FREEDOM CAMPING POLICY

 

PURPOSE
A policy for promoting safe and environmentally friendly overnight camping for self-contained motor-homes and caravans

BACKGROUND
This policy recognises that some visitors to our District choose to travel and stay in their own self contained vehicles, and not in registered camping grounds. This is neither new nor unique and it is the situation in most if not all of New Zealand. It is, however, necessary to provide for basic, practical measures that enhance the personal safety of travellers, provide for the protection of our environment and ensure that the rights and lifestyle of the local community is protected. This policy recognises the economic and social benefit all visitors bring to our District.

POLICY:

“Travellers and campers are strongly encouraged to use camping grounds and other accommodation facilities as much as possible”

Any form of camping outside registered camping grounds (refer schedule 3) in anything but a self contained vehicle is strictly prohibited. Owners of self-contained vehicles are encouraged to seek certification with regard to on board containment facilities.

The following rules apply:
• Overnight camping:
- May occur on Council controlled land except land identified in Schedule 1; and
- Will be for a maximum of two nights in any calendar month at any single location (This can be extended to a maximum of five nights, subject to a permit application from Grey District Council prior to the intended stay. A fee applies to any such application and conditions will apply).
- May only be carried out in mobile vehicles fitted with a minimum three day toilet and grey water storage facility
• Toilet and greywater must be disposed of in a Council approved dump point (See Schedule2)
• Vehicles provided by companies such as (but not limited to) Wicked Campers, Escape, Spaceship, and Backpacker without toilets and greywater facilities are prohibited from camping on any Council land, or on lay-bys on State Highways within the district.
• All refuse must be disposed of in an approved refuse collection receptacle
• All overnight camping sites must be left in a clean and tidy state
• Overnight Campers are required to comply with any request to move on, by any Officer of the Council or otherwise authorised person

The deposit of litter, including any effluent in other than an approved facility, may result in an instant fine or prosecution.

SCHEDULE 1:
Prohibited Areas

• All areas where “No Camping or Overnight Parking” signs are displayed.
• Any area within 1 kilometre of a registered camping ground.
• On the river side of, or on top of any stopbank.
• South bank of Punakaiki River downstream of State Highway bridge.

SCHEDULE 2:
Dump Point Locations

• Cobden Dump Station (Open area at entrance to Cobden)
• Rapahoe Beach Motor Camp, 10 Hawkins St, Rapahoe
• Lake Brunner Motor Camp, 86 Ahau St, Moana
• Greymouth Seaside Top 10 Holiday Park, 2 Chesterfield St, Greymouth
• Greymouth Dump Station, (at Caltex Service Station)
• Greymouth New World, High St (across from High School)
• Nelson Creek Public Dump Station, Domain, Nelson Creek
• Lake Brunner Country Motel and Campervan Park, 2014 Arnold Valley Rd, Moana
• South Beach Motel and Motor Park, 318 Main South Rd, South Beach
• Runanga Public Dump Station, Pitt St, Runanga
• Blackball dump station

SCHEDULE 3:
Registered Camping Grounds/Caravan Parks

• Caltex Service Station Caravan Park
• Greymouth Seaside Top 10 Holiday Park
• Lake Brunner Motor Camp
• Rapahoe Beach Motor Camp
• South Beach Motel and Motor Park
• Kotuku Caravan Park
• Lake Brunner Country Motel and Campervan Park, 2014 Arnold Valley Rd, Moana
• Nelson Creek camping ground

Policy adopted August 2008
Grey District Council
PO Box 382
Greymouth
Tel 03 769 8600
info@greydc.govt.nz
www.greydc.govt.nz