The Department of Conservation (Doc) said it was investigating the gathering of up to 100 freedom campers along the Newcastle Track near Kane Rd that appeared to be an unauthorised, ticketed New Year’s Eve event.
Wanaka resident Chris White said the site of the party was only 500m from a free ratepayer funded camping site at Red Bridge.
After visiting a regular dog walking spot near Kane Rd on New Year’s Day, Mrs White said she found the area "invaded" by — at her estimate — more than 120 freedom campers with more still arriving.
"They were very happy to admit they had stayed there overnight and had intentions of staying again tonight.
"Human waste was visible."
The sight of the campervans made her angry, Mrs White said.
"I was so angry, I felt like there was steam coming out of my ears.
"It is also upsetting as this behaviour reflects on people who are trying to do the right thing and abide by the freedom camping rules," she said.
"People regularly walk that track all the time and they don’t go poop in the bushes," she said.
Doc Central Otago operations manager Charlie Sklenar said the department was investigating the circumstances leading to the large gathering.
"Groups of between 50-100 people set up camp on the Newcastle Track for what appears to be an unconsented event."
Once Doc became aware of the event, staff members were sent to the location to access the site and ask those occupying the land to leave, Ms Sklenar said.
"Any event on public conservation land needs to have an authorisation from Doc.
"This is so we can assess the appropriateness of the location, any effects on the environment and ensure conditions to mitigate effects are in place."
It was disappointing the authorisation from Doc was not sought in that instance and police had been notified and were considering the next steps, she said.
Doc was unable to say what kind of gathering it was but said when staff visited the site the next day the campers left as asked.
When the Otago Daily Times visited the site earlier this week no campervans were present.
New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) member James Imlach said reports of human waste were unacceptable.
"All campers have a duty of care to the environment and local communities.
"The NZMCA does not condone visitors deliberately flouting the bylaw prohibition."
Freedom camping has been a prominent issue in the Queenstown Lakes district since the bylaw passed on December 1.
The council website said the bylaw allowed freedom camping in certified self-contained vehicles in 15 designated carpark sites (141 spaces) across the district, and campers could not stay more than two nights within a 30 day period.
Queenstown Lakes District deputy mayor Quentin Smith, of Wanaka, previously said he was worried about freedom campers over summer.
"Wānaka just can’t provide for the level of demand it currently has and will continue to receive."
- An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Queenstown Lakes District Council as having responsibility for taking action against the illegal campers.
