Camping areas

We manage five camping areas on Crown land in the South Island.

These include:

  • Bendigo, Lowburn, Jacksons Inlet and Champagne Gully on the shores of Lake Dunstan in Central Otago.
  • Pines Camp at the southern end of Lake Pukaki in the Mackenzie District in South Canterbury.

These camping areas are free for everyone to enjoy, if they follow some simple guidelines. These include:

  • not lighting fires
  • using the rubbish bins provided
  • not exceeding the maximum night stay.

Camping area information

Central Otago District

Camping area Freedom camping notice Max night stay (per calendar month) Toilet facilities Tents allowed? Self-contained vehicles only?

Bendigo

3 nights Yes Yes No
Lowburn 3 nights Yes No Yes
Jacksons Inlet 1 night No No Yes
Champagne Gully 1 night Yes Yes No

Mackenzie District

Camping area Freedom camping notice Max night stay (per calendar month) Toilet facilities Tents allowed? Self-contained vehicles only?
Pines Camp N/A Yes No Yes

Our camping areas are monitored in line with requirements in the Freedom Camping Act 2011 and the Self-contained Motor Vehicle Amendment 2023.

We work closely with the Central Otago District Council and Mackenzie District Council to ensure these sites are kept safe, clean and tidy.

The Tiaki Promise

Please follow these guidelines and enjoy your stay.

How to care for NZ - be prepared, drive carefully, keep NZ clean, protect nature, show respect.
how to care for NZ - be prepared, drive carefully, keep NZ clean, protect nature, show respect

More information

The freedom camping website has more information about camping responsibly.

Freedom camping

Questions

If you have any questions about our camping areas, email crownproperty@linz.govt.nz

Last updated