Rakaia Gorge Campground

🚨 IMPORTANT: VISITORS’ LAST NIGHT TO STAY IS 23 APRIL

Casual campers should plan to leave by 11am on 24 April.

Why: Contractors will be working in the campground with heavy machinery. For safety, the entire campground must be completely empty before work begins. There is no overnight stay allowed on 24 April.

Society members must be out of the full camp area by 25 April.

❄️ Winter Season Starts Monday, 27 April 2026

From Monday, 27 April 2026, we move into our winter season, using the reduced public area:

10 public sites only
Honesty‑box, self‑check‑in/out
Public toilets only
No showers
$10 per person

This winter setup will remain in place until mid‑October 2026, when the full campground reopens for the summer season.

🌤️ Until 23 April, You Are Still Welcome at the Rakaia Gorge Campground

If you plan to stay before 23 April, you are welcome to enjoy our riverside setting.
Set beside the ever‑changing Rakaia River and surrounded by dramatic mountain views, our first‑come, first‑served campground offers classic Kiwi camping in a peaceful natural environment. As evenings draw in, you can experience some of the region’s most spectacular dark skies.

⏰ Last Check‑In Time — 7.30pm

With the campground winding down toward the winter season, all arrivals must check in by 7.30pm.

📞 Questions?

Call our caretakers on +64 21 251 1817 for updates (but remember, we still don’t reserve spots).

Summer Rates and Information

$15 per person per night (Cash is still welcome but we now have EFTPOS -$2 transaction fee).
Children under 10 stay free.
Checkout time: 11am. Last check-in 7.30pm.
Sorry we don't' accept bookings. Please call the caretakers on the day or the day before to check availability.

Camp Phone: 021 251 1817

Summer Facilities

Very clean campsite and facilities.
Free gas heated hot showers.
Sorry no powered at the campground.
Covered area to prepare meals and do dishes, ideal for bike riders. You need to bring your own cooker.
Dogs are welcome but must be on leads at all times. Sorry cats are not allowed.

Start your day with the sweet symphony of bellbirds greeting the dawn.

Come camp under the stars

What you can do nearby?

Nearby Hiking Trails

Rakaia Gorge Walkway: 9.8 km circular trail with stunning river and mountain views (3 hours 15 minutes).
Lower Gorge Lookout via Rakaia Gorge Walk: 1.9-mile out-and-back trail to a scenic lookout (1 hour).
Rakaia Gorge Lookout from Campground: Easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail starting from the campground (33 minutes).

Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or an extended break, Rakaia Gorge Campground is the ideal spot to relax and reconnect with nature.

Rakaia Gorge WalkwayThis walkway offers several geological and historic features as it traverses the edge of the Rakaia Gorge.

Rakaia Gorge Lookout

Just a short stroll up the road to the lookout or take the river walk straight across from the camp that meanders along the river then up to the lookout.

Discovery Jet

Discovery Jet offers an adrenalin-pumping experience you'll never forget. You'll need to hang on tight as our driver skillfully weaves the jet boat through the intricate network of braided river channels, skimming along stony banks and through gushing opalescent blue waters rich with salmon and trout.www.discoveryjet.co.nz/