4.5 16 reviews
Park up close to the coast and watch the sun rise. The Waimate District Council has OK-ed this area for the use of self-contained campers for a maximum of two nights. Enjoy!
Leave camp sites in a clean and tidy state
Limit stays at any one site to a maximum of two nights (this period shall not be exceeded in any calendar month)
Dispose of all toilet and wastewater at a Council-approved dump station (Victoria Park and Knottingley Park)
Dispose of all other refuse in approved bags and approved locations
Follow safe fire practices at all times, including fire bans
Keep dogs under control at all times
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Organisation |
Waimate District CouncilCouncil organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Timaru |
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Coordinates |
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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? Free Camping It costs nothing to stay overnight. In general this means that you should not expect any facilities. |
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Overnight Stay Rules |
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Overnight Stay RulesWhat are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? Self-contained motorhomes only Overnight stays are only permitted if your vehicle is certified as being 'self-contained'. The vehicle must have either a 'blue warrant' certificate of self-containment, or a 'green warrant' certificate of self-containment. |
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Payment Requirement |
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Payment RequirementIs there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in. |
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Maximum Stay Duration |
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Maximum Stay DurationHow many consecutive days can you stay overnight at this establishment? 2 nights You may stay up to two nights in a row. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Dogs |
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DogsDoes this establishment allow dogs? Dogs allowed The location allows dogs. There may be conditions that may be met eg. dogs must be on a leash. Dogs must be kept under control at all times. |
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Vehicle Access |
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Vehicle AccessCan vehicles drive in? Vehicle accessible This location is accessible in a vehicle. |
Quiet location
Clean toilet facilities
Great ocean views
Sheltered from wind
Narrow access road
Limited facilities
Drunk locals causing disturbances
We really liked Waihao Box freedom camp.
Nina S. Larsen
Waihao Box is a great freedom camp. 😞
Lindsay Byrnes
This is a lovely overnight spot.
Victoria and Wade
Just had two lovely nights here, again.
tasman travels
Beautiful small spot close to the sea.
Stephane
Not many parks, and there is a very narrow road to get here, but super quiet even in the busy season.
It has a clean long drop toilet and bins for rubbish. Great ocean view but no swimming
Reviewed 22 days ago
Lovely place to visit well away from traffic, next to beach and fresh water body of water.
We were lucky enough to be here when the stopbank was being opened to the sea. Plenty of fishing. Rocky beach, very rough ocean, care needs to be taken. Camp area quite sheltered. Very clean accessible toilet, wheely bins provided for rubbish. Enjoyed our time here.
Reviewed 2 months ago
Very nice place.
Toilets are clean. We stayed here for 2 nights. WATCH OUT!!! Every time a red Toyota came along and deliberately parked right next to us or another camper, even though there was still enough space. The guy in the car smoked, drank and probably watched porn and jerked off.
Reviewed about 1 year ago
Beautiful overnight spot, clean toilet facilities.
Some Kilometers off the main road, really worth to go there
Reviewed about 1 year ago
Beautiful small spot close to the sea.
A bit far from the main road, very quiet.
Clean toilets
Reviewed about 1 year ago
Nice we spot camper parks not much for tents stoney beach clean toilets
Reviewed over 1 year ago
Great location.
New toilet facility, and we'll laid out parking spaces
Reviewed over 1 year ago
We really liked Waihao Box freedom camp.
It's a wee drive off SH1 - well worth it to get to the coast for the night. It's sheltered from the wind, rubbish bins, tables and benches overlooking the small inlet. Very clean modern long drop. Fantastic evening and morning walks on the stone beach with views up and down the coast that seemed neverending.
We were here early February.
Reviewed about 1 year ago and experienced in February 2024
Waihao Box is a great freedom camp.
It's quiet and with friendly locals.
Downside - the toilet was beginning to pong 😞
Reviewed over 1 year ago
This is a great reserve that shows if you build it, people will respect it and look after it.
Short drive off SH1, sheltered from the wind, rubbish bins, very clean modern long drop, set out parking bays and turn around loop. The box is an interesting relic but do heed the warnings not to walk on it. Wish the council would put a donation box or publish a bank account as definitely be happy to pay for this being available. Stayed one night in a van, with our dog who was very happy rabbit spotting. Great place to break up the drive from Invercargill to Christchurch.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
Unfortunately there were two drunk locals fighting and shouting the whole evening and no one else around me.
Tried not to catch their attention. Didn't really feel save first. Got quiet after sunset tho. Nice spot otherwise if you dont mind driving a bit off track.
Reviewed about 2 years ago
Just had two lovely nights here, again.
This is definitely a favourite, the chatty local Dave is still here which is, nice, he just wants a chat, and his lovely dog Nuggy is still running around saying hey to everyone, sadly the pig is gone, I’ll let Dave tell you what happened there. There are perhaps three bays, enough for up to about six vans, we’re in a 7-metre Sprinter and reversed in to the space fine, be considerate. Great fishing, full signal, bins, lovely beach and a very clean drop loo if you need it. Got quite busy over the weekend with rowers. Lovely spot! See ya’ll out there! Tasman Travels
Reviewed about 2 years ago
This is a lovely overnight spot.
Well kept parking spots and clean toilets. A nice detour. Highly recommend.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
Bit out of the way and limited facilities, however if you’re self contained it’s a good little spot.
Outhouse is the nicest outhouse we’ve ever seen. Farm dog kept us company for some of the night, very gentle and will roll over for a belly rub. Really good skipping rocks.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
Properly remote campsite right by the sea (with only a pebble windbreak separating you from it).
Bit tricky to find though - turn off from the main road when you see the (small) Willowbridge sign, then follow the signs to Waihao box when they appear.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2013