Style: December 10, 2021

Style | Travel 59
WEST COAST
HANS BAY – LAKE KANIERE
This is a large, grassy lake-front campsite. Fish
from the jetty, or boat and swim in the lake.
LAKE MAHINAPUA
Camp and enjoy water sports at the lake
beside a forest. There are limited services here,
such as cold showers, and the water is untreated
so needs to be boiled before use.
ABOVE: Lake Mahinapua is located beside a West Coast forest.
CANTERBURY
PEEL FOREST
Discover the remnants of the magnificent podocarp forest that
once covered this area. Walk to Acland Falls, fish or boat on
the Rangitata River, and explore the Rangitata Valley.
WHITE HORSE HILL
Camp beneath alpine scenery, including Mt Sefton. Enjoy a
variety of walks from the valley floor to mountain tops. Hot
showers and shops are found in the village that’s 2.5km away.
OTAGO
KIDDS BUSH
Camp alongside Lake Hawea, in a large, grassy area near
mountain beech trees. Go for walks and swims, or go fishing.
Portable toilets are in use, due to a new toilet block being built.
PLEASANT FLAT
Located in the Mt Aspiring National Park near Wānaka.
Take in the magnificent views of Mt Hooker; fish in nearby
Haast River; enjoy short walks or picnics.
Winging it
You can try your luck at one of DOC’s
non-bookable campsites (DOC.govt.nz/
campsites). Most of these have limited
facilities and operate on a first-come,
first-served basis. These places may have
sites up for grabs:
• Nelson/Tasman: Cobb River, Siberia
Flat, Courthouse Flat
• Marlborough: Elaine Bay, Harvey
Bay, Butchers Flat, Cowshed Bay,
Camp Bay, Waimaru, Davies Bay,
Rarangi, Whites Bay, Onamalutu,
Mill Flat, Marfells Beach, Molesworth
Cob Cottage, Acheron House
• Canterbury: Loch Katrine, Andrews
Shelter, Lake Poaka, Temple, Round
Bush, Lake Middleton, Ahuriri
Bridge
• Otago: Sylvan, Twelve Mile Delta,
Moke Lake, Skippers, Macetown,
Homestead
• Southland: Mavora Lakes
• Fiordland: Thicket Burn
When freedom camping on public land
in a van or camper, you need to know
where it’s permitted and what the rules
are (to avoid a fine). Some DOC sites will
allow it (DOC.govt.nz/freedomcamping).
Every district and council has different
bylaws for you to be aware of.
ABOVE: Cascade Creek is the start of the Lake Gunn Nature Walk.
FIORDLAND
HENRY CREEK
You’ll find this scenic spot beside Lake Te Anau.
Accommodates campervans and there are small
sites in regenerating beech forest. Limited services,
with water taken from a stream.
CASCADE CREEK
Good for larger vehicles, this is close by the Eglinton and
Cascade Rivers that are popular for fly fishing. The Lake Gunn
Nature Walk starts here. Camp fires are permitted (if no bans).
Be safe out there
DOC encourages people to enjoy the
outdoors safely: take the correct supplies
and equipment; check the conditions
(and any alerts) for your destination;
tell someone your plans; follow any
rules, such as restrictions on dogs, fires
and vehicles; and follow the Ministry of
Health guidelines.