Campers offered freedom in Tauranga

Freedom camping rules in Tauranga are to be relaxed under a Tauranga City Council plan. Photo / Supplied

Tight restrictions controlling where people can freedom camp in Tauranga are to be abolished under far-reaching proposals agreed by the council.

A maximum of 90 self-contained motor homes will be allowed to park up overnight on 28 city reserves - a huge shift up from the 15 currently permitted on five reserves.

The council's plan would also see downtown carparks opened up.

Yesterday's meeting also relaxed the previous ban on overnight parking on city roads but with rules to prevent freedom campers parking directly in front of houses and commercial premises.

The draft bylaw goes out for public consultation with a decision expected in time for the new rules to take effect for the summer holidays. Each reserve would be allowed between two and six freedom campers depending on the size and parking spaces.

The only roadsides where certified motor homes will be permanently banned are Pilot Bay and the Main Beach section of Marine Parade from Adams Ave to Banks Ave.