New plans have been revealed in a bid to control freedom camping around Queenstown, including providing service hubs and employing camping ambassadors.
A number of initiatives are going to be trialled around Queenstown in a bid to control freedom camping. Photo: 123RF
A surge in freedom campers last summer triggered reports of overcrowding, littering and poor behaviour from visitors.
Queenstown lakes District Council (QLDC) Mayor Jim Boult said there had been a clear message from the local community that change was needed.
He said a number of initiatives were going to be trialled from mid-November to late, including two service hubs providing toilets, rubbish disposal, a dump station and Wi-Fi.
Twelve full-time camping ambassadors will be employed at the hubs and roam around the district to educate campers on responsible camping.
Free overnight camping would be allowed at two sites for self-contained campers for a maximum of two nights. The two locations are Red Bridge near Luggate and State Highway 6 layby near Kingston.
Mr Boult said other initiatives include increased monitoring of camping hubs to ensure responsible behaviour, increased signage and new information boards.
He said the QLDC had received $530,000 from the Tourism Facilities Development Grants Fund that would go towards the initiatives.
"It's really important the community understands these initiatives are trials. We will make sure we are agile enough to alter our approach if required. If something isn't working, we'll change it," Mr Boult said.