River Howe
River Howe
Number of tent sites - 40.
Adult |
$10/night |
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Child |
$5/night |
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Camp alongside Lake Hāwea in a large, grassy area with good shade from mountain beech trees. Walk around the lake, go fishing or swimming.
The Kidds Bush Reserve Camping Ground is super busy during the holidays an awesome spot with plenty of space to join on in with the locals.
Its away from the main road so it feels like you are in quite an isolated spot. The campsite is alongside the lake in a large grassy area, with lots of shade from beech trees. Walking track nearby. This place gets extremely cold in the winter, so cold that the water pipes all freeze up! Well out of the sandfly zone - wicked.
There is a shelter and a boat ramp here.
Kidds Bush Reserve Campsite 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 OtagoCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Wanaka Region ▷ Wanaka Township |
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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? Low Cost Camping You can expect very basic facilities only and often a beautiful location. A nominal fee is charged. |
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. |
Water Supply |
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Water SupplyIs there fresh water available? Water supply available A supply of fresh water is available. |
Booking Required |
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Booking RequiredIs it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? First Come, First Served Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot. |
Large Vehicle Access |
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Large Vehicle AccessCan large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. 6km winding gravel road access |
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. |
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. |
✓ Stunning lake and mountain views
✓ Peaceful and quiet setting
✓ Lots of space for campers
✓ Great hiking trails nearby
✓ Clean portable toilets
𐄂 Portaloo toilets can get full
𐄂 Unsealed rough road to access
Good place for a night.
So sunny and calm here!
This site is stunning.
Love it!
A beautiful and peaceful place.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 44 |
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45% |
9/10 | 33 |
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34% |
8/10 | 13 |
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13% |
7/10 | 4 |
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4% |
6/10 | 2 |
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2% |
5/10 | 2 |
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2% |
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% |
2.5/5
The road to the campsite is terrible, it's washed out by water with a lot of deep holes, and plenty of cattle stops on the way.
There were sandflies. Facilities are closed and the only toilets were mostly very full, portable plastic ones like in festivals. Untreated water on the site, picnic area with sinks of which some have broken drain.
View is nice, distance from main road made it a quiet place with a lot of space for parking or camping. Nevertheless if not on the campsite pass, I wouldn't say it's worth it.
Reviewed 2 months ago
5.0/5
Great campsite right on the lake and about 45 min from Wanaka.
Trail to hike just from camp. Cooking area and water which does need to be boiled. Some wind with less protection than ideal. Plenty of private spots for a tent camper which is essential for a good campground.
Reviewed 9 months ago
4.5/5
Good place for a night.
You can park on the beach or under the trees. Many people swam, but I found 20-ish still not warm enough, especially when the wind kicked up. The hike around the back was nice for families. 30-40 min and not too much elevation change. This was my 1st camping experience in NZ. I can’t say it’s quite as good as I’m used to (campfires, dense mountain forest, less bugs), but I still had a nice, relaxing time.
Reviewed 9 months ago
4.5/5
Beautiful setting.
Basic amenities but for me a swim in the lake made it worthwhile. Lake not as clean and clear as others in the area. Couple of water taps available (not drinking water).
I wouldn't want to drive here after dark as the road is rough and the cows are all over it and not that keen to move. I also worried about vehicles at night driving near people in tents- not very safe.
Reviewed 10 months ago
5.0/5
What a beautiful site.
Right on the lake with mountains sinking in. Great hiking and birdsong.
Reviewed 10 months ago
4.5/5
Beautiful campground.
One of our favourite ones - unfortunately just portable toilets which minimize the experience a bit
Reviewed 12 months ago
5.0/5
Amazing view and scenerie.
The spot is perfect and has a lot of space for campers.
Portable toilettes are clean.
Almost no sandflies.
Site is easily accessible for campervans via gravel road.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
Absolutely loved the view here, and swimming in the lake was wonderful.
Was only there one night - pretty windy on the afternoon I arrived, but calmed down before dusk. Some plum trees on the edge of the campground near the lake (about to fruit when I was there). Toilets were clean but getting fairly full. No issues with sandflies.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.5/5
Le meilleur spot DOC de tout notre periple.
Vue sur le lac incroyable, il y a des spots pour se garer juste au bord et avoir la sensation d'être seuls au monde sans pour autant gêner la vie des autres campeurs plus hauts sur la pelouse.
Baignades savoureuses.
Seul "hic", les toilettes portables un peu pleins avant vidange. Mais pas impossible pour autant. Sinon j'aurais mis un 10. Je recommande ce spot sans aucune hésitation.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
Love it!
So peaceful, quiet and the view is stunning.
One of the nicest Campground I've ever been!
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.0/5
So sunny and calm here!
Good cell service, toilets aren’t open atm but portaloos available. Bring your bug spray and a camp chair :)
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
It was awesome.
Serene location. Mountain views. Lake views. Walking tracks. Portable toilets operate fine. Just be wary of the sandflies and that’s the only negative. It’s about 25 minutes out from the hawea township.
Reviewed about 2 years ago
2.5/5
The road to the campsite is terrible, it's washed out by water with a lot of deep holes, and plenty of cattle stops on the way.
There were sandflies. Facilities are closed and the only toilets were mostly very full, portable plastic ones like in festivals. Untreated water on the site, picnic area with sinks of which some have broken drain.
View is nice, distance from main road made it a quiet place with a lot of space for parking or camping. Nevertheless if not on the campsite pass, I wouldn't say it's worth it.
Reviewed 2 months ago
5.0/5
Great campsite right on the lake and about 45 min from Wanaka.
Trail to hike just from camp. Cooking area and water which does need to be boiled. Some wind with less protection than ideal. Plenty of private spots for a tent camper which is essential for a good campground.
Reviewed 9 months ago
4.5/5
Good place for a night.
You can park on the beach or under the trees. Many people swam, but I found 20-ish still not warm enough, especially when the wind kicked up. The hike around the back was nice for families. 30-40 min and not too much elevation change. This was my 1st camping experience in NZ. I can’t say it’s quite as good as I’m used to (campfires, dense mountain forest, less bugs), but I still had a nice, relaxing time.
Reviewed 9 months ago
4.5/5
Beautiful setting.
Basic amenities but for me a swim in the lake made it worthwhile. Lake not as clean and clear as others in the area. Couple of water taps available (not drinking water).
I wouldn't want to drive here after dark as the road is rough and the cows are all over it and not that keen to move. I also worried about vehicles at night driving near people in tents- not very safe.
Reviewed 10 months ago
5.0/5
What a beautiful site.
Right on the lake with mountains sinking in. Great hiking and birdsong.
Reviewed 10 months ago
4.5/5
Beautiful campground.
One of our favourite ones - unfortunately just portable toilets which minimize the experience a bit
Reviewed 12 months ago
3.0/5
It’s an interesting unsaved road into this campsite but fine for our escapecampervan.
We’d been warned of some cows but didn’t come across any. The beach is perfect for skimming stones. We only did the short forest walk and not the steep climb to the tree lines. A few bugs, some persistent bees.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
5.0/5
Amazing view and scenerie.
The spot is perfect and has a lot of space for campers.
Portable toilettes are clean.
Almost no sandflies.
Site is easily accessible for campervans via gravel road.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
Absolutely loved the view here, and swimming in the lake was wonderful.
Was only there one night - pretty windy on the afternoon I arrived, but calmed down before dusk. Some plum trees on the edge of the campground near the lake (about to fruit when I was there). Toilets were clean but getting fairly full. No issues with sandflies.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.5/5
Le meilleur spot DOC de tout notre periple.
Vue sur le lac incroyable, il y a des spots pour se garer juste au bord et avoir la sensation d'être seuls au monde sans pour autant gêner la vie des autres campeurs plus hauts sur la pelouse.
Baignades savoureuses.
Seul "hic", les toilettes portables un peu pleins avant vidange. Mais pas impossible pour autant. Sinon j'aurais mis un 10. Je recommande ce spot sans aucune hésitation.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
3.0/5
Great location, thought it’s a 6km drive down an unsealed road so you may want to bear that in mind.
Views from the lakeshore are fantastic though the toilets weren’t working when we visited and were replaced with portaloos. Sandflies not as bad as other campsites but still present in greater numbers than you’d like. It’s also very popular which detracts from the charm slightly - try to visit when it’s not rammed.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
Love it!
So peaceful, quiet and the view is stunning.
One of the nicest Campground I've ever been!
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.0/5
So sunny and calm here!
Good cell service, toilets aren’t open atm but portaloos available. Bring your bug spray and a camp chair :)
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
It was awesome.
Serene location. Mountain views. Lake views. Walking tracks. Portable toilets operate fine. Just be wary of the sandflies and that’s the only negative. It’s about 25 minutes out from the hawea township.
Reviewed about 2 years ago
4.0/5
Place was good!
Beautiful views and Sunset is amazing. Nice place to stay. Sand flies are everywhere, so remember to take precautions.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
3.5/5
Beautiful spot on the lake.
Portaloo toilets were awful and not well maintained at all. Watch out for deer, rabbits, and sheep on the road if driving there at night!
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
5.0/5
Fantastic spot on the lake down a good gravel track.
Clean toilets. Great skimming stones.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
5.0/5
The best little spot .
$16 for 2 adults and an infant . Beautiful views . Flush toilets . Sinks to wash up in .
Reviewed almost 4 years ago
5.0/5
This site is stunning.
I could have stayed for 3 days. If your hesitating, stay here. Its a little tricky to find but once your on the gravel track just stay on it.
Reviewed almost 4 years ago
4.5/5
This was our second visit and we were lucky to get a flat site right on the lakefront to pitch our tent.
Beautiful views, clean flushing toilets, washing up and cooking areas, and the whole place was nice and quiet (residents permitting!) . There are lots of bitey little bugs here so bring good repellent.
Reviewed almost 4 years ago
5.0/5
A hidden gem.
Worth the drive. We had a camper van and the road was no trouble at all. We had a lake front park. Facilities typical of DOC. Very reasonable rate to stay. Lake was beautiful. Stunning place to stay. Sand flies were not too much of a problem if you take precautions!
Reviewed almost 4 years ago
4.0/5
Beautiful spot for camping.
Clean flush toilets. Lots of space even for large caravans. You will have to drive on gravel road for 15 min, very dusty. We had a lots of sandflies!!! That was the only problem there. Nice hike next to it and after swim in the lake.
Reviewed about 4 years ago
4.5/5
Great campsite right on Lake Hawea - we were there by ourselves early Aug 2020.
It’s easy to miss the road into this DoC site as its not well signposted and referenced only as Kidds Bush reserve on an old “camping prohibited” sign - as Hwy 6 heading east drops down to Lake Hawea look for Meads Rd signpost. Gravel road through farmland and several cattle grates but no gates to open/close.
Reviewed about 4 years ago and experienced in August 2020
5.0/5
Facing Lake Hawea, this was a fantastic site to stay for a night.
There are a few toilets, a washing area and a shelter, but otherwise no facilities. You’ll drive about 15 minutes on the gravel road to get to the site, and about 20 minutes to the carpark to climb Isthmus Peak.
Reviewed over 4 years ago
5.0/5
Beautiful scenery, great view and not too packed.
Toilets were very clean and toilet paper was available.
Bring some mosquito repellent.
Reviewed over 4 years ago
4.5/5
Wow what an amazing site, we missed the exit, that small, it is approx 7km driving on gravelroad we have a big campervan but went great.
Good big spot with good toilets. Directly on the beautiful clear lake. The only ‘bad’ thing sandflies
One of the best DOC campings we have seen.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
4.5/5
Really great view of the lake - very few sandflies but some larger houseflies with annoying buzzing.
Lovely clean flush toilets. No drinking water. I could have stayed here for a week, just lying around by the lake, swimming, kayaking, relaxing. Ideal for families. I had good 4G and cell reception.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
4.5/5
We camped here on quite a wet evening but the camp itself was very pleasant.
Very good toilet facilities and a shelter to cook in out of the rain. Very cheap. Lots of space.
It's down quite a long gravel road and when we drove it there were quite a few enormous cows and bulls in the road that we drove past v e r y s l o w l y ! (n.b. there are cattle grids to keep the cows out of the campsite)
Cost (2p, non-powered): $16
Location: Pretty, would be incredible in the sunshine. Bit out of the way.
Facilities: Flush toilets and shelter
Value: 9/10
Sandflies: A few
X-Factor: Probably in the sunshine...
Other: Beware the cows!
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
5.0/5
It's a few kilometres down a bit of a bumpy road but totally and utterly worth it.
Visited Nov 19 - $8 per person (no powered sites)
What an incredible location. The views were absolutely amazing.
Also, there are proper flushing, clean toilets and sinks for washing up.
Reviewed about 5 years ago
5.0/5
Good location and private.
Toilet is quite clean. Recommend to arrive early evening to take a great view of lake
Reviewed over 5 years ago