Freedom Camping Policies

WHERE CAN I CAMP?

The Catlins is situated in the Clutha District and Southland District. There are two different Freedom Camping Policies. Please take time to read the policies below before camping in the Catlins:

203 FREEDOM CAMPING CLUTHA DISTRICT COUNCIL

203 .1

Regulatory Services Bylaw 2008 15

Freedom camping shall only be permissible where:

a) camping is carried out in a mobile vehicle fitted with a minimum three day
capacity toilet and greywater storage facility,
b) camping takes place on Council controlled public land for a maximum of two
nights in any location, with the exception of the prohibited areas stated in
Schedule 1 of Council.s Policy on Freedom Camping attached. This Schedule
may be changed from time to time by resolution of Council,
c) all toilet waste and greywater is disposed of in Council approved dump points, set
out in Schedule 2 of Council.s Policy on Freedom Camping attached. This
Schedule may be changed from time to time by resolution of Council,
d) refuse is disposed of in an approved litter bin, skip or landfill,
e) campers leave sites in a clean and tidy state.

Where campers fail to comply with any of the above requirements they are in breach of this part of the bylaw and may be liable for either:

• a fine not exceeding [$ 500] and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a
  further fine not exceeding [$ 50] for every day on which the offence has
  continued (under the Health Act), or;
• prosecution where the court may impose a fine not exceeding $ 20,000
  (under the Local Government Act 2002).

Campers must comply with any request of an authorised officer of Council to move on from their chosen camping spot.

Freedom Camping SOUTHLAND

Southland District Council allows freedom camping at several sites. They are:

• Colac Bay/Oraka Township - up to 2 days on the Colac Foreshore Road (between the boat ramp and shelter shed). For self-contained vehicles only.
• Dunsdale - up to 3 days on Dunsdale Recreation Reserve.
• Fortrose Township - up to 2 days on land beside Moray Terrace and up to four months per calendar year on land on Boat Harbour Road.
• Haldane - up to 28 days per calendar year on Weirs Beach Recreation Reserve.
• Manapouri - overnight only in the area beside the Hillside Manapouri Road Bridge over the Whitestone Stream.
• Nightcaps - overnight only on land beside the racecourse.
• Orepuki - up to 28 days per calendar year on road reserve at the Monkey Island Picnic Area.
• Otautau - up to four days on the grassed picnic area in the Alex McKenzie Arboretum.
• Thornbury - up to 28 days per calendar year on the Aparima Bridge Reserve.
• Waikawa Township - overnight only on the Waikawa Recreation Reserve.
• Council encourages campers to be careful and considerate. It is important that you
• Be tidy and always leave the area clean.
• Dispose of all waste water at a dump station. Dump station location information is available from visitor centres.
• Limit generator use between 8am and 9pm.
• Always drive along formed tracks.
• Always use toilets provide.
• Use biodegradable cleaning products and wash in a container away from the water.
• Protect native plants and animals.
• Consider the rights of others.
• When using a motorhome or caravan outside a conservation campsite, it must be self-contained. 

(0) Camping Policies