Freedom campers at Reilly St last summer drew a number of complaints.

Vehicle access to a controversial freedom camping spot in Golden Bay might be completely blocked after an out-of-control party and other disorder.

The Tasman District Council is seeking an amendment to the traffic bylaw to block all vehicle access by repositioning a gate to where the seal starts at Reilly St.

The area is a popular freedom camping spot, bordering the river behind the Takaka Memorial Library. It attracted hundreds of freedom campers last summer, leading to a number of complaints.

NINA HINDMARSH Rubbish and car seats left in the bush at Reilly St after last summer.

Council spokesman Chris Choat said there had been "significant activity" there in recent weeks.

It had received a number of complaints from residents regarding disorderly behaviour and rubbish.

"The issue is that the carpark was used for a big party, preventing locals having access and feeling threatened," he said.

NINA HINDMARSH The gate blocking access to the riverbank at Reilly St in Takaka installed earlier this year. Another gate may be installed further up the road to shut off all access.

"We understand they are predominantly New Zealanders; they are not the River Tribe and they are not freedom campers."

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There was drug and alcohol use, and some minor vandalism such as spray-painting and fire-lighting, he said.

The police had been involved, and the council had sent a compliance officer down and organised rubbish collections.

As a result, council will request an amendment to the traffic bylaw at the full council meeting on November 16.

This would reposition the gate to the end of the seal at Reilly St and block all vehicle access.

"We found that even leaving some of the carpark is proving problematic."

Reilly St was occupied by up to 400 illegal freedom campers a night last summer.

Another group, called the River Tribe, has also been living permanently along the riverbank in self-made structures, tents and tree huts.

However, residents were upset when whole campsites, rubbish and even cars were abandoned as they cleared out for winter.

River access and a large portion of the carpark was blocked off by gates earlier this year to help mitigate the issue.

The council is currently reviewing its draft freedom camping bylaw, and it held hearings around the district last month.

Under it, large parts of Tasman would be off-limits to freedom campers, including areas around Takaka.

Nelson Bays area manager and senior sergeant Blair Hall said police were aware of disorder incidents in recent weeks.

It was working closely alongside the council to address the matter, and also conducting regular patrols in the area.

"The majority of the people who visit this area are well behaved, however there are a small number who have been known to cause some minor disorder.

No arrests had been made.

Hall said police understood it was frustrating for locals but police were working to resolve it.

"Golden Bay is a beautiful area of the country to visit, and we want to make sure everyone in the area feels safe and enjoys their time here."

With summer approaching, regular patrols are expected at most of the popular holiday spots in this area as the weather brings in more visitors.

Councillor Sue Brown said she supported an amendment to the traffic bylaw.

"There are several different types of user groups at Reilly St, and the activity has surfaced early in the season," she said.

"It's important for public safety to take the concerns seriously, and I think its sensible to look at this.

"We haven't completed deliberations for the freedom camping bylaw, of which I am on the panel, but I think its wise to deal with it promptly."





