More than 2000 fines for unlawful freedom camping have been dished out across key holiday hotspots in New Zealand this summer (December to February). Data released to Newstalk ZB shows infringements climbed in the Waikato, Thames-Coromandel and Queenstown-Lakes districts compared to the previous year.
In Queenstown-Lakes, a new bylaw restricting self-contained motorhomes to 141 designated sites led to a rise from 345 to 1512 fines. Thames-Coromandel saw close to 400 infringements. In the Far North district, no fines were issued as authorities focus on informing tourists.
The Motorhome and Caravan Association's James Imlach says demand for freedom camping spots has increased while legal supply has decreased, prompting more enforcement by councils.