Camps were usually full during the holidays but the number of visitors, particularly overseas tourists, arriving without booking ahead was rising.
Many regular campers booked months or even a year ahead to make sure of getting their spot.
Aggie Hofsteenge said all three of the camping sites she and partner Rudi Sanders managed, Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park, Glendhu Bay Motor Park and the Albert Town camping ground, were full.
''For the last couple of days we didn't think we would be full but there's a lot of overseas tourists on the road who keep filling up the place by the end of the day.''
Combined, the camping grounds held about 5000 people.
''Over New Year we are always busy ... Normally we would have space from about January 2 but this year we've been full by 7pm each night.''
They have had to turn away overseas visitors who arrived late in the day looking for accommodation, Mrs Sanders said.
''I think they just find a place in town and park up for the night ... We had a party of about five staying on our lawn.''
Freedom camping in Wanaka township is not allowed under a Queenstown Lakes District Council bylaw.
Council spokeswoman Michele Poole said there had been no complaints about people freedom-camping in the township but 93 infringement notices had been issued since December 24.
If people were concerned about freedom campers setting up outside their homes they could contact the council at any time, she said.
It was a similar situation at the other camping grounds around the Upper Clutha.
At the Lake Outlet Holiday Park, assistant manager Ben Bacon said staff always tried to find space for people who showed up without a booking, never turning people away.
''I guess we are lucky in that we have the space to be able to have these sites set aside for the one- or two-night campers.''
There had been a lot more visitors arriving without booking ahead than in previous years, he said.
''It might be people are now staying a bit longer in the South because of the situation in Kaikoura.''
Wanaka i-SITE manager Jaimee McGrath said while her staff had been busy with visitors needing advice on accommodation, she did not think there were more this year than last.
''There is space outside those main camping grounds; it just depends if they want a roof over their head or what facilities they need.''
Ms McGrath said more space would become available in the coming days as visitors from New Zealand returned home.
