Key Takeaways
- Freedom camping behavior in the Catlins is improving due to a fresh approach from officials
- The Clutha District Council established a freedom camping site for self-contained campers and adopted a proactive, educational approach for its freedom camping wardens
- The council’s measures have been effective in reducing problematic behavior, such as littering and unregulated toileting
- The designated freedom camping site in waka is well used and has helped manage freedom camping in the area
- Tourists have praised the council for providing clear information and a friendly approach to monitoring
Introduction to Freedom Camping in the Catlins
Freedom camping in the Catlins, a popular tourist hotspot, has been a topic of concern for local residents and officials in recent years. The area’s natural beauty and scenic spots have attracted a large number of visitors, but with them, issues such as littering and unregulated toileting have become more prevalent. In response to these concerns, the Clutha District Council took steps to address the problems associated with unregulated freedom camping in 2019. The council’s efforts have been focused on providing a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and locals, while also protecting the environment and maintaining the area’s natural beauty.
The Council’s Approach to Freedom Camping
The Clutha District Council’s approach to freedom camping has been proactive and educational. The council established a freedom camping site for self-contained campers behind the Catlins Inn in waka, providing a designated area for campers to stay. The council also adopted a friendly and approachable attitude towards campers, with freedom camping wardens who engage with visitors and provide them with information on the rules and regulations. According to Mike Goldsmith, the council’s community services group manager, the measures have been effective in reducing problematic behavior. The wardens regularly receive feedback from the public, farmers, and campers, indicating that the council’s approach is making a noticeable difference in the area.
The Effectiveness of the Council’s Measures
The council’s efforts have been successful in reducing issues such as human waste and littering in the area. The designated freedom camping site in waka has been well used, especially during the summer months, and has helped manage freedom camping in the area. The site allows the council to identify and manage any issues that may arise, and the wardens are able to engage with campers and provide them with information on the rules and regulations. From November 1 to December 22, officials relocated 59 campers and two tents, from a total of 487 camper interactions, indicating that the council’s measures are effective in managing freedom camping in the area.
Tourist Feedback and Suggestions
Tourists using the freedom camping facilities in the Catlins have praised the council for providing clear information and a friendly approach to monitoring. Austrian freedom campers Luca Fankhauser and Susanne Hintner, who were visiting the area on Christmas Eve, said that apps such as CamperMate made it easy to find and use official freedom camping sites. They also appreciated the council’s efforts to keep the area clean and under control, but suggested that more bins for rubbish would be useful. The feedback from tourists indicates that the council’s approach is effective in providing a positive experience for visitors, while also protecting the environment and maintaining the area’s natural beauty.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The Clutha District Council’s approach to freedom camping in the Catlins has been successful in reducing problematic behavior and providing a positive experience for visitors. The council’s proactive and educational approach, combined with the designated freedom camping site in waka, has helped manage freedom camping in the area. As the summer season progresses, the council is expected to continue its efforts to manage freedom camping and protect the environment. With the support of tourists and locals, the council’s approach is likely to continue to be effective in maintaining the area’s natural beauty and providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all.