New legislation and local authority policies should stop the growing number of motorhome and campervan users creating a freedom camping problem in the Rotorua district.
Responding to the announcement of a new law and fines around freedom camping to go before Parliament this month, Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing general manager Don
Gunn said motorhome and campervan visitors were an important part of the tourism market in the Rotorua district and freedom camping had not been a major issue here in the past.
"Motorhome and campervan visitors who responsibly camp are a valued part of the tourism market for the Rotorua District and as such provisions are made to ensure these visitors have a pleasant stay."
This includes providing educational material, welcoming these visitors to the area and directing them to appropriate camping areas and facilities for disposing of sewage, wastewater and litter.
"Rotorua has had some freedom camping issues in the past, but not to the same extent as has occurred in some other parts of New Zealand where local communities have been displaced and environment degradation has occurred."
But Gunn said increased demand for travel by motorhome and campervan could see freedom camping become more of an issue.
"Therefore, local freedom camping regulations have been developed to mitigate against the negative environmental and social impacts that have occurred in some other parts of New Zealand."
With 17 full-service holiday parks, four Department of Conservation campgrounds with vehicle access and four reserves where campervans can stay for one or two nights, he said there was a wide range of options available.
"The motorhome and campervan rental companies are doing an excellent job of educating their customers to visit i-SITEs for local information regarding freedom camping. Similarly, the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association has always promoted responsible camping and directs its members to seek out and comply with local regulations."
Gunn said reports from Rotorua i-SITE staff showed visitors who asked about freedom camping typically wanted to do the right thing and, once informed of these options, most happily complied.
"There are always some people the message does not reach and, in those instances, Rotorua District Council afterhours security staff provide the vehicle occupants with educational material directing them to use holiday parks and other designated camping areas."
