuse of commercial and civic facilities, and the systems they operate fund themselves, and deliver a better user experience for everyone.''

Called ''dry'' or ''en route'' camping, the closest parallel in New Zealand were Doc camping grounds, he said.

''These are low-cost, no frills options, away from prime commercial spots, and run by 'camp hosts' who get free camping for basic oversight of fee paying and servicing. The underlying principle is you confer value on something by giving it value. Then people treat it with respect.''

He said dry camps opened only during the peak season, allowing commercial operators to benefit during the off-season.

''Freedom'' camping away from any facility at all was prevented by ranger policing.

However, Mr Bridson believed the biggest obstacle to moving forward successfully in the present domestic debate was branding.

''We absolutely need to move away from the name and idea of 'freedom' camping. It's not free for ratepayers, it costs businesses their livelihood, and it shouldn't be free - and therefore seen as valueless - for this sector of visitors.''

While new government policy was being formed at present, authorities should ''seize the opportunity'' for rebranding and relaunching, he said.

''Let's tie it in to visitors helping New Zealand remain 'clean and green', and allow them to contribute to that through modest, appropriate charging.''

Mr Bridson said he was ready to welcome ''clean, green, budget'' campers requiring a lower level of service.

''Let's help them with water, power, showers - you name it - but let's do it for a fee, not free.''

richard.davison@odt.co.nz

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