A controversial freedom camping site in Christchurch is under watch by a security guard tonight, and campers appear to be moving out.
A German tourist allegedly brandished a knife at a photographer taking pictures yesterday at the site, a city-council-owned carpark in New Brighton.
The Christchurch City Council has received complaints about backpackers camping in the car park in New Brighton. Photo: SUPPLIED
This morning the council put up five "no camping" signs at the site, in a bid to kick out the campers staying there.
A councillor, Glenn Livingstone, said it appeared to have worked so far as campers have got the message and packed up.
"We'll just take as long as it takes to ensure that the situation's resolved but yeah, it could only take a few more people for the whole thing to become unhinged again."
He said a security guard has been patrolling the grounds this afternoon and will remain there until later tonight.