Nina Hindmarsh/Stuff
Marina and Karl Adams of Takaka Camping and Cabins, at their empty campgrounds. The couple say freedom camping has almost driven them out of business, and they welcome the changes to the new bylaw, which closed two of Golden Bay s only designated freedom camping sites for non-self-contained vehicles.
Freedom camping is “killing” small campgrounds, a Golden Bay owner says. “No matter how much we charge, we can’t compete with ‘free’,” said Karl Adams, the owner of Takaka Camping and Cabins. ”Ultimately, freedom camping has killed us.” The Tasman District Council amended its Freedom Camping Bylaw in early-December, with councillors voting to close controversial sites at Waitapu Bridge and Taupata Reserve.