Monday, 22 June 2026
Council considers options for changes to freedom camping at two Wānaka locations
A report will be presented on Thursday 25 June, outlining three options for Council to consider at both locations.
Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) continues to actively manage freedom camping during peak periods, with approximately 28,000 freedom camping nights recorded on council-managed land between 1 December 2025 and 30 April 2026.
While the vast majority of visitors are camping responsibly, concerns have been raised about how two locations in Wānaka are operating.
QLDC’s management approach is governed by the Freedom Camping Act 2011, which enables freedom camping on most council-controlled land and allows councils to use bylaws to introduce targeted restrictions where necessary to protect the area, access to the area, and the health and safety of people who visit the area.
In line with this framework, QLDC adopted the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2025 which came into effect on 1 December 2025. The bylaw identifies 15 areas across the district with designated spaces for restricted freedom camping, it prohibits freedom camping on roads in urban areas, and classifies rural roads as permitted for freedom camping, subject to specific conditions.
The bylaw has largely been effective in directing visitors to appropriate locations and managing freedom camping across the district.
Council has requested detailed research and analysis to inform potential options to address the issues at Allenby Place and Beacon Point carparks.
At the Allenby Place carpark, Council introduced a temporary prohibition in December 2025 due to access and safety concerns. In April, this was extended until 31 January 2027 to allow further investigation and consideration of options for this location.
Concerns were also raised about Beacon Point Road carpark, where a high number of complaints were received over the summer period. As a result, Council has asked staff to undertake further investigation of this area.
The report will be presented at the Full Council meeting on Thursday, 25 June, outlining three options for Council to consider at both locations.
amending the bylaw to include additional targeted conditions, such as seasonal prohibitions
amending the bylaw to prohibit freedom camping at these locations
making no amendments to the bylaw
All options allow Council to adjust its approach to education and monitoring to improve compliance.
If Council decides to amend the bylaw, the next step will be to adopt a proposal with the amendments for consultation at Council’s July meeting, followed by consultation in August.
Hearings would take place after the consultation period, and then Council would need to make a final decision on any amendment.
“Our district is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most popular camping destinations and the vast majority of freedom campers visiting over the 2025/2026 summer period have been doing the right thing,” says QLDC Interim Chief Executive Michelle Morss.
“While high visitor numbers can at times create challenges, we continue to welcome responsible campers and will actively manage and provide education to support positive experiences for both residents and visitors.”
ENDS | KUA MUTU
Media contact: 03 441 1802
FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri
Data from the recent summer season highlights the scale of activity.
Between 1 December 2025 and 30 April, 10,528 campers registered via the QR check-in system.
Based on data and observations, we estimate around 28,000 freedom camping nights took place on council-managed land over this period.
Enforcement continues to play an important role in addressing non-compliance.
Between 1 December 2025 and 30 April 2026, enforcement officers issued 2,311 infringements under the Freedom Camping Act 2011 and 151 infringements under the Reserves Act 1977.