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Two more sites closed

Lois Williams Local Democracy Reporter

Freedom campers will be banned from two new sites in South Westland, after one too many abuses of the privilege.

The West Coast Conservation Board has backed a move by the Department of Conservation (DOC) to end freedom camping at MacDonalds Creek on the eastern side of State Highway 6, and at the Te Kopikopiko o Te Waka, Glacier Peak Viewpoint at Fox Glacier.

Freedom camping is a permitted activity on conservation land, except where it is specifically prohibited.

But DOC’s South Westland manager, Wayne Costello, told the board there was a history of inappropriate freedom camping at both sites.

‘‘Rangers have observed issues with people lighting fires, inappropriate toileting and vehicles parking in the way of roading crews on the eastern side of SH6 MacDonalds Creek.’’

There had also been toileting problems and vehicles blocking access to the adjoining farm beside the Clearwater River at the Te Kopikopiko o Te Waka (Glacier Peak Viewpoint) at Fox Glacier.

That site was also being upgraded to establish a destination for visitors to view Fox Glacier, and allow mana whenua to interpret and tell their stories about the area.

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2021-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-12-01T08:00:00.0000000Z

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