Freedom campers speak out against disrespectful behaviour

TRAVELLING: Campervans and tents in the carpark at Hamurana opposite Turner Rd. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

While some freedom campers are causing issues, two German tourists say most are respectful to the environment and locals.

Judith Rotering, 25 and Carsten Lamberth, 26, arrived in New Zealand on New Year's Eve, and are travelling the country in a van they bought on arrival.

They say they won't be sneaking into holiday parks to use their facilities, a situation currently frustrating holiday parks owners around Rotorua.

"We don't agree with [freedom campers] sneaking [into holiday parks]. It's not good," said Ms Rotering.

"We haven't heard of fellow travellers doing that, we haven't met people like that. We've only met people who are respectful and put their rubbish in the bins and always keep the toilets clean."

The Rotorua Daily Post spoke to the couple after they had spent the night at the Haumurana car park opposite Turner Rd as "there were no signs saying it was not allowed and there were public toilets".

They said they had not been given any information about the rules on freedom camping when they arrived in the country but instead had informed themselves online and by using the Wikicamps New Zealand and Campermate apps.

"We stay at places marked in the apps," said Ms Rotering.

"It shows places where we can pay for a shower. That should happen as we know water is not for free."

They said they had had no problems with locals or others telling them to move on at places they had stayed, and Ms Rotering said sleeping inside the van was "more comfortable" than she expected.

"New Zealand is known as the place to go for amazing landscapes. It's got a great reputation," said Mr Lamberth.

The couple are in New Zealand on a holiday visa after finishing their studies back home and will be travelling around the country until next month.