Locals vent frustrations about freedom campers

An increase in freedom campers leaving behind mess in the Catlins has dismayed and frustrated locals.

The frustrations were raised at a Clutha District Council meeting last week as Owaka-ward councillor Hilary McNab had been approached by several members of the public about the issue of freedom campers in the Catlins.

At present, freedom camping was not allowed in any urban area of the Clutha district or in areas where it was signposted as restricted.

It was allowed only in self-contained units on public land controlled by the council.

Cr McNab told the Otago Daily Times there was real concern about the mess left behind by campers staying in non-self contained units near the Catlins Lake in Hinahina Rd and at the Owaka Heads.

Some of the mess included litter and evidence of human waste or excrement.

''There is rubbish, loo paper and heaven knows what else.''

The council had nominated enforcement officers who had the authority to move freedom campers out of inappropriate sites but it was difficult to police, as the Catlins area was so large, Cr McNab said.

She welcomed visitors to the area but would appreciate it if they cleaned up after themselves.

''They [tourists] come for our clean-green country so it would be really cool if they could respect it.''

Some areas proved more popular than others, such as Purakaunui Bay, but public toilets in those areas were usually adequate.

It was the isolated areas where there were no facilities which proved the most problematic.

Some had also stayed on private property, Cr McNab said.

The council was also aware of two phone apps which directed tourists to camp in areas of the Catlins where it was not approved or allowed by the council. These apps were CamperMate and Rankers.

It was dangerous to stay in some of those places as it could become overcrowded and block the road, she said.

Council regulatory services group manager David Campbell said the council was working to have those areas removed from the apps.

Two or three formal complaints had been made to the council about freedom camping and more had been directed to Cr McNab.

Other areas Mr Campbell was aware of where campers had caused problems included Department of Conservation car parks or tourist areas.

The council was also having surveys completed in relation to freedom camping before a bylaw review later this year.

Cr McNab said it was a difficult issue to address and reduce the number of associated problems.

''I don't know what the answer is.''

She advised anyone who was aware of freedom campers who might be causing mess to make an official complaint to the council.