16 Mar 2016

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Campers found at any of the five restricted non-self-contained freedom camping sites and one self-contained site in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula could face a $200 fine from today.

Christchurch City Council announced last week it was temporarily closing all five of its restricted non-self-contained freedom camping sites and one self-contained site at French Farm.

The French Farm site has already closed and the closure of the other sites comes into effect from 12pm today. 

The closures at Wainui, Addington Park car park, Lower Styx River and Windsport Park prohibit any form of freedom camping at the non-self-contained freedom camping restricted areas but do not stop residents and visitors from using them during the day-time.

Only camping is prohibited. Those who breach the ban could be fined $200.

The sites will remain closed until 31 May by which point the Council intends to have completed a review of the temporary closures.

The Council moved to close the sites after concerns were raised about the health and wellbeing of campers and residents and the impact on the local environment.

"The Council continues to welcome campers to the city and Banks Peninsula and encourages them to make use of the range of affordable camping grounds across the district,'' Council Chief Executive Karleen Edwards said.

Restricted freedom camping in self-contained vehicles remains in place for limited stays inside the city's urban boundaries – including urban and other areas on Banks Peninsula except for the self-contained site at French Farm – in accordance with the Council's Freedom Camping Bylaw introduced last year.

A detailed map of freedom camping boundaries and restrictions is available here.