Temporary ban on freedom camping at Allenby Place, Wānaka extended

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has extended the temporary prohibition of freedom camping at Wānaka’s Allenby Place carpark, exercising clause 9.1 of the QLDC Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025.

QLDC Interim Chief Executive Michelle Morss has made the decision to continue the prohibition at Allenby Place until 31 January 2027.

“The reasons for extending the temporary prohibition, which was in place from Friday 23 January to Thursday 30 April 2026, remain unchanged. These include ongoing access and health and safety concerns that are unique to the layout of the site, particularly the narrow accessway into the carpark and increased traffic movements,” Ms Morss said.

“The continued temporary prohibition gives Council the necessary time to fully assess the suitability of this location for freedom camping and to consider longer-term options, including whether a permanent change to the bylaw is appropriate.”

To help offset the impact of the prohibition of three designated freedom camping spaces in Allenby Place, three additional carparking spots were added temporarily to the Wānaka Recreation Centre and these will remain for the same duration.

Ms Morss said that while the Freedom Camping Bylaw had been largely effective in directing visitors to 15 designated locations across the district and keeping campers out of most residential streets, Allenby Place carpark continues to present challenges.

The extended prohibition will allow time for a full investigation of the site and for Council to make decisions regarding a potential bylaw amendment process. If Council elects to pursue this, one of the options for a bylaw amendment may be to permanently remove the restricted freedom camping area at Allenby Place (and then freedom camping would be prohibited at this location).

Ms Morss also provided general comment about freedom camping over summer including compliance and enforcement.

“Our district is well known to be one of the most popular camping destinations in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the vast majority of freedom campers visiting the district this season have been doing the right thing. However, the sheer volume of visitors does create challenges.

Between 1 December 2025 and the end of March, 9,168 campers registered using the QR check-in system. Over the same period, the number of freedom camping nights provided on local authority land across the district is estimated to be in excess of 23,000.”

“We’ve also received more than 932 requests for service from members of the public – mostly relating to noise, litter, non-compliance with site limits and requests for enforcement activity.”

She said enforcement of the bylaw has been responsive and effective.

“To date, Council officers have issued 1,953 infringements of $400 under the Freedom Camping Act, and 136 infringements of $800 under the Reserves Act. This sends a clear message that unlawful activity will not be tolerated.

The bylaw has only been in place for four months and while we acknowledge there is more to do in these early stages - such as exploring future technology solutions and pay-per-use facilities - overall the bylaw is having a positive effect,” she said.

“While community concerns are well understood and valid, having a bylaw in place provides Council with significantly more ability to manage freedom camping, respond to issues and take enforcement action when needed – something that isn’t possible without a bylaw.

We continue to welcome visitors to our beautiful district and encourage them to camp sustainably and behave responsibly so that both residents and visitors can enjoy our shared spaces.”

Ms Morss said Council staff and partner agencies will continue to work together to monitor the effectiveness of the new bylaw.

“Importantly, the Freedom Camping Act - national legislation - permits freedom camping by default on most council land. Local bylaws such as ours are limited in both what they can address and the specific areas to which they apply. Councils can only prohibit to protect the area, access to the area, and the health and safety of people who visit the area,” she said.

Ambassadors have racked up 1,824 site visits across the summer period, helping to educate visitors to the district about the new bylaw rules and how to camp responsibly.

Signage at the Allenby Place site will be updated to reflect the prohibition extension, alongside updates to the QLDC website, freedom camping check-in system, responsible camping map, CamperMate app and other relevant resources.

ENDS | KUA MUTU

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri

• A Council Workshop is being held on 16 April to carry out a responsible camping summer debrief with elected members and to discuss next steps. An agenda for the workshop can be found on Council’s website along with a recording after the workshop concludes.

• To watch the livestream head to QLDC YouTube channel on 16 April from 1.00pm.

• Under clause 9.1 of the QLDC Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025, the Chief Executive may temporarily restrict or change the conditions in any restricted freedom camping area or temporarily prohibit freedom camping in any restricted freedom camping area, if the Chief Executive is satisfied in relation to the matters in section 11(2) of the Act.

• More information about the bylaw and responsible camping in the Queenstown Lakes District is available on Council's website.