Queenstown Lakes District Council introduced new freedom camping rules in December, restricting campers to designated sites. Photo: SuppliedFreedom campers are falling foul of new Queenstown Lakes District Council rules, with about 18 people per day stung with $400 fines. Freedom Camping Act infringements carried $400 fines, while Reserves Act breaches carried $800 fines, the council said. She said the system was working well overall and people were pleased to have a regulated freedom camping system again. A group called Save Clean New Zealand has also been petitioning for the removal of three freedom camping spaces at Beacon Point.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 10, 2026 18:48 UTC