What a camp!

The best on our trip. This little gem is easy to get to despite the sign indicating it’s not suitable for large campers. We drove down easily in a 7m Sprinter. The views across the lake are quintessential NZ vistas. Plenty of room to park and there are toilets on site. Do the right thing and pay your fees on entry or online. Plenty of mobile coverage.

Reviewed 7 months ago

A great short walk at the end of a sealed road takes you to the lighthouse.

Very strong wind here at times so hold onto your hat. Interesting history is told in the nearby shelter, that also houses a toilet. Worth a visit.

Reviewed 7 months ago

This is a quirky camp ground with heaps of sites on the edge of rugged cliff faces and sandy beach.

If it’s windy then ask for a sheltered spot amongst the flax. Level spots are a bit tricky to find, just point your head uphill. This coast line is spectacular with giant kelp and lots of seals.

Reviewed 7 months ago

A large open campsite not far off the highway.

It’s easy to find a level site. There are all access toilets and shower cubicles. The showers are cold but there is a rope and pulley system for hanging your own shower bladder. There is a shelter with sinks for washing up and water pointsbut the water is non potable. Due to ongoing thefts you cannot pay cash upon arrival. This does not stop you doing the right thing and paying online or via a QR code advertised onsite. Without your contribution these sites won’t exist.

Reviewed 7 months ago

Firstly the information on the front page is no longer current.

Heading south from Fox Glacier Village, drive across the river and then turn right. You cannot drive any further. The return walk is about 5k return with a little more if you take the Moraine side track. There are very clear barriers at the end of the walk with warnings about the dangers of going down into the river bed or closer to the glacier. Sadly that didn’t stop a couple of disrespectful people today jumping the barriers with no thought to those whom they would expect to rescue them if need be. The walk is quite easy, no toilets available.

Reviewed 7 months ago

What a great place to park up for the night.

We didn’t need power so chose site #6 in the tent area. We were the only ones here. Stacey who manages this lovely place is extremely welcome and helpful. For once we didn’t have to pay extra for showers and oh my, what a great ablutions block. Each shower is a cubicle with a glass door and a soft fluffy mat is provided for the drying and dressing area. At the back of the park is a private walkway to Totara Falls. Worth the effort. Scattered around the park are glow worm viewing areas but we found the best was down along the right hand side of the exit road. You will find a track into the bush. At the end is a rope to help you down into the creek bed and along the bank the glow worms do their thing. Very pretty. The kitchen/lounge area is very welcoming with a wood fire and a box of donated bits and pieces like sauce and spices for campers to use. I highly recommend a night here.

Reviewed 7 months ago

We came upon this quaint little place 9 years ago so we sought it out on this trip and stayed on the same site.

For $40 for 2 we had power and an ensuite with plenty of hot water. There is a small hut onsite where you can use a microwave, kettle and toaster. Payment is at the little building at the gate but the lovely Pam will come around and check that all is well. The park is signposted from the highway. It’s quiet with a beautiful rural outlook. Highly recommend for both powered and unpowered with the latter having access to a shared facility.

Reviewed 7 months ago

We stopped here for lunch and a swim.

Of so chilly but refreshing. Picnic tables on grassed area. Very small camping area and as of 21/5/25 the toilets are out of action hence 8/10.

Reviewed 7 months ago

A convenient dump station for black, grey and fresh water.

8/10 given because there is no hose to flush out the cassette but if you’re strong and agile, you can hold it up under the tap. Thanks Franz Josef.

Reviewed 7 months ago

A handy dump point on the foreshore but no hose to wash out the cassette.

Easy enough to hold it up to the tap though. This facility is adjacent to toilets and also overnight parking.

Reviewed 7 months ago

Great place to do that final gas bottle fill before heading to Christchurch to return your van.

The very helpful staff can measure your remaining capacity and fill accordingly instead of paying $50 for a swap when you may not need it.

Reviewed 7 months ago

A nice little campground tucked behind the pub.

Cabins, powered & non powered sites available. Very friendly host. Cost for unpowered sits is $40 pn for 2 plus $5 to use black water dump. Grey water dump free. Could not locate potable water though and you’ll need to ask for a hose from their non potable tap to fill you toilet flush tank.

Reviewed 7 months ago

A lovely quiet location.

We stayed in May 2017 and had the place to ourselves. Grant our host was a gem. He made us feel very welcome and was a wealth of local knowledge.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2017

A very scenic and enjoyable drive away from the major roads.

A short dirt section of around 12k but nothing to be concerned about. No fuel along the way.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2017

At $17 pp for a powered site it's a bit expensive, but does include showers.

The facilities are tired but functional and there is a great kitchen with all you could need. The location is only about 100m walk along a track to the Main Street for groceries. The host is very friendly and helpful. Be mindful that you are adjacent to the fire station which uses a community alarm to call in the fire fighters. We had the privilege of hearing it in the small hours, but it is the very essence of community life. There is no dump station here but there is a public one that also supplies fresh water in the Main Street. Use is by donation.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2017

We stayed here in May 2017.

We arrived in the dark and was met by a very friendly and helpful host who accommodated us even though most of the park was water logged due to recent heavy rains. We certainly appreciated the spot. However, I would have to agree that the facilities need a revamp and the price is quite high.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2017

A great find.

This all weather area is adjacent to the beach. A powered site is $6 plus $2 pp and $2 for the shower. There is a washing machine for use for a donation and sinks for washing up. There is a dump station but no water for topping up your water supply. The elderly gentleman who runs the park lives across the road out the back gate. No shops in this area so have all you need with you. Well worth the short drive off the highway.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in May 2017

Our stay at this spot was marred only by a group who obviously didn't know what "no fires" meant.

The spot itself is beautiful with great views across the lake and clear water for those brave enough to dip their toes. The foreshore is littered with washed up wood that has been assembled by creative folk into shelters and sculptures. A great site to see. There are toilets at this site but according to signs, no suitable drinking water. The available camping space is quite extensive, so take a walk in all directions before settling down.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2016

A great location for the Doubtful Sound cruise as you can walk to the harbour.

The owner was very helpful even lending us a couple of kayaks for a lake paddle. The area can become a bit crowded so the only down side was that with only 2 showers and 2 toilets, availability was a bit limited.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2016

This spot is a great first night out of Christchurch or last night before return.

There is a kitchen, washing machine, dump station and garbage facilities. Roy the caretaker is friendly, helpful and wonderfully laid back. We stayed here March 2016 and highly recommend it. The rate for a powered or non-powered site is fair with showers $1. No coins? Don't fret, Roy will help you out. There is a great coffee shop nearby and Springfield Hotel offers a bistro meal or pub grub on a Monday. Both within a 15 minute walk. Fuel is also available. The camp ground backs onto farming land so is peaceful. Yes there is a train nearby, but you really don't notice it. Oh, and for you Simpson's fans, while in Springfield, don't forget to pose for a pic in the big donut.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2016