Freedom camping spots in Hawke's Bay given government and council boost

Beaches in Porangahau, Central Hawke's Bay, are seeing an increase in visitors, including a freedom camping spot at Te Paerahi Beach. Photo / Supplied

Roughly $1.2 million will be invested in Hawke's Bay tourism facilities by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and local councils.

The projects are upgrading car parks at Maraetotara Falls and Clifton Beach, and upgrading drinking water and toilet facilities at Te Paerahi Beach.

MBIE's Tourism Infrastructure Fund is contributing nearly $600,000, with the two local councils, Hastings and Central Hawke's Bay, putting in over $620,000.

Central Hawke's Bay District Council CEO Monique Davidson said the funding will improve visitors' experience at Te Paerahi Beach, both for locals and tourists.

"People are awakening to the fact that Central Hawke's Bay is a beautiful and secluded holiday destination, and this is evidenced by our growing visitor numbers and tourism spend," Davidson said.

"We warmly welcome visitors to share in our beautiful slice of paradise, but we are also mindful of the impact that tourism growth can have on our local residents.

"This funding will significantly improve the experience of tourism for both locals and visitors alike, which is a big win all round."

Tourism spend in Central Hawke's Bay leapt 15 per cent from January 2018 to January 2019.

In particular there has been a rise in numbers of visitors to freedom camping site at Te Paerahi.

The increase in tourism numbers has put pressure on the existing toilet facilities and resulted in regular water restrictions including bans on using non-essential water at the height of summer.

Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said improving the carparks at Maraetotara Falls and Clifton Beach will add to visitors' experiences.

"Managing tourism infrastructure is a big cost to meet the needs of our locals and visitors, and accessing this fund will help us enhance the experience and make it safer and more enjoyable for everyone."

General manager Tourism at MBIE Iain Cossar said tourism is a key part of Hawke's Bay's future prosperity.

"This latest investment will fund projects that will help improve critical tourism infrastructure, help communities to make the most out of tourism, and give international visitors and Kiwis a better experience.

"The New Zealand-Aotearoa Government Tourism Strategy sets out a number of priorities to make sure that tourism supports thriving and sustainable regions across New Zealand.

"This includes making sure the regions have the ability to provide critical infrastructure as well as working closely with communities and local government to shape what tourism can mean for them."

In the year to the end of May 2019 tourism bought $660 million into the Hawke's Bay economy.