White Horse Hill Campground
Hooker Valley - Aoraki/Mount / Mt Cook
Reviews
Hannah
Ranking: 9/10
Really nice doc camp, unfortunately theres no lights in the dining/kitchen room so bring a lantern if you plan to use that area. Other than that it is well maintained and clean with good facilities, awesome walks and incredible views. $15 per night so not bad for the facilities and location
Jenny
Ranking: 8/10
Good views of the mountains and the campground is right at the start of the Hooker Valley walk. Good toilets with lights at night.
Paige
Ranking: 9/10
Awesome place! Stay here for awesome walks just very cold!! Toilets are okay - been to better Doc with better toilets
Alice
Ranking: 8/10
A good spot to stay if you're wanting to do walks in the area. Kitchen/cooking area was spacious, toilets were fine, no showers. Landscape is stunning and the walks are great!
Becci
Ranking: 10/10
Absolutely fantastic site, big kitchen shelter with tables for stormy days and plenty of toilets all flushing ones in use in the summertime. Close to the walks and a walk into the village if you want to or a very short drive.
Jim H
Ranking: 10/10
The best place close to mount cook, there are plenty of public toilets and water tanks to wash.
Jo
Ranking: 9/10
Beautiful campsite at the foot of the mountains. Grassy and gravel spots to park up or pitch a tent. A few picnic tables scattered about. A large shelter, bins, flushing toilets and sinks. No showers at campsite and toilets not very clean. Drinking water available from outside tap. A very confident family of Paradise ducks live here too!
Erna
Ranking: 8/10
Great spot, close to alot of the walks I wanted to do. Plenty of parking and tables available. Clean toilet facilities, the one we parked close to was unfortunately shut due to the winter period but there were other toilets close. Lots of wildlife (rabbits and birds), was sad not to see any Kea but i guess we were unlucky!
There is a registration area, only accepts cash and a DOC officer comes through in the morning to do eftpos if you didn't have cash (about 8:30ish he passed through). Would visit again!
Mel
Ranking: 9/10
Great campsite surrounded by breathtaking views to wake up to.
Treated water was nice to have, and the cooking shelter was lovely for the cold evenings.
Toilets are clean and flushable which was a nice change.
Diana Rainbow
Ranking: 10/10
The views & easy access to the fabulous Hooker Valley were exceptional....Plenty of room to find a nice space & great amenities!
FABULOUS!!!!!!!
Tash and Liam
Ranking: 10/10
Stunning backdrop right at the base of Hookers Track and the ice mountains are wonderful! Just need to self register either on the DOC website or have cash to drop into the box.
Ben
Ranking: 10/10
Best place to stay right next to Mount Cook
Antoine
Ranking: 8/10
Beautiful location. We could hear the lease at night. Clean toilet. Showers available at the main village which is 5 min drive away. No dump station until twizel. But love the place. It's magical. Has storm shelter for rainy days with sinks and tables.
Jim Henderson
Ranking: 10/10
Very remote location-Loved it! Much more from this DOC campground than we expected. Cold, filtered water is available for washing and drinking. Long drops were clean. Large, communal area to gather. Very nice lodge about 2 km away with all the amenities you need. Showers here (pay) but we left before we were able to review. Great drive to get here- stop at Peter's lookout at the head of the lake for fantastic views of Mt. Cook. We had a clear, cloud free day and the views were stunning. Hope you do too!
Edward
Ranking: 9/10
Nice DoC facility
Indoor dining tables with sinks for dishes
Campsite can be very windy, as is the mountain
Monkeyalan
Ranking: 8/10
Beautiful location and reasonable price to stay close to Mt Cook. The camp site can be exposed to winds funneled through the valley (at certain times of the year) so choose your spot wisely. Amenity block had some leaks but was a nice addition. Picnic benches were available and a newish toilet block serviced the sites furthest from the amenity block. Water is potable/treated. Make sure you pay, the DOC ranger frequents which is good. $15 per adult per night.
Linda
Ranking: 8/10
Price:$15,00 for one night p.p
Location: fantastic view
Insects: no
Wc’s: clean
Douche: noIt’s busy so be there on time. It's great to make a walk and enjoy the wonderful nature!
Robert Adler
Ranking: 10/10
This was a great DOC campsite - the space is very open and you can't beat the views. Plus, the toilet facilities are very good and plentiful. I had no problem spending $15 per person for this site.
Thangs
Ranking: 9/10
We stayed on a good day when we could see the mountains surrounding us - this was fantastic. It is a popular and crowded site given that there aren’t many sites at Mt Cook itself. There are toilets but no showers. A shelter too. Next to the Hooker Valley Track.
A&S
Ranking: 10/10
Absolutely loved this place. Was perfect for self contained vehicles and those who pitched their tents. Great flushing toilets and a shelter to chill (keep warm) in. Friendly ducks and rabbits roaming around, and awesome trails to walk. Don’t forget to sign in and pay, as the DOC workers do the rounds. A&S
Howie
Ranking: 8/10
Good crowded in March -the weather was fine- many tents, so there were some ques at the toilets. Good location for hiking. Kitchen is tidy, but no hot water or electricity.
Daniel
Ranking: 9/10
Awesome views! DOC site so you will need cash. Paid $30 for 2. There is a shower at the nearby village that is $2 for 3 minutes of hot water. There is a restaurant there as well which is not too bad. The site fills up heaps during the day but most are busy there to hike and not use the campsite. Has basic facilities. Worth staying at for the great views of the snow capped mountains
Sandra Forstner
Ranking: 8/10
Directly at the starting point of the trails. Simple with toilets (clean) and kitchen/sitting area (only sinks, no stove, water is drinkable). Crowded when weather is fine. Parked first at the parking area and moved the van to campground area around 6:00 pm, still lot of space (but weather forecast was not good for the following days)
Amy
Ranking: 6/10
Yes, the site is beautiful and close to all the main tracks, but it also means that it is EXTREMELY crowded (>100 Campervans, >50 tents). It’s basically a big parking lot with some humpy grass with many stones in the middle and around. Toilets are relatively clean, but there can be a wait. It felt a bit like a festival, including the music, musquitos and crowds.
In daytime there are many ducks walking around the airing for you to feed them (please dont), at night Kea’s are present. Although beautiful to see, they make a lot of noise throughout the whole night and they are quite aggressive (poked a hole in our tent, although we didn’t have food in it).
Drinking water available. In case of good weather you’re able to see the stars at night :)
In conclusion, an ok spot for a night to access the hikes, but expect crowds. Best time to arrive is probably the end of the morning, when campervans are leaving.
Baptiste
Ranking: 5/10
RATING FOR TENTS!!!
I strongly advise you to not sleep there with a tent, especially a good light (and expensive) tent like a MSR... lots of Kea parrots in the evening (which is cool at first), crazy wind then the kea start stopping on the top of your tent and destroy the outer layer... huge hole in mine and I saw others with the same result.
Sabine
Ranking: 8/10
Clean toilets without light. Nice view. Area is o.k .
Better you stay on the lake on a free campsite and drive early in the morning for a walk to the parking area before the campsite.
Suki O'Dea
Ranking: 10/10
We stayed 2 nights and loved this campsite. It is very busy and was totally full by 5pm, but don't stress if you arrive late, because there's heaps of overflow parking/camping in the Day Carpark. It's dusty and there's a few sandflies, but the views are spectacular and the walks delightful. Potable water, flushable toilets and use of the benches and sinks in the Day Use shelter. We enjoyed the wild rabbits and ducks and loved the antics when the flock of Kea came through in the evening.
Angela
Ranking: 10/10
$15 per person and just by the hooker valley trail and in close proximity to many trails in the area. Shelter with cooking space available and clean toilets. Excellent view to Mt Cook in the evening
Tea
Ranking: 10/10
Great place to stay with good, well maintained facilities. Lots of space for camper vans and tents. We had plenty of room, as it wasn't yet peak high season. Offers great access to Hooker valley track.
Katie
Ranking: 9/10
Crowded, but absolutely beautiful! All water there is drinkable and toilets were clean. Amazing place to stargaze on a clear night. (If you are coming for the stars, check the moonrise/set times and plan around those!)
Katy Russell
Ranking: 10/10
Stunning views. Hooker Valley track starts here too. A good 2.5/3 hour walk with great photo opportunities. Campsite has flushing toilets and drinkable water. Hot water showers down the road was not working this visit. You stay at this site for the fantastic views and walks.
Sue W
Ranking: 8/10
Beautiful scenic location with lots of walks from the campsite. Very variable weather - sleet and then a lovely sunny eve. Wrap up warm.
Toilets were ok.
Robert Killey
Ranking: 10/10
I arrived at about 10:30pm to find plenty of choices to park the campervan. Waking the next morning with a view of the snow capoed mountains was awesome!
At about 9:30 when I set off to do the Hooker Valley Track there was still quite a few parking spots. When I got back at about 1:30pm it was a sea of cars and buses. It was literally over flowing with vehicles parked on the side of the road leading in to Whitehorse.
My advice. If the weather's going to be good the next day, get there late the evening before or VERY early that morning.
Facilities are great for the location and you can't beat $15/person for views of the mountains.
Corryn Smith
Ranking: 10/10
Lots of room in November. Nice picnic tables, toilets, and sink with fresh water. Free with DOC campervan pass.
A&E
Ranking: 10/10
YOU MUST GO HERE! Incredible star gazing if you get a clear night and the views are amazing. Toilets are basic and the shelter is very simple. Don’t forget to sign in and put your money in the slip. A&E
Adam
Ranking: 9/10
Beautiful spot with lots of walks and an amazing view. We unfortunately managed to stay during 130km/hr winds which made for an interesting nights sleep, but facilities and space were great. Good price being doc as well.
Kellen Richter
Ranking: 8/10
Basic facility, only toliets. They were very clean and nice. Had drinking water but not for filling up your campervan. Great spot if you want to do some hikes in the area. Also the only campervan spot near mount cook and tons of no camping signa everywhere else. $15/per person, per night. Cash is easier, however you could pay with card when the rangers did their check.
Andrew Hammond
Ranking: 9/10
Simple campground in a stunning location that puts you in the ideal location to do some of the amazing walks in the area. The scenery you wake up to is worth the $13 per person all on its own.
Chieco Family
Ranking: 10/10
Great location. Easy access to walks. Fantastic flushable toilets. Drinking water available. A large indoor sheltered area with seats. Plenty of bins for mixed and recycle. Cute rabbits hoping around. Awesome view of glacier as we eat from our camper van. We experienced four seasons in one day, rain, sleet, snow and then sunshine! Layer up:-)
ScoutnIndi
Ranking: 9/10
We visited in winter and there were quite a few people here.This was one of our fancy campsites. It is a lovely campground with stunning views, and lots of walks around starting from the campsite. There is a large shelter, with bathrooms and flushing toilets. The view of Mt Cook, the surrounding mountains and the valley is stunning. The walk to Tasman Glacier consists of 336 steps (not little ones), but results in very pretty and impressive views.
Richard Clapton
Ranking: 6/10
Plenty of walks in the area but the main ones are closed in winter.
The flush toilets and drinking water don't work in winter either which is a bit annoying since you pay the same price in summer but get more facilities.
Included in the DOC campsite pass.
TP&MM
Ranking: 8/10
Fantastic location looking up at the glacier. No problem finding a space at this time of year (March). Flush toilets were fine. Perfect location for start of hikes.
KyleV
Ranking: 10/10
Everyone parks in the area on the right. It’s massively crowded and on a slope. Just camp in the day parking. It flat, no one there and the rangers don’t mind as long as you pay your fee, or free with DOC pass.
Tash & Laura
Ranking: 8/10
Essentially a car park and not great deal of space between each van
But facilities are clean, new and well maintained - water and sinks inside and new toilets (toilet paper but no soap) and did get quite busy between campsite and walkers.
Excellent location to start all of the walks there.
Overall really great location but given no showers/soap/small spaces felt more in line with the 8$ campsites
Marie van Tol
Ranking: 8/10
Fantastic location, great start for hikes, marvelous views. Toilets are basic, but clean. The only y downsides are: no warm water (but that we knew) and it gets very busy. This gives rise to a bit of a stressful atmosphere where you feel you can't leave your spot to go for a drive because then your site will be gone. It would help if the campers with tent would be directed to the many sites available a bit futher from the camper sites.
QueeenBeee
Ranking: 8/10
One of the most crowded places we have experience throughout our trip, so dont arrive too late. All in all its super nice, for $13 pp, you get basic toilets, drinkable water and incredible views!
Marty
Ranking: 4/10
Very very crowded place. Need to be there early, to get a comfortable spot.
Heather Abbott
Ranking: 9/10
Great location in Mt cook national Park. Many walks right outside your doorstep. Gets pretty busy by the evening, we arrived around 2pm on a summer Saturday and had plenty of options for our campervan. Gets more filled in by 6-8pm but stays pretty quiet. Flush toilets and clean sinks for water, dishes, etc. Great spot to take some twilight walks for star gazing or listening to avalanches.
André
Ranking: 6/10
I am travelling alone in a campervan. Charge is 13 NZD. Very crowded and toilettes were not clean. The view is perfect and you can start early. But I would not stay again. The "kitchen" is only a shelter with sinks.
Francois & Caroline
Ranking: 9/10
Amazing location in the middle of the nature.
Very nice walks from the campground.
Samantha H.
Ranking: 8/10
Need to get there early. Toilets ok. Big carpark really.
Suzanne Rosolen
Ranking: 9/10
Amazing location. Beautifully surrounded by mountains, and right at the start of the Hooker Valley walk. Flushing toilets were generally clean.
Anwang
Ranking: 10/10
Fantastic views of the mountains. Toilets are good. Kitchen area is large, there's no warm water to do dishes, so boil your own kettle.
The hooker valley track gets busy from late afternoon onwards, so get on your feet early to have the track to yourself!
Rebecca Rodeghiero
Ranking: 10/10
Best campsite I’ve ever stayed at. Absolutely beautiful views and 3 pristine walking tracks right off the campsite. Potable water, flush toilets, nice sinks, and the doc for Mount Cook national park is really close by as well and so interesting! We came at 7pm and still found a spot.
Marieke
Ranking: 9/10
Perfect location for tramping around mount cook. Campsite is basic, only toilets and shelter. But view is awesome!
We paid $26 for unpowered site, 2 persons.
Jordan & Jazlyn
Ranking: 7/10
Very very busy, get in quick before it’s full and people park sideways in the designated bays. Very nice place to view the stars.
Toilets and dishwashing kitchen, no showers.
R James
Ranking: 10/10
One of the best camping sites in the areas with fantastic views to wake up to in the morning
Jonas R.
Ranking: 9/10
Excellent views and many different beautiful walks. Did enjoy the hooker Valley wall which takes about 3 hours return and offeres views of glacier lakes with ice on them. Kea point walk was also nice. Do go here for the walks! Facilities were good, the price is not cheap since it is a scenic doc site. Paid 13 for non-powered site per person.
Shay Klimo
Ranking: 10/10
We loved this spot! Easy access to drinking water, toilets, great hikes and stunning scenery. You can wake up to a view of the mountains around you. There are adorable resident geese that like to explore during the day and lots of picnic tables scattered throughout. There’s a shelter with basic tables and sinks but not much else, however for the price and location it’s well worth the drive.
Grizzly Girl
Ranking: 10/10
Great DOC site with flush toilets and a sheltered area to cook in. The views sell it. You can park anywhere in the trailhead parking lot so if you are not keen to pack in with the other campers just wait for the day trippers to leave and have a whole quiet lot with awesome views all to yourself!
Holly Bartholomew
Ranking: 10/10
Lots of camp spots but all quite open so not a lot of privacy. But not too many other campervans there when we went (September) so was not an issue.
Stunning view of snow capped Mount Cook from our camp spot. Easy access to Hooker Valley Track which is a must do!
Only complaint was the toilets were filthy and most of them still were closed for winter which was a bit annoying.
Sharon
Ranking: 9/10
This site is wonderful. We set up in an isolated parking area and had peace and quiet all night.... except for the sounds of nature LOVED IT! Very cold this time of year so rug up. We didn't do any exploring but heard the tracks are beautiful. No lights in toilets, which were OK considering the amount of people, so we used our headlamps. Snow capped mountains to greet me in the morning but if you're hoping for a sunrise picture it's in the other direction and comes later in the valleys ☺ so if you're on a schedule plan well and find a scenic spot. We were happy to pay the small fee for being allowed to stop overnight. It goes towards upkeep and if we don’t sites like this could close before my friends and family can visit.
Eddie
Ranking: 8/10
Beautiful site surrounded by snow capped mountains. Plenty of spaces to choose from. Toilet and kitchen relies on the sky light so you will need a torch at night.
Charlesbrooksphotographer
Ranking: 10/10
Busy even on the coldest nights of may, but stunning setting surrounded by massive mountains, and the trek is splendid.
Eversons
Ranking: 10/10
A DOC campsite that you pay in a box. They come and check every evening. Beautiful views and fantastic walks from the site. Flush toilets and big kitchen. No problem finding room for large campervan but it was very popular, so don’t arrive too late!
Vanessa
Ranking: 9/10
Very popular site. Be sure to arrive with time to find a spot. $13 per adult overnight and toilets were clean. DOC will come around to collect fees if you haven't placed in honesty box. Some spots have grassed areas which is nice
Elizabeth Gilbert
Ranking: 10/10
Stellar experience for backpacking tent. Fine clean facility, great water, priceless views, privacy & lots of space, quiet.
Kat
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful camping side! 13$ pp with awesome view. Clean toilets, sinks for dish washing, shelter for cooking and eating (perfect on rainy or cold days). Showers in town just a short drive away (2$ for 5 min hot or free cold). Hooker Valley Track starts here.
Alyson Reid
Ranking: 9/10
Unbelievable views. A must-visit campsite for all! On windy evenings this place is a wind tunnel. Place your tents carefully.
Katrina
Ranking: 10/10
My absolute favourite place in New Zealand to sleep. Visited Jan 2018 on a beautiful clear night with full moon visible above the peak of mt cook. Next day, sunny and hot with snowy peaks and no wind. Also stayed here in Feb 2016 during 100kph wind and heavy rain...loved it just as much. Epic views and atmosphere no matter what the weather. Access to great tracks. Basic facilities - better to shower in self-contained than contend with the lines for the paid showers at the village. Nearest dump site and fresh water is Twizel, so go prepared. Sometimes the toilets get thrashed when it's busy...but if you are self contained the views alone are worth $13pp.
Claire Carpenter
Ranking: 10/10
Amazing location, clean toilets, excellent walks.
Paul and Paula
Ranking: 10/10
We arrived mid Nov to clear blue skies and 25 degrees the site was really busy but plenty of space to park up. Fees payable but our DOC pass covered us. Superb location and basic facilities but well kept by DOC staff - 10 out of 10 all the way but the weather helped. A great walk up Hooker Valley track to see Mt Cook in all her glory.
Michael Talbot
Ranking: 10/10
Wow! Amazing site at the base of the huge intimidating snow covered Mount Cook. Great walks, great facilities with a fully enclosed communal shelter for cooking etc. which was great to get away from the wind and cold. The sheer beauty of this place can never be put into words, with its snow capped peaks and glacier with icebergs, am I dreaming? it's not to be missed when in the South Island. Possibly my favourite place in NZ!!
James Baker
Ranking: 9/10
One of the best DOC sites I stayed at. Right next to the start of the hooker valley track and so quiet of a night.
Avoid Camping Fines!
Each camping location is approved by a regional council in NZ. So if it shows on the map, you’re allowed to stay.
The Rankers Camping NZ app, is also in association with…
Anthony Brooker
Ranking: 9/10
NOT CLOSED as of 17th August.
Such a great DOC site with basic facilities. The walks are second to none. Could easily spend 3 days here exploring. Toilets, water and grey dump. What’s not to love?
Chloe Watson
Ranking: 9/10
Great place to stay. Nice clean toilets. Beautiful views. Quiet at night and right next to the entrance for the beautiful Hooker Valley track.
Alex Umbers
Ranking: 10/10
Our favourite campsite on the South Island. Very reasonable fee for outstanding views. The campsite is central to all walks within the area.
Only downside is the valley can get very windy, in which some areas of the site away from the tree line are quite exposed.
Katherine Sanchez
Ranking: 10/10
Incredible location settled around mountains. Enclosed seating/dining area to help keep out the cold. Facilities were clean. Really friendly staff who gave awesome advice on good tracks to take.
Stayed one night in early June and woke up to snow! Walked the Kea Point track to see the blue glacial waters. Definitely one of the most beautiful spots we camped at!
Chris Nugent
Ranking: 10/10
Best site to get as close as possible to Mt Cook. Good facilities, decent price. Absolutely beautiful location to rest at. Highly recommended.
Lotta Vuorjoki
Ranking: 9/10
Lots of space even with many campers, clean toilets and a beautiful spot! The campground is windy so cooking outside the car was a bit difficult.
Addison Brown
Ranking: 9/10
For the smallest fee, an absolutely outstanding campsite.
Alison Harway
Ranking: 8/10
You can't beat the campground for location--walking distance to many hiking trails in the Mount Cook area. There are toilets and a kitchen prep/clean up area. We did hike back to Mount Cook Village and had a nice dinner.
Marc Lambert
Ranking: 8/10
Limited flat camping space although a must do if in Mt Cook as access to tracks and the views are spectacular! Has cooking and good toilet facilities.
Nancy Grossman
Ranking: 9/10
First impression was not great, as it is basically a large gravel parking lot, but we're glad we stayed. The views are incredible - surrounded by mountains. There are great walks from the campsite as well. During our stay it was surprisingly quiet - very polite campers all around us. Would highly recommend staying here.
Jason Perks
Ranking: 8/10
This place is great. Would have given it a 10 but the facilities are weak but that's to be expected. Also there is diesel fuel at the lodge if needed.
Spot - nice spot kinda open to take, no power.
Toilets/showers - toilets are not great but they get the job done. No showers.
Kitchen - very basic.
Staff - very friendly.
Wifi - n/a
View - tough to get better views, you are surrounded by mountains and glaciers.
Also - amazing hikes in every direction and the view on the drive in is worth the trip alone.
Sophie Ross
Ranking: 10/10
Favourite DOC campsite on our trip. Sleeping directly under the mountains was absolutely magical!
Clearly signposted right turn just before Mt Cook village we easily found a spot in the overnight camping area (first parking area you come to is for day parking. We arrived about 4pm, however if you arrived after dark it might be a bit harder to find van space, however heaps of grass for tents.
The Hooker Valley track starts from the campsite and it is a must do highlight of NZ. Approximately 3 hours return easy walk, magnificent.
Clean and tidy facilities, used the toilets and water however self contained so didn't use the kitchen however it looked good.
A must stay location, thanks DOC!
David Blackley
Ranking: 9/10
Great location very close to Mt Cook and the walks and glaciers. Basic ground and facilities but who cares with all this around you. Ideal for self contained van. Bar, cafe, food etc at the Hermitage if you need. Cold even in January when we were there. Rug up.
Marine Audoire
Ranking: 10/10
Stayed one night at the DOC campsite.
Kelly Roxanne
Ranking: 9/10
$13/pax, not $10. Very big and popular campground (you'd have to be, since you're catering for the Mt Cook crowd)! Picnic tables dot the site so you can enjoy a cuppa with views of the snow-capped mountains even in summer -- if you get a good spot. The wind can get really strong so a spot under the trees will be good. Access to public shelter for you to cook and no open fires are allowed out of it. Large toilet with quite a few cubicles and another toilet with about 2 cubicles further along the campground. This is where you start your Hooker Valley, Sealy Tarns, Kea Point treks amongst others. A tad expensive but for the facilities provided and great accessibility to the park, it is an excellent campsite!
Joe Hopkins
Ranking: 9/10
Incredible views all around this site make it a truly incredible place to sleep under canvas. Great atmosphere - you certainly feel humbled as you look up at the hanging Mt Sefton and glimpse the peak of Mt Cook jutting out from behind a poorly planted tree. Tonnes of walks, great big indoor kitchen with sinks help provide shelter for what is certainly the busiest doc site we stayed at over out trip - and the most expensive. The ground isn't great and needed clearing of rocks before pitching up and the main site is hidden from Mt Cook so if you want to see it from your tent you'll need to move a bit further out.
Saskia Ruttor
Ranking: 10/10
$13 for a night, kitchen (you need your own stove), toilets and drinking water right next to the camping site, good shelter spots but windy anyway. A lot of tracks start right from the campsite:)! Showers are at the little village available for $2 for 5 minutes.
Meghan Maloney
Ranking: 9/10
Great campsite - awesome to stay so close to the Hooker Valley walk. It was a pretty chilly night, -3 degrees in late October - but a beautiful night and we went to Tasman Lake for sunrise which is super close (only 10 minutes away!)
Rachael Froehlich
Ranking: 4/10
Came in winter, expecting decent facilities, and was highly disappointed. All the water has been shut off for winter, this includes the bathrooms. There is one almost over flowing porta loo. The campground is in an amazing location! But facilities are awful in winter. Not worth $10, but there are no other options.
Rita Ashby
Ranking: 10/10
Arrived late afternoon, but managed to get a walk along the Hooker Valley to the Lake edge at the bottom of Mount Sefton. Was expecting very cold conditions but was pleasantly surprised. The next morning we drove over to the Tasman Glacier carpark and walked up the track/hill/mountain to view the glacier and it's icebergs. Was well worth the effort.
Visited the DOC visitors centre well worth going as well. The shelter provided in the camping grounds for people to cook, eat and do dishes was great and the toilets were very good.
Used our campsite pass here.
Christoph Herrmann
Ranking: 5/10
The track is not well maintained and there are lots of trip hazards except the final past 'the bird walk' which is in decent condition. Beautiful look over Whakatane and the surroundings. Lots of native birds on the last part of the walk.
W Donovan
Ranking: 9/10
Brilliant location and well monitored by DoC - nice easy walks to several good views and Mt Cook and Mt Sefton are awesome sights. Basic facilities but we were self contained so worked well. Recommend a visit.
Tatiana Rochereau
Ranking: 10/10
DOC campsite. Big but quickly crowded. No reserved places for tents but possibility to put. Sunny day for us but so so windy. Impossible to stay outside. Dust + gravel in our faces. If you put up a tent, take a windproof and waterproof tent. All the commodities - toilet, drinking water, tap, shelter, rubbish. Many tracks all around. We did the one with more than 2000 steps. No so horrible. Close to the Mueller Glacier and beautiful view of Aoraki Mount Cook. Don't forget to look at the Tasman Glacier! PLEASE DON'T SPIT YOUR TOOTHPASTE OR THROW YOUR LIQUID DISH WASHING IN WATER AND EARTH. Protect and respect nature!
Max
Ranking: 10/10
Very scenic, drinking water, good, clean and non smelling toilets, cooking shelter/room with possibility to sit and eat inside and be safe of rain and wind, unfortunately no shower. Price of $10 per person is perfectly OK for these facilities. In the end: Perfect for a trip to Mount Cook and to explore the valley.
Tony
Ranking: 9/10
Modern facilities. Flush toilets, LED solar lights in loo and shelter. Large shelter has 4 picnic tables as well as multiple sinks and counter tops for food prep. Bring your own cooker. Paid showers available in village. Amazing location. Many hiking trails. $10 per person is a steal. In my country (Canada) you would pay at least $25 for similar.
Sarah Dial
Ranking: 8/10
Right next to the Hooker Valley Track. Nice toilets, dirty kitchen (no appliances, just shelter to cook), clean drinking water, sinks (bring soap - I can't remember there being hand sanitiser). $10 per person. Got very crowded. The toilet block at the end is nicer than the one at the beginning. Very disappointed however in DOC's grimy and dirty public shower down the road. Advertised as $2 for 5 mins hot water. I put my $2 coin in and started my phone timer so I didn't run out of hot water half way through my shower. After just over 3 mins the hot water stopped: soap in eyes, conditioner still in hair. Fortunately I had another $2 coin which I used and timed it again. Just over 3 mins again! They're actually lying about the 5 minutes! I went to the DOC office to complain and got $2 back, but their reaction definitely made me think it's not the first time someone has complained... why can't they either just change the sign and web info to 3 minutes, or instead actually make it 5 minutes as advertised?! I feel bad for the people who go in with only one $2 coin!
Berenike Wissinger
Ranking: 9/10
Probably the best option close to Mt Cook. It has a car park character, but totally ok for one night. The walk towards Mt Cook with fabulous views just starts there and I highly recommend doing it.
As we were there it was very windy/stormy so we were happy about the communal room. We could cook there. Toilets are clean. No shower.
Tony Maroulis
Ranking: 10/10
Very close to Mount Cook, can be seen on a clear day. Can get very windy, which can also be a problem in some parts of the camp which are mainly rocky. This is the kind of place where you use rocks to keep your pegs in place if you are tenting as pegs won't go very deep. Good kitchen shelter and bathrooms. No showers though - have to go into the public shelter in the village for those $2 for 5 minutes of hot water.
Suzanne Vermeulen
Ranking: 9/10
Best campground in the Mt Cook area, the Glentanner one didn't look attractive when we passed. Spacious DOC site with a number of clean toilet blocks. There is a communal area and a dump station. Easy to find a flat spot. This is probably why we paid NZD 10 pp instead of the standard NZD 6 paid at other campgrounds. The amazing Hooker Valley walk starts from the campground so you can do the walk before the crowds arrive. If you take the scenic drive to Mt Cook later in the afternoon on a clear day you'll have amazing views on Cook.
Caro G
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful place to stay, hike and walk. We were initially staying only one night but it was that good that we decided to stay an extra night. The common area is amazing and the DOC rangers really friendly.
Evelyn
Ranking: 9/10
Good campground for $10 p.P. There are toilets, an indoor cooking shelter and tap water. You can see heaps of stars at night and we did the short Kea Point Track in the morning.
Ian Gilbert
Ranking: 9/10
Great DOC site at the foot of Mt Sefton and a good start for the Kea Point and Hooker Valley walks, with 3 separate toilet blocks (2 small ones were closed in winter). Not just a car park, but designated single sites with picnic tables. Can get cold at night. We thought it was worth the $10pp/night.
Judith & John Bishop
Ranking: 9/10
This is a stunning place to camp. When the weather is right the views are amazing. Yes it is $10pp and for limited facilities. We were impressed with and to find a dump station. For those travellers who complain, its quite new and a perfect base for the exploring the region. Where would you be without it.
Edi Chahyadi
Ranking: 9/10
Very nice place to stay, right on Mount Cook, about 2 km beside Hermitage . But in winter, only for self contained campervans I think. This site has no kitchen or any facilities, only toilet and a shelter place without heater.
Erica b
Ranking: 8/10
This campsite has wonderful views of the amazing mountains. The amenities were clean but would benefit from lights on at night. A great base to explore the region.
Steffen Paul
Ranking: 7/10
Very nice view, toilets, kitchen area, no showers but $2/5 min showers at the public shelter in the village. Rangers are present to check whether you have paid.
Rossco
Ranking: 7/10
Great Place.
Not much to review of the site.
Indoor shelter to eat meals out of the weather, and basic toilets with no working solar lighting at the time of our visit (a little difficult in the dark), and clean cold drinking water.
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION could provide a little more for your $10 per person/ per night fee, however the walking tracks were very well maintained in the surrounding area, and this is where some of the fees go to.
James Webster
Ranking: 7/10
Stunning views of Mueller Glacier and can start several walks here. Pricey at $10pp.
Vincent S.
Ranking: 10/10
Great spot. Make sure you go on a clear day to get the views. Nice DOC site. Great hikes. Highly recommended.
Wyklicky
Ranking: 8/10
Big campground, fantastic view to the mountains and the sound of the glacier. 30 minutes to the Kea viewpoint and 1 hour 45 minutes to glacier lake over 3 bridges.
Andrew Jones
Ranking: 8/10
A huge DOC run campsite/car park right under Mt. Sefton. It is great for anybody looking to do anything in the Park that day or the next. Self Registration forms by the camp toilets
Katie Scholl
Ranking: 10/10
Wonderful campground! Who loves pure nature has to stay there. Very clean toilets with flushing water and treated water for drinking. Perfect start for walks.
Thomas Menke
Ranking: 9/10
A really nice camping site. The way to this place has a fantastic view to the lake. And at this camping site we had a phenomenal mountain panorama and a great view to the Mount Cook. Only thing we missed was some lights in the rest rooms. We really enjoyed to stay here :-)
Michal Bebjak
Ranking: 10/10
Great spot. Lots of campers but it wasn't crowded. Hiking tracks start directly at campsite.
Thomas Blom
Ranking: 10/10
Great. Find your own spot. Go for an early walk, then it's not so crowdy.
Pia Sander
Ranking: 10/10
Great spot. Surroundings - well, Mt. Cook and its colleagues :-) Drinking water, clean toilets, dump station. Fantastic base for hiking. We saw and heard lots of small avalanches, but fortunately far away.
Petra Geblova
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful spot to stay with view of Mt Cook. Fee $10 pp. Plenty of walk opportunities around. Muellers hut track can highly recommend. Hard but worth it. Clean toilets, water supply, basic shed. You can take a shower in a public picnic shed in the village - $2/5min.
Ruben Sanchez
Ranking: 10/10
One of the best sites I've ever been in NZ.
$10 pp
Different toilets and pretty clean. There is also a lunch room where you can make your own meals. Really convenient.
When I went there it was pretty busy but I could find a perfect spot for my van.
Most of the excursions start there.
Alex Leo
Ranking: 9/10
Amazing views a whole truck load of mcawsomes for the budget price of ten bucks.
Alex Goddard
Ranking: 10/10
Excellent site with views of Mt Stefan. Clean toilets and a dump station. Located right next to the beginning of the Hooker Valley walk. Showers available at the public shelter in Mt Cook Village.
Joanne Robertson
Ranking: 6/10
Great views and allows you to get on the Hooker Track before the tour buses arrive. Flushing toilets. Quite popular so a bit crowded. Also quite expensive for what it is at $10 per person.
Matt Dean
Ranking: 9/10
Stunning views, great faculties (though toilets except for the main block were still locked for the winter). Spectacular Hooker Valley trail starts from within the grounds. Would defo come back to this campground.
Mark
Ranking: 7/10
Womens toilets were not operating.
Linda Wainman
Ranking: 10/10
DOC site, clean, busy and spectacular views, loved this site.
Bjoern
Ranking: 6/10
Very nice view of the Glacier.
Marius Hoffmann
Ranking: 6/10
Clean, expensive, lots of other travellers.
Andrew Kermode
Ranking: 10/10
We stayed here for a night in the middle of July and although it was extremely cold, it was awesome to stay in a place surrounded by such beauty. Only the main shelter and toilets were open for the winter but that's pretty standard for a lot of the sites we stayed at during our 16 day campervan adventure. The family did the full Hooker Valley walk but make sure you give yourself ample time to enjoy the scenery and in winter it gets dark pretty early. The cost is $10 per person but given the quality of the facilities and the beauty of the surroundings, it's worth every cent.
Julien Joubert-Gaillard
Ranking: 8/10
Wonderful view of Mount Cook Glacier, and of the valley and of Lake Pukaki. Clean amenities.
Claudia Hillebrand
Ranking: 6/10
Nice scenery but very crowded and no privacy at all. It is a shame too that the showers are all the way at the public shelter.
Patricia Revel
Ranking: 10/10
Wonderful place.
Friederike
Ranking: 10/10
Very clean, beautiful scenery - we had dinner in front of Mt Cook.
Marla Fogh
Ranking: 9/10
Beautiful surroundings and good facilities.
Anthony Brown
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful spot, clean, plenty of space.
G Ballard
Ranking: 8/10
Campsite with a dining room, good convenience. More expensive than the other DoC.
Te-Ana and Mark
Ranking: 10/10
Very clean, kitchen set up great; also very clean, heaps of room for many types of travellers/ campers. No shower facilities. Worth $10 pp/pn. You better pay, or the DOC will get you early in the morning. Quite strict here for everyone who stays the night to pay up. But well worth it. Dump station (grey water and poop drop) and fresh water available.
Uta Dingebauer
Ranking: 8/10
$10 per person. Beautiful landscape no shower.
Ina Daubenbuechel
Ranking: 6/10
$10 per person. No light in the toilet, no shower, no power but beautiful landscape.
celie Mcquair
Ranking: 10/10
Close to all walking tracks. Nice shelters with showers.
Jonathan
Ranking: 7/10
Basic and busy, but good location
Sally Mortensen
Ranking: 10/10
One of my favourite campsites on our trip!! Such an amazing location with mountain views and various walking tracks at your door. So cheap ($10 pp) for such a place. Beautiful drive along lake Pukaki to get there! Highly recommended!!
Henrik Joshua
Ranking: 6/10
Our background: We stayed here during our 5 weeks campervan tour through the north and south island. We were 2 adults and a baby (9 months) and travelled with a large campervan.
Rating: great views of the surrounding mountains and glacier. Starting point of beautiful walking tracks. Campsite itself as well as facilities are very basic (as to be expected). Cold water only. No lights so bring flashlights. Stands are on gravel.
patrick+ katerina
Ranking: 9/10
Beautiful location with a great view around the mountains. Good spot for activities around. Facilities are basic but totally enough for that area.
Please leave your place or things you used clean.
$10 NZD for each
Omri Ifrsh
Ranking: 7/10
$6
Christin Woelk
Ranking: 8/10
Great location near the mountains, cheap.
AlanDaniel
Ranking: 9/10
Basic! Toilets only, with a common room for cooking. No lights, no hot water, no facilities. However it is the most amazing spot to sleep. Great step off point for the walks and you can relax all night to the sound of avalanches. very special place.
Camping NZ App
Every camping site on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.
Tom Somers
Ranking: 6/10
Dusty parking instead of campground. Compared to other DOC sites, poor facilities for $10NZD, should be $6NZD to be consistent!
Jitka Krejcova
Ranking: 10/10
One of the most beautiful locations for a campsite. Beautiful view of Mt Cook and glacier.
Yves Vennewald
Ranking: 9/10
Good facilities but no shower.
Tim Vennewold
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful view, great facilities, $10 each but worth it.
Florian
Ranking: 8/10
10$ per person, a bit expensive for what you get. You have toilets and water. The only camping at Mount Cook NP....
But the campsite is huge with lots of spaces, if you don't arrive too late on peak season ;)
Good spot surrounded by mountains !
DOC ranger come every morning to check if you've payed up.
Mike Pisco
Ranking: 9/10
Great location and views at the base of Mt Cook. Good bathroom and kitchen facilities. No showers but public shower at shelter village. $10 per person.
Kathryn Pisco
Ranking: 10/10
Stunning location at the base of Mt Cook. Utilized the showers at the lodge in town. Great base for hikes and nice kitchen and bathrooms.
Loesje
Ranking: 9/10
Spent here two nights.
Close to many beautiful tracks, short and long
Nice basic facilities (kitchen shelter, toilets, water)
10$/person
And of course very close to Mt Cook :)
Watch (and feel) the small avalanches.
And when it gets really hot, make sure to jump into the freeeeeeeezing creek, awesome!
oh yeh, it does get pretty busy there. Everybody enjoying the beauty :)
Willem de Jong
Ranking: 9/10
With water and toilets and nearby tracks, beautiful place.
Chris Peterson
Ranking: 8/10
Great position,toilets are average. Clean water supply. Does get crowded. $10 a head but not much different from other DOC sites that are cheaper or free.
Mark and Eefie
Ranking: 5/10
Basic. No showers, no hot water. $20!
Natalie Nubler
Ranking: 10/10
Awesome location, cheap, start point for many awesome walks.
Innes Martin
Ranking: 9/10
Fantastic situation, good facilities considering it is unstaffed.
juju
Ranking: 7/10
it's 10 $ the night since 1/09/2012
Very nice place
Be carreful the wind can be so high than you can't sleep.Campsite is at the start of the most of walks.
David Williams
Ranking: 9/10
Great facilities, awesome location.
M Robinson
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful location in the mountains, great access to hikes and walks from the campground.
Delore
Ranking: 8/10
Nice position.
Clausen
Ranking: 7/10
New toilets, nice view to the mountains.
Richard and Janet
Ranking: 8/10
Excellent value site in unrivalled setting.
Esther Goh
Ranking: 10/10
Excellent DoC campsite - the BEST we've stayed at!
Clean and well-maintained campsite with plenty of space to park your vehicle(s) at.
The camp shelter is very clean and tidy with clean running water. There are clean flush-toilets and wash basins - tissue papers are also provided.
Dump station is also available on site.
TIP: Hot showers are available (at $2.00 for 5 mins, if i'm not mistaken) at the public shelter in the village - at the Governors Bush Walk starting point.
Siegfried Krueger
Ranking: 8/10
Sheltered space, views and walks beautiful, good toilet and dumpsites, price good, no shower!!
Johannes
Ranking: 10/10
Very tidy and clean, friendly staff and a super view.
Butz
Ranking: 8/10
Beautiful nature site.
Markus & Miriam
Ranking: 9/10
Camp wild, very nice entertainment and scenic, toilets are there.
Katrawa
Ranking: 8/10
Very nice and not too expensive, lots of space, nice walk to Hooker Valley with glacier lake.
Andreas Kristiansen
Ranking: 7/10
Great surroundings, modest facilities, but prices are low so you cannot expect miracles.
Jessica Lane
Ranking: 10/10
Perfect location for walks. Only $6pp, camp kitchen and nice toilets (compared to other DOC sites). Very popular but loads of space available.
Tim & Judith
Ranking: 8/10
Beautiful surroundings, swing bridge and a nice view of Mt Cook - 3 hours return.
Francis Corrigan
Ranking: 9/10
Excellent campsite with good facilties close to multiple walks and the Mt Cook area.
John Jacobs
Ranking: 9/10
Very good spot, good services such as shelter, toilets and showers all with running water. Very clean and modern, just pay $6pp and stay the night.
Dave McLeish
Ranking: 9/10
Great walks, fantastic scenery.
Steve
Ranking: 9/10
Nice views of snowy mountains, close to walks. Quiet.
Graeme
Ranking: 9/10
Great DOC camp under the mountains. Clean and tidy facilities and only $6 per night per person. A great place for trampers and climbers, Well done DOC
Nathanael Boehm
Ranking: 10/10
Busy time of year but we managed to snag a spot away from most of the campers up the top near the new and awesome flushing toilet and drinking water facilities. Best DOC campsite yet! So nice being surrounded by the majestic Mt Sefton and Mt Cook.
Emma Cross
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful views and stars at night. Very cheap, basic ammenities but a favourite!
Rissa W
Ranking: 9/10
Great location with nice clean facilities, including an enclosed cooking shelter. Great views of the mountains all around, and some good walks starting out right from the campsite - the 3hr return walk to the Hooker Glacier is a must-do for views of Aoraki. No showers, but apparently some coin-showers can be found in Mt Cook village. Good level parking for campers and some nice tent spots tucked away from the wind too. Recommend getting some fresh salmon from one the farms for dinner before you arrive!
rgoodwi3
Ranking: 10/10
What a way to wake up! We pulled in after dark and woke up to be surrounded by sunrise-pink mountains and a cloudless sky. The Hooker Valley walk is amazing too!
Faith Whitcraft
Ranking: 10/10
Nice facilities, amazing views, good trail access.
Tom Shemp
Ranking: 8/10
Basic but great views.
Sue DeVries
Ranking: 5/10
Toilets not working, no fireplaces, sites uneven and crowded.
Nick Foster
Ranking: 8/10
Cheap, good ammenities, would be improved with more sites.
Paul Nickson
Ranking: 9/10
Excellent but no showers!
Chris
Ranking: 9/10
Amazing view to wake up to! Toilets and facilities clean.
Thomas Reidinger
Ranking: 8/10
Best DOC camp we have been to so far.
Annie Breton
Ranking: 8/10
Great location, clean environment and close to our points of interest.
Jonathan Cree
Ranking: 7/10
Superb location at the base of Mt Cook. Sufficient and clean facilities for the base of Mt Cook.
Elise van Haastert
Ranking: 9/10
Great price. Fantastic environment (walk was great too).
LandJ
Ranking: 9/10
Superb location with great views and wonderful walks directly from the site.
Cesar
Ranking: 9/10
Excellent value for money outstanding location with views of Mt Cook and lots of tracks starting from the site.
Lauren Pestell
Ranking: 8/10
Handy inside cooking area and toilets and site very well maintained.
Laura Hayes
Ranking: 8/10
The view here is amazing and there are beautiful walks close by. No showers or kitchen but the view makes up for it.
Dave and Lin Mungham
Ranking: 10/10
For a DOC site the facilities were excellent. Also a good location for walking and climbing.
Judith K.
Ranking: 10/10
Great stay to enjoy Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Beautiful views, good place for walks.
Andrew Hammond
Ranking: 9/10
Worth the trip just for the views. Make sure you are up early as the sunrise across the mountains is just amazing.
Behrenot
Ranking: 10/10
Perfect place in nature - a must for campers.
Cafevino
Ranking: 10/10
Camped out in early July. Got the weather just right. No one in the sight, but weather was outstanding. Still haven't beaten the view. Hiking is outstanding around site. Water is limited in winter due to freezing, but even have port a potties.
chumfft
Ranking: 10/10
Camping at the foot of Mt Sefton, Aoarki/Mt Cook. The coolness of the alpine valley in January. What could be more pristine! Superb facilities. Excellent site layout. Busy, but what else would you expect :) Good on DOC.
Jess
Ranking: 10/10
Basic site, fab setting. Lies beneath Mt Cook with good access to walks (Hooker Valley + Mueller Hut). Fab sunrise and stars.
Tom Bos
Ranking: 8/10
Fantastic
AdelineC
Ranking: 8/10
Amazing view on glacier, quite close to nature, cheap but no showers on the camp ground or showers in Mount Cook but cold.
GaryW
Ranking: 9/10
Lovely setting, good value & well maintained facilities.
Mike
Ranking: 8/10
This was extremely good value and the facilities (toilets etc) were much better than we had expected - we had a great stay there.
Zdenek
Ranking: 8/10
Clean nice facility, beautiful view.
Schygulla
Ranking: 7/10
Spectacular. I would have to find electricity in the restrooms (light) appreciated.
Katrin Wennin
Ranking: 9/10
Superb view.
Loleit
Ranking: 10/10
Fantastic scenery, close to tracks.
Sarah Smith
Ranking: 7/10
Spectacular views, nice coooking shelter, helpful DOC staff, good value for money.
Sara Reekmans
Ranking: 9/10
Basic, but awesome location
alasiac
Ranking: 10/10
Stunning views! Quiet and easy access to tramping.
martint
Ranking: 9/10
Very cheap and you get more than you would expect in such a remote location (which is beautiful by the way). DOC facilities and servcies are generally surprisingly good!
Robert Wolf
Ranking: 10/10
Very well maintained campground with very nice scenery.
Dave Ashun
Ranking: 8/10
Basic site... Amazing views + location for walking.
Jelle
Ranking: 9/10
DoC campground so less facilities but on a great location, views of snow topped mountains and walking tracks from the campground.
simonsandra
Ranking: 8/10
Beautiful campsite in a nice area. Beautiful stars at night.
zoed
Ranking: 8/10
Cheap campsite. Good location due to all the walks in the area. Could do with a wood burner for warmth.