Wānaka freedom camping under investigation after New Year party

An unauthorized New Year’s Eve event has led to a significant number of freedom campers gathering in the Wānaka area, with groups of 50 to 100 people camping on the Newcastle Track. The Department of Conservation (DoC) is investigating the situation, believing the event was unconsented. Upon being notified, DoC staff were dispatched to assess the gathering and requested that the campers leave the area.

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