The Buller District Council has imposed a freedom camping ban in the Punakaiki area.

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As well as the ban on freedom camping in the Punakaiki area, the council is redirecting people to four specific overnight sites in a bid to manage congestion and reduce the harmful effects, including human waste and litter being left in scenic spots.

The council has also installed signs to encourage campers to act responsibly, and will be appointing a compliance officer.

The project manager, Glen Irving, says it has been a race to get the work done in time for the peak season.

The initiatives are funded through the government's freedom camping fund.

Twenty-eight district councils applied to the fund, and Buller received $580,000.