Council tightens freedom camping rules in Akaroa
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Freedom campers will be banned from camping overnight in all but one area of the township of Akaroa this summer.
Christchurch City Council has today agreed to amend the 2015 Freedom Camping Bylaw to tighten the restrictions on where people visiting the picturesque township can camp overnight in vehicles.
Akaroa is a popular spot for visitors.
Under the original bylaw, freedom camping was banned in Akaroa’s commercial area and main waterfront areas, but people were allowed to camp in self-contained vehicles for up to two nights in other areas of the township, including residential areas.
However, after a summer marred by complaints and concerns being raised with the Banks Peninsula Community Board about the impact of high numbers of freedom campers and the disrespectful behaviour of some, the Council proposed some changes.
After community consultation the Council has decided to amend the bylaw to prohibit freedom camping in the whole of Akaroa, except in the freedom camping area near the entrance to the town.
Deputy Mayor and Banks Peninsula Councillor Andrew Turner says the Council has worked to balance the views of those who want to encourage a friendly and welcoming attitude toward freedom campers with the views of those who have concerns about negative impacts of freedom camping.
“Amending the bylaw means we can manage some of the more negative impacts of freedom camping while still allowing responsible freedom campers to be able to enjoy what Akaroa has to offer, with minimal impact on the town,’’ Cr Turner says.
Three extra parking spaces will be provided in the Akaroa Freedom Camping Area, enabling up to 18 fully self-contained vehicles to say overnight. Non self-contained vehicles will continue to be prohibited.
“We are hoping that visitors continue to explore our beautiful area and if the Akaroa Freedom Camping Area is full, that they seek out one of the nearby camping grounds or other local accommodation options,” Cr Turner says.
“We will be increasing our monitoring and enforcement activities across the district this summer, with freedom camping monitoring taking place late at night or early in the morning, including weekends and public holidays. We encourage freedom campers to seek out information about our freedom camping rules so we don't see too many fines being issued this summer.”
The new restrictions will come into effect from 1 December this year.