Council Campgrounds

The Rangitata campground is now Open for the 23/24 summer season .

Situated on the north bank of the Rangitata River mouth, the camping ground has 24 powered caravan sites and considerable space available for non-powered camp sites. Kitchen, laundry and ablution blocks are provided.

The camping ground has become a very popular area for people fishing for salmon and whitebait and increasingly for families seeking a quiet holiday.

All campers to the Rangitata Campground, must report to Reception and pay before occupying an allocated site.

All fees are subject to Ashburton District Council Fees & Charges. You can view the fees for this campground here: council campground fees

Please note, all Caravans/Camper vans must have a current electrical warrant of fitness to occupy a site. Power leads must be a minimum of 10m in length.

The nearest shopping is at Hinds.

The Camp Caretaker can be contacted on  027 644 5936 for any bookings.

For more information please contact Ashburton District Council at 03-307-7700

Tinwald Domain Pond.​

This park is situated in the Tinwald Domain, accessed off Maronan Road. The camp has 33 powered sites, 25 unpowered, 3 family cabins, 1 x 2 person cabin, the backpackers and 8 beautiful studio units with ensuites, and the lodge that sleeps up to 29​. Kitchen, ablution and laundry facilities are available.

The camp is adjacent to the domain's attractions, including the Plains Historical and Vintage Railway, the Lynn Woodworking Museum, the vintage car club, tennis courts, swimming pool, cycle challenge track, miniature railway and the lake.

The camp is about five minutes from the Tinwald shopping centre and about 10 minutes drive from Lake Hood.

For more information, call (03) 308 6805 or visit their website

​Situated on the South Terrace of the Upper Rakaia River, ​the camp contains 48 non powered sites over an area of about 2.2 hectares. The camp is accessed off the Inland Scenic Route immediately south of the Rakaia "high bridge".

It is very popular location with fishermen and is an ideal stop for travellers on the Inland Scenic Route. It affords magnificent views over the braided Rakaia river.
Nearest shopping is at Methven.

The camp is leased to Rakaia Gorge Camp Society and they can be contacted on (03) 302 9353. There is a Site Supervisor October to April inclusive. At other times an honesty box system applies.​ Hot showers are available during season included in camp fee.​

Camp fees are $10.00 per person and free for children under 10.

The camping area at Hakatere is located at 1226 River Road, opposite the mailboxes for the Lower Hakatere Hut Holders Association.

This campground is unattended and only public toilets are provided at this site.

Campground Fees are payable either by bank transfer or paying in person at Councils Administration Building.

Online payment details are below:

Bank account number: 03-1592-0521970-000

Reference: HakatereCamp

You can view the fees for this campground here: council campground fees

Lake Clearwater​​

There are absolutely no dogs allowed at both Lake Clearwater or Lake Camp. Dog owners are liable under Section 20(5) of the Dog Control Act and are in breach of the Dog Control Bylaw​. Owners will be issued a $300 fine if found with a dog in either of these reserves.​

Situated at the south end of Lake Clearwater, there is a basic reserve area where overnight camping is permitted. Toilets and water (required to be boiled for drinking) are provided at the Lake Clearwater site but can be used by all campers.

Lake Clearwater has great views of both lakes and mountains. No motorised craft are allowed on Lake Clearwater.

The Lake Clearwater Reserve has an honesty box provided. ​Any enquiries relating to the camping ground at Lake Clearwater should be directed to Clearwaterhutholders@hotmail.com​

Reflection over Lake Clearwater

Kowhai Flat

Situated on a private farm (Redcliff Station) land approximate 27KM northwest of Methven – please follow the signs along the road. Onsite facilities are very basic long drop toilets. Campers can access the Rakaia River for fishing activities. Dogs are not permitted onsite.

You can view the fees for this campground here: council campground fees

Rakaia Huts Reserve

At Rakaia Hut accessed off Kingsburys Road, some sites are available at "donation rate levels". Camping is permitted overnight but not long term. Toilet facilities only are provided.

Taylor Stream, Bowyers Stream and Hinds River at north of Mayfield

These are picnic areas but overnight stay is permitted with a self-contained caravan (with the exception of Taylor Stream). Each of these locations is adjacent to the highway. Toilet facilities are provided.

The Milky way over Maori Lakes, Canterbury.