Tourists escape as campervans wash away

17/01/2013 9:39:11 a.m.

Deuxcroix wrote:

@ Nelsonhabitat. Nothing wrong with freedom campers as long as they respect the environment they have come to enjoy. To my knowledge four generations (including me), of my family have "freedom camped" throughout the South and North Islands over the passed 160 years. I certainly packed out trash. I still freedom camp. You may claim that the freedom campers are more numerous now - maybe - and in being more numerous contribute significantly to our economy. Not greatly as individuals, but hugely, en masse. As with many NZers you see a major problem where really a minor one exists. Again, typically, you see the passing of legislation to "prohibit" as an answer to all ills. In this case, such legislation also impinges on the freedoms of NZers so in this way you restrict the rights of all to "control" the few. Thinking laterally, perhaps it might be an idea to place portaloos at popular freedom camping sites? That would take care of random defecations. Then also place waste bins at these sites that are emptied frequently by the local councils. That will solve the issue of rubbish being strewn down our highways. Costly? Yes, but far less in cost than the income the same tourists bring in to the local economies. Finally, , my recent experience of a random defecation on the Kaikoura coast, was of a group of young NZers, as a group ... um ... sit-in, one evening. No attempt was made to dig a hole or to cover up the deposits. Apparently this is how young NZers are now taught to respect their own country. The overseas tourists at the site were not amused.

15/01/2013 3:43:08 p.m.

nelsonhabitat wrote:

If this the Appleby Rd Bridge? No camping grounds it’s a picnic spot, freedom campers? Duh! No tolerance for them in the S.I.