The Christchurch City Council will temporarily close all five of its freedom camping sites across Canterbury.
The decision has been reached following months of recent tension between residents and campers, with problems over littering, partying and even cases of human faeces being found at some sites.
The council's camping site at French Farm will close immediately, after a report came back showing contamination of the beach. Four other sites, including Wainui, Addington Park Car park, Lower Styx River and Windsport Park will be shut down next Wednesday.
Council CEO Karleen Edwards says there are a number of issues that have made the sites unsafe for people and local environments. She says the health and wellbeing of residents and freedom campers is important, so it makes sense to close the sites temporarily.
The council will review the closures in May.
