Secluded campsites
The camp, adjacent to Lake Rotoiti, has sites tucked amongst kanuka/manuka forest. It is a 3 km drive or 30 minute walk, 2-3 km depending which way you go, from St Arnaud village and has a boat launching ramp nearby.
Adult |
$15/night |
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Child |
$7.50/night |
Infant |
FREE |
Welcome to New Zealand's most comprehensive database of freely available camping information. This is the only travel map of its kind in NZ.
This campsite is located lakeside in Nelson Lakes National Park. It is one of the two camping zones at West Bay Campsite. The campsite is open from mid-December until April each year.
The camping grounds at West Bay (Jetty and Buller) are beaut little sites on the western side of Lake Rotoiti. Open from December to April they offer lots of private little areas to choose from, nestled in shady groves. A boat ramp and playground are nearby with close access to a heap of walking tracks.
Closed In Winter! Open from mid December until March and over Easter.
West Bay Campsite - Buller zone is categorised as a DOC Standard Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing. Prices vary for some campsites and may include seasonal pricing. Visit the DOC website for exact pricing.
Standard campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services than Serviced campsites. These campsites have toilets, a water supply that could be treated or untreated tap water, or from a stream or lake, and vehicle or boat access. Bring your own soap for washing hands. Untreated water should be boiled before use to ensure it's safe. Wood BBQs and fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided; this will vary from site to site.
Feature | Value | Value |
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Unpowered Site | Adult | $10.00 to $15.00 per night |
Unpowered Site | Child | $5.00 to $7.50 per night |
Unpowered Site | Infant | $0.00 per night |
Adults are 18+ years, children are 5-17 years, infants are 0-4 years.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC Nelson/TasmanCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ St Arnaud |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
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Websites |
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Feature | Value | Info |
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Overnight Camping Site Cost |
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Overnight Camping Site CostWhat is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? Medium Cost Camping Standard facilities of powered sites and hot showers can be expected. Price is per person per night, based on a powered site for two people. |
Overnight Stay Rules |
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Overnight Stay RulesWhat are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? Camping and any vehicle You are permitted to stay overnight and camp (with a tent) or in any vehicle. |
Campsite Managing Organisation |
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Campsite Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this campsite? DOC Managed This campsite is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. |
Maximum Sites Available |
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Maximum Sites AvailableHow many camping or parking sites are available for staying overnight in? More than 20 sites There are more than twenty camping/parking sites available to stay overnight in. |
Water Supply |
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Water SupplyIs there fresh water available? Water supply available A supply of fresh water is available. |
Shower |
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ShowerIs there a shower at this location? Shower At least one shower is available (it's unknown if it's hot or cold). Cold showers only - refreshing! |
Dump Station |
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Dump StationDump stations allow the safe disposal of sewage and greywater from self-contained vehicles. Does this site have a dump station? No dump station This location has no dump stations for the disposal of waste water from recreational vehicles. Go to Kerr Bay for nearest dump station |
Booking Required |
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Booking RequiredIs it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? Booking is Required Staying overnight requires booking a site in advance. Open December to April. http://booking.doc.govt.nz/ |
Powered Sites |
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Powered SitesDoes this establishment have powered sites? No powered sites This campsite does not offer any powered sites with an electricity supply. |
Large Vehicle Access |
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Large Vehicle AccessCan large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? No large vehicles The site is not accessible for large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. Not suitable for vehicles longer than 7 m. |
Dogs |
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DogsDoes this establishment allow dogs? No dogs allowed The location does not allow dogs under normal conditions. Their may be be exceptions granted under specific circumstances eg. guide dogs. |
Vehicle Access |
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Vehicle AccessCan vehicles drive in? Vehicle accessible This location is accessible in a vehicle. |
DOC Campsite Category |
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DOC Campsite CategoryWhat category does this Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite fall into? DOC Standard Campsite Department of Conservation Standard Campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services. Toilets (usually composting or pit variety) water supply (tap, stream, or lake) and vehicle or boat access. Wood barbeques and fireplaces, showers (cold), picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided. Standard Campsites generally can not be booked. |
Toilet |
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ToiletIs there a toilet available? Public toilet There are toilet facilities available to the general public. |
✓ Beautiful and quiet
✓ Clean facilities
✓ Good access to trails
✓ Sheltered sites
✓ Great for the price
𐄂 Cold showers
𐄂 Sites close together
Nice campsite close to the lake.
Very nice little campsite.
Soooo many sandflies and bees.
Good value at $6 each.
Location: gorgeous.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 15 |
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38% |
9/10 | 16 |
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41% |
8/10 | 7 |
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18% |
7/10 | 0 |
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0% |
6/10 | 1 |
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3% |
5/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5.0/5
So beautiful and quiet.
Very good clean facilities including cold showers.
Reviewed 7 months ago
4.5/5
Nice campsite close to the lake.
Spots are pretty close together and no views but site is super clean and facilities are great (note: cold shower but has a hook so you can lift your bucket in case you heated water yourself).
Reviewed 7 months ago
5.0/5
Lovely little campsite.
Sheltered sites so feels private. East access to multiple trails. Good facilities. Clean toilets
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.5/5
Really liked this campsite, we were in Buller rather than the Jetty campsite, just a 100m further along the road.
$15 pppn, excellent clean toilets and shower (cold, we didn’t use but spotless inside). Weather was terrible when we were there so Buller was actually better than Jetty as we were a bit protected from the wind! Good cooking shelter if needed, happy with our stay for the price
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.5/5
Location: gorgeous.
Beautiful calm lake surrounded by beautiful mountains and bushes filled with singing birds. Eels in the lake are fun to feed. Only issue was the huge number of sand flies. The camping areas are all individual spaces surrounded by trees, so a good deal of privacy.
Facilities: clean toilets. Didn't use the showers (didn't need to), so am unsure what they were like. Indoor food prep / clean up area (simple counters, sinks, and picnic table), was clean and tidy, with a noticeboard with up to date printed information on the weather forecast for the next few days and other notices.
Cost: I think we paid $34 for two people. Book online through the Dept of Conservation. Volunteer staff do check your number plate to ensure you've paid.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
4.5/5
Great little campsite - water is potable which is really nice.
-1 for sandflies, but those really come with the territory no matter where you might stay at Nelson Lakes. Cost is $15 pp and you can book online.
Reviewed almost 4 years ago
5.0/5
Very nice little campsite.
Has lots of little “booths” to park in surrounded by trees so it feels nice and private. Clean flushing toilets and cold showers. Has a room for cooking(no equipment just work surface). There is no office as such, but a camp host is always on site. If you’re arriving early it’s best to go to the visitor centre and pay there where they give you the little slip to display that youve payed, if arriving late you’ll have to either find the camp host, or just park up somewhere and they’ll be round in the morning to collect fees. Was $26 for two of us in a van. Very close to lake with some nice walks.
Reviewed over 6 years ago
4.0/5
DOC-owned campsite with shelter, toilets and cold showers.
Beautiful, quiet location at the lake. Big sites in the trees. Start of tramping and walking tracks nearby. Price: 26 NZD for 2 persons with a campervan.
Reviewed almost 8 years ago
4.0/5
Easy access, beautiful location, very clean facilities, an amazing host.
Warm water would be a 10 out of 10.
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in February 2016
4.5/5
Great location if you're doing one of the National Park walks, really good for a $6 DOC site, clean toilets and cold showers.
Nice spot right on the river. Very friendly staff.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
4.0/5
Good value at $6 each.
Didn't use cold showers. Remember to get token from info point. Flush toilets a plus. Big group of kids partying well past 11pm curfew but warden suggested we move in anticipation of trouble and we slept without a problem. Sandflies a pain. They attack you all the time including the toilet so spray essential. Couldn't face a 2nd night of them so moved on.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
3.0/5
Wonderful location, heaps of things to do around Nelson Lakes.
Camp ground is spacious with plenty of good sites to choose from. Sand flies are a real hassle but you can stock up on insect repellent at the Parks' shop. Showers nice and clean but only cold water.
Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in January 2015
5.0/5
So beautiful and quiet.
Very good clean facilities including cold showers.
Reviewed 7 months ago
4.5/5
Nice campsite close to the lake.
Spots are pretty close together and no views but site is super clean and facilities are great (note: cold shower but has a hook so you can lift your bucket in case you heated water yourself).
Reviewed 7 months ago
5.0/5
Lovely little campsite.
Sheltered sites so feels private. East access to multiple trails. Good facilities. Clean toilets
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.5/5
Really liked this campsite, we were in Buller rather than the Jetty campsite, just a 100m further along the road.
$15 pppn, excellent clean toilets and shower (cold, we didn’t use but spotless inside). Weather was terrible when we were there so Buller was actually better than Jetty as we were a bit protected from the wind! Good cooking shelter if needed, happy with our stay for the price
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.5/5
Location: gorgeous.
Beautiful calm lake surrounded by beautiful mountains and bushes filled with singing birds. Eels in the lake are fun to feed. Only issue was the huge number of sand flies. The camping areas are all individual spaces surrounded by trees, so a good deal of privacy.
Facilities: clean toilets. Didn't use the showers (didn't need to), so am unsure what they were like. Indoor food prep / clean up area (simple counters, sinks, and picnic table), was clean and tidy, with a noticeboard with up to date printed information on the weather forecast for the next few days and other notices.
Cost: I think we paid $34 for two people. Book online through the Dept of Conservation. Volunteer staff do check your number plate to ensure you've paid.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
4.5/5
Great little campsite - water is potable which is really nice.
-1 for sandflies, but those really come with the territory no matter where you might stay at Nelson Lakes. Cost is $15 pp and you can book online.
Reviewed almost 4 years ago
5.0/5
Very nice little campsite.
Has lots of little “booths” to park in surrounded by trees so it feels nice and private. Clean flushing toilets and cold showers. Has a room for cooking(no equipment just work surface). There is no office as such, but a camp host is always on site. If you’re arriving early it’s best to go to the visitor centre and pay there where they give you the little slip to display that youve payed, if arriving late you’ll have to either find the camp host, or just park up somewhere and they’ll be round in the morning to collect fees. Was $26 for two of us in a van. Very close to lake with some nice walks.
Reviewed over 6 years ago
4.0/5
DOC-owned campsite with shelter, toilets and cold showers.
Beautiful, quiet location at the lake. Big sites in the trees. Start of tramping and walking tracks nearby. Price: 26 NZD for 2 persons with a campervan.
Reviewed almost 8 years ago
4.0/5
Easy access, beautiful location, very clean facilities, an amazing host.
Warm water would be a 10 out of 10.
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in February 2016
4.5/5
Great location if you're doing one of the National Park walks, really good for a $6 DOC site, clean toilets and cold showers.
Nice spot right on the river. Very friendly staff.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
4.0/5
Good value at $6 each.
Didn't use cold showers. Remember to get token from info point. Flush toilets a plus. Big group of kids partying well past 11pm curfew but warden suggested we move in anticipation of trouble and we slept without a problem. Sandflies a pain. They attack you all the time including the toilet so spray essential. Couldn't face a 2nd night of them so moved on.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
4.5/5
This is a very good DOC site.
Unlike other DOC sites, here payment is made at the DOC information centre that's in St Arnaud, so don't bother coming to the camping ground until you've visited the information centre. It's $6 per person per night for an unpowered site, which gives you drinking water, clean flush toilets, clean cold showers and a shelter for cooking and washing up. Each tent pitch is set amongst trees so you end up with an individual pitch. Sandflies were fine, but possibly because it was very windy. The ground was rock hard and very dusty. We struggled a bit to pitch the tent, once it was up it quickly became filthy, but there's not a lot that anyone could do to solve that issue. It's 30 seconds walk to the lake and about 20 minutes walk into St Arnaud.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
4.5/5
Really nice setting with the campsites separated by kanuka forest.
Lovely clean facilities, too bad about the cold showers. In our opinion this is a much better campsite than Kerr Bay and it is a real pity that it is open only during the summer months.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in April 2015
4.5/5
Soooo many sandflies and bees.
No heating plates in the kitchen. Very, very, very nice customer service, cheap and free showers.
Reviewed over 9 years ago
4.0/5
Very friendly uncomplicated camp supervisor.
Beautiful location, insects are the worst! $6 per person.
Reviewed over 9 years ago
3.0/5
Wonderful location, heaps of things to do around Nelson Lakes.
Camp ground is spacious with plenty of good sites to choose from. Sand flies are a real hassle but you can stock up on insect repellent at the Parks' shop. Showers nice and clean but only cold water.
Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in January 2015
5.0/5
$6, cold showers, drinking water, awesome kitchen, nice location oh and flush toilets!
Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in March 2014
5.0/5
The best DOC campground I have seen so far.
Awesome cooking shelter, showers and flush toilets plus super location.
Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in March 2014
5.0/5
$6 for cold showers, cooking room and drinkable water and flushing toilets.
Super nice campground!
Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in April 2014
5.0/5
Clean and with cold showers and kitchen facilities.
6$/p for a unpowered site fair price. Next to the lake and some nice walking treks. You have to book and pay your place at doc office in St Arnaud.
Reviewed almost 10 years ago
5.0/5
This campground is $6 worth, it is clean, cold showers, water and facilities where you can sit inside - really great and highly recommend.
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in March 2014
5.0/5
$6 paid and you get a cold shower and a cooking area.
Carpark is big and everyone got their own spaces.
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in March 2014
4.0/5
$6 per person, warm showers $1, nice location, not too many sandflies, great views, friendly staff.
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014
4.5/5
Unpowered $6 per person, warm shower, $1 per person.
Washing machine, dryer available, also powered sites, very scenic, late checkin possible.
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014
5.0/5
Beautiful eating room, toilets and showers.
At $6, excellent value.
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in February 2013
4.5/5
A very good campsite, we had a shelter, showers (cold) and a good location by the lake.
Only for $6 per person.
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014
4.5/5
Beautiful view over Lake Rotoiti, good sites, friendly hosts - they looked after our campervan for free when we were on a track, good toilet and kitchen.
Reviewed over 10 years ago