Freedom camping to be trialled in Dunedin city this summer

  • 01/10/2018

A designated freedom camping area will be trialled in Dunedin over the summer. 

The city's council has announced a plan to trial it near the railway station at the Thomas Burns car park.

The trial will run from November through to the end of April next year. 

Dunedin City Council Parks and Recreation Group Manager Robert West says it is hoped the trial will alleviate the growing pressures of freedom camping.

Freedom camping to be trialled in Dunedin city this summer
Photo credit: Supplied/Dunedin City Council

"After considering various inner-city options, we believe the Thomas Burns Street site is a good place for a trial because it is a non-residential area in a central location, and within walking distance of a number of eateries, shops and other local tourism offerings," Mr West says. 

A tap for drinking water has been installed in the area, and a sink, rubbish/recycling bins, port-a-loos and signage will be installed.

The designated area will also be available for casual parking. The maximum stay for freedom campers at any site is two consecutive nights.

At the end of the trial the area will return to a carpark only.

Newshub.