Last year, up to 10 campervans a day were parking at the Royal Albatross Centre car park and leaving behind an unwelcome trail of soiled toilet paper and other waste.
Manager Mark Jurisich said this week the number of freedom campers using the large car park at the Taiaroa Head had dramatically reduced - along with their unwelcome leftovers.
"I have been pleasantly surprised at the few freedom campers I have seen parked up in the car park.
"Last year, I used to wander the car park with a supermarket shopping bag to collect left-over toilet paper, and I haven't had to do it once this year at all."
The mess left by campers was more visual pollution than a danger to the wildlife, he said.
"It leaves a bad impression and that is sad, so we don't take that risk."
It would be counterproductive to have rubbish bins in the area, as it would not be cost effective for rubbish trucks to collect the waste, Mr Jurisich said.
While people in campervans were still visiting the attraction, it appeared they were staying in designated spots which had toilet facilities.
"I believe the message is sinking through."
That message was supported by the Dunedin City Council, which had produced brochures, updated websites and signs in an effort to curb problems associated with freedom camping in the city, including the Otago Peninsula.
"It was quite a problem out there at the albatross centre," council business development adviser (visitor industry) Sophie Barker said.
Only those with self-contained campervans could stay on public land and at council car parks for two consecutive nights, but only if there were no more than two campervans in a 50m radius, and the vehicle was legally parked.
Camping was not permitted on public land, with all camping prohibited at Taiaroa Head, including Pilots Beach. Ms Barker said anyone concerned about freedom campers should contact the council.
