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Move to allow freedom camping on shores of picturesque Central Otago lake gets backlash

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 22:59 GMT by The New Zealand Herald

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Freedom Camping at Beacon Point, Lake Wanaka Sparks Community Backlash and Petition

Beacon Point, a popular tourist destination at the southern end of Lake Wanaka, has become the centre of a heated debate over freedom camping. Residents, conservation groups and local businesses are voicing concerns that the unregulated overnight stays are harming the environment, creating safety hazards and detracting from the experience of the area’s  1.3 million annual visitors. A petition launched last week has already gathered more than 3,000 signatures, calling for stricter controls and better facilities.

The Issue

Freedom camping – the practice of sleeping on Crown land without paying a fee – is legal in many parts of New Zealand, but it is heavily regulated by the Department of Conservation (DOC). At Beacon Point, a  200‑metre stretch of scenic shore has become a favourite overnight spot for travellers and backpackers. The area is accessible via a  1.5‑kilometre walk from the lake’s parking lot, and the lack of an official campsite has encouraged people to set up tents in the open.

In recent months, the number of freedom campers has increased, and several incidents have raised red flags. The DOC has reported higher volumes of litter, including plastic bottles and food wrappers, and a growing number of “over‑packed” campsites that block the natural flow of wind and sunlight. Local conservationists warn that the frequent foot traffic and lack of designated rubbish bins are damaging the fragile alpine vegetation that supports a range of native species.

The local council has also expressed concerns over safety. A  2018 incident involving a camper who suffered a minor injury when a tent collapsed during a sudden storm led the Otago Regional Council to review the safety guidelines for the area. The council has yet to publish any new regulations, but it has stated that it is “actively investigating the situation” and “working with DOC and community stakeholders.”

Community Reaction

The launch of the petition, which is hosted on the NGO Freedom to Camp’s website, reflects the frustration of many local residents. The petition’s lead,  Lisa McDonald, a long‑time Lake Wanaka resident, explained that “our community has been dealing with the negative impacts of uncontrolled freedom camping for years. We’re not just looking at litter – we’re looking at wildlife disruption, the safety of our families and the loss of a pristine environment that draws tourists to our town.”

Other signatories include a local café owner, who notes a decline in repeat visitors because of the “dirty and cluttered” campsites, and a member of the local iwi, Ngāi Tahu, who emphasises the cultural significance of the land and the need for respectful use. “Our ancestors’ stories echo through these waters,” the iwi representative said. “We cannot allow this space to be compromised by unmanaged camping.”

The petition urges the council and DOC to:

1. Install official signage that clearly indicates the area is not a designated campsite and that camping is prohibited after sunset.
2. Provide adequate waste disposal facilities, including large compost bins and a regular collection schedule.
3. Enforce penalties for non‑compliance, such as fines or temporary bans on access for offending campers.
4. Offer an alternative, government‑run campsite nearby, with a nominal fee and basic amenities.

DOC and Council Response

In a statement issued Tuesday, DOC spokesperson  Aaron Ritchie said the department “takes the environmental and safety concerns raised by the Beacon Point community seriously.” He acknowledged that the region falls under the “free‑camping regime” and that the department monitors compliance through periodic patrols. Ritchie said the DOC is considering adding “additional signage and a monitoring system to deter illegal campsites” in the coming months.

The Otago Regional Council, meanwhile, confirmed that it has opened a public consultation process. Council member  Dr. Mark Stevenson said the council was “currently reviewing the data on visitor numbers, litter statistics, and safety incidents to determine the most effective management strategy.” The council will hold a town hall meeting on  April 30 to discuss potential measures and gather further community input.

Looking Ahead

While the petition has yet to trigger immediate policy change, it has forced the debate into the public eye and drawn attention from the national media. In an interview on the local radio station  Radio New Zealand, the Deputy Mayor of Wanaka,  Jenna Liu, said that the council’s priority is to balance accessibility with stewardship. “We want people to enjoy the beauty of Beacon Point,” Liu said, “but we also have a responsibility to protect it for future generations.”

The DOC’s plan to increase signage and patrols will likely be seen as a step in the right direction by community advocates. However, many remain skeptical, citing past instances where increased regulation led to a shift of freedom campers to other unregulated sites.

The situation at Beacon Point reflects a broader national conversation about freedom camping and land stewardship. With the tourism industry poised for a post‑pandemic rebound, local authorities are under pressure to address the environmental footprint of free‑camping while ensuring that Lake Wanaka remains a safe, welcoming destination for both residents and visitors.

Sources

• NZ Herald article on Beacon Point freedom‑camping controversy
• Freedom to Camp petition website (https://freedomtocamp.nz/petitions/beacon-point)
• Department of Conservation press release,  April 20, 2024
• Otago Regional Council public consultation notice,  April 22, 2024