Monday, 27 July 2026
Consultation to begin on proposed freedom camping changes in Wānaka
Consultation will begin on Monday 27 July and will close at 5.00pm on Monday 31 August 2026.
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has agreed to carry out public consultation on proposed amendments to the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025 in Wānaka.
The proposed changes would:
Permanently prohibit freedom camping at the Allenby Place carpark;
Prohibit freedom camping at the Beacon Point Road carpark during December, January, and February each year; and
Increase designated freedom camping spaces at the Wānaka Recreation Centre carpark from 18 to 21.
QLDC Mayor John Glover said the concerns raised by the Wānaka community have been carefully considered by Council.
“The introduction of the Freedom Camping Bylaw has provided Council a stronger framework to manage freedom camping across the district, respond to local issues, and take enforcement action where required.
“While the bylaw is working well overall, the impacts experienced at Allenby Place and Beacon Point freedom camping areas indicate there may be a need for additional controls at these locations. Consultation will give the community an opportunity to share their views before any final decisions are made.
“Queenstown Lakes is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most popular camping destinations, and we continue to welcome responsible freedom campers who contribute positively to our local communities and visitor economy.”
This consultation relates only to the existing restricted freedom camping areas at Beacon Point Road carpark, Allenby Place carpark, and Wānaka Recreation Centre carpark. Council is seeking feedback solely on the proposed changes for these locations.
People are welcome to provide feedback on the bylaw more generally or on other locations across the district. While this feedback will be considered by Council, it falls outside the scope of the current consultation and will not result in additional changes through this consultation process.
Any broader feedback received will be provided to Council for consideration and may inform future work. Following the consultation period, the Hearing Panel will consider all submissions and make recommendations to Council, which will then make a final decision on the proposed changes being consulted on.
Consultation will begin on the proposal to amend the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025 l Ture ā-Rohe mō te Noho Puni Korehere 2025 on Monday 27 July and will close at 5.00pm on Monday 31 August 2026.
ENDS | KUA MUTU.
Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.
FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri
How to make a submission
Council wants to hear your views before making a final decision.
Make a submission by completing the online form at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz
Via email to letstalk@qldc.govt.nz - subject line 'Freedom Camping Bylaw'
By post to Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50071, Queenstown, 9348, Freepost 191078
Drop it into your closest Council office.
A drop-in session will be held at the Wānaka Community Hub on Thursday 20 August, from 1.00pm to 3.00pm. Email to register:
Agenda – Full Council Meeting 1.00pm, Thursday 23 July 2026
Freedom Camping is currently allowed in 15 locations across Queenstown Lakes District under the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025. The bylaw also prohibits freedom camping in urban areas, while allowing it in rural areas if certain conditions are met.