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JOHN BISSET / Stuff
Young people camping at Loch Laird below Benmore Dam. (File photo)
Police are warning Otago tourists to prepare for heavy rains in the coming days.
Campers throughout the region should remain vigilant with the forecast for major rains from Friday to Sunday.
“We know that Otago is a popular vacation destination, especially during the summer months and vacations,” said a police spokeswoman.
“The areas of Central Otago, Waitaki and the Otago Coast often see an influx of tourists during the New Year holidays, particularly at popular camping spots.”
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Campers and homeless people should consider that rivers and streams could rise, the spokeswoman said.
“We want people to be prepared before they go camping, so they don’t end up trapped by rising waters.
“Make sure you choose a place that you can easily get out of if the waterways start to rise quickly.
“Tell someone where you are going and how long and take the right equipment, clothes and food with you.”
MetService meteorologist Peter Little was expected to rain heavier on Saturday.
“It looks like there is going to be unstable weather in some parts of the South Island, particularly Otago, which suffers from flooding more easily … it’s definitely prudent advice from the police.”
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Camping is proving popular with Kiwis as they travel locally due to Covid-19.
Land Information New Zealand’s land and property manager April Hussey said that since mid-October, around 12,000 vehicles had passed through Linz’s four popular Central Otago lakefront campgrounds: Lowburn, Bendigo, Jacksons Inlet and Champagne. Gully.
Last season, between October 2019 and April 2020, around 60,000 vehicles passed through the sites.
The number of visitors is slightly lower than last year due to a drop in international visitors. However, there has been a small increase at Camp Jacksons Inlet.
“We are happy that the Kiwis are coming to enjoy these great camping spots, as a rest stop or just to enjoy the view and use them responsibly.
“If the last few months are anything to go by, we expect our sites to be busy during the summer break as more Kiwis continue to explore their own backyard due to Covid-19 restricting travel abroad.”
Linz has people on the ground who verify that visitors are using the provided containers, not lighting fires or exceeding the maximum overnight stay.
