Hans Bay
Lake Kaniere Campsite
23 Rankers Reviews
4 Face-to-Face
3 Hokitika
Accommodation
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The Hans Bay Camping Ground is a large grassy campsite on the shores of Lake Kaniere. A good place for a day out on the water, there are picnic tables, recycling facilities and a boat ramp.
A good place for fishing.
Notices
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Boil water prior to use
Water from the tap must be boiled for 3 minutes prior to use.
First published on 9 March 2022. Last reviewed on 17 May 2022.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
Central government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika |
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Categories |
Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 23.
AMR
Ranking: 10/10
Perfect spot beside the perfect lake. Overly friendly weka and sandflies but loved this spot
Jax
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful place and the weather wasn’t even the greatest but what an awesome set up and area for camping will certainly be back again and hopefully see some sunshine on our next visit
K&KRahimi
Ranking: 9/10
A great, quiet spot. With a killer view.
andrew
Ranking: 1/10
way to crowded and noisy
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Jae-Marie Edwards
Ranking: 10/10
We arrived in Hokitika late afternoon and wanted to stay in the area to do the Gorge walk the next day. We found Lake Kaniere and loved how much space there was! There is no camping on the foreshore but where you can camp there are bins and tables. In the morning we drove our camper down to the foreshore to have breakfast. The mist on the lake and the snow capped mountains made for a wonderful backdrop. Some friendly ducks there as well.
Raphaele
Ranking: 10/10
Very spacious, secluded camping ground. Only three other vehicles were there with us but because of the smart layout of the place it really felt like we were the only ones there. The toilets are located by the lake and are very clean, flush, and are equipped with soap and light. The views are stunning both from the camping area and the lake. Picnic tables in camping area and by the lake.
Matt
Ranking: 9/10
Great place, so quiet and peaceful, we were the only ones there at the time so had whole place to ourselves.
The toilets were great, a bit of a walk from the camper site but no problem.
During summer I’d imagine it’s busy, but in April was super quiet
Stephen Lindsay
Ranking: 8/10
Beautiful spot looking over the lake. Quiet in April. A few sand flies and watch out for the cheeky Wekas stealing your food from your plate.
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Luis Vigil Vidal
Ranking: 9/10
Nice and lovely place. Super calm area to stay. Nice views to the lake, star gazing at night and lots of spaces. Flush clean toilets. A bit of sandflies but ok. Totally recommend it!!
Pascale Delos
Ranking: 8/10
Beautiful spot for one or more nights at the Lake.
However...this was my first night in a DOC camping site, and I was disappointed.
A party of six or twelve people wouldn’t stop talking and laughing...until midnight probably.
Even though I asked them twice to lower their volume.
Disappointing yes, as any other camping ground has noise rules, 10.30pm to 7.30am, where I am tonight in Hanmer Springs.
The non respect of others also showed into motored toys like water skying, jet skying, etc... until 9.30pm.
What a shame..
I think it is time DOC does some publicity for peace and quiet. And remind people to enjoy nature, have a game of cards (as did my 2 young female neighbours), walk, play, etc..instead of bringing noise and pollution to preserved areas.Thanks for reading me
Pascale
Jarod
Ranking: 8/10
Fantastic view over lake. A bit further back from the water unfortunately (other side of the road). Need to walk down path to get to flush toilets but they were in good condition.
Katrina
Ranking: 10/10
At only $8pp, the facilities, views and vibes here are a bargain. Better scenery and facilities than some of the $15 'scenic' DOC camps. We stayed here on Xmas Eve and the place was relatively full, but we still found space. The toilets were kept clean, recycling facilities and bins throughout and the lake provided a crisp early-evening bath. Lake is gorgeous, perfect for skimming rocks at sunset. Bring your kayak or go for a swim....watch out for a nippy eel by the boat-ramp area of the beach. Community group rocked up on the back of a pickup truck singing xmas carols and spreading good vibes.
The unsealed road to Dorothy Falls is only 5-10min by car, but was not an option for our large, rented, 2wd camper. Managed to walk to Dorothy Falls early on Xmas morning. 1hr walk to falls + 10min more to the lakeside. After rock skimming and swimming, return the same way for a leisurely 3hr round trip by foot. Walk early to avoid traffic on the road.
Rob & Colleen Elwood
Ranking: 9/10
Hans Bay is a very nice DOC camping area with several flattish areas on which to park or pitch a tent. There are flush toilets and a water supply .. but we only found one water supply tap. The camping area is on the left hand side of the road shown in the photograph with a fairly steep sealed drive up from the road. We scraped the back end of the caravan going up the slope .. a longer caravan could find it a problem. Well worth a visit. I suspect the camp is very busy in the summer holidays.
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
