Responsible Camping
The traditional and quintessential Kiwi camping holiday experience is still a welcome feature in Central Otago.
Whatever type of camping holiday you enjoy – you will be welcomed in Central Otago. In and around urban areas campers enjoy a wide choice of fully serviced camping grounds.
We hope you enjoy your stay in our beautiful district. Please respect the environment and our communities.
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1. Campgrounds & Holiday Parks
Camping grounds and holiday parks have powered and non-powered sites for tents and campervans.All properties provide communal kitchens, toilets, showers and laundries for guests as well as a variety of additional on-site facilities and services. They may also offer cabins, tourist flats or motel units.There are a number of Department of Conservation Campsites in Otago offering places to relax, enjoy and explore the outdoors.
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2. Are you self-contained?
A plumber or gasfitter needs to check if your vehicle meets the self-containment requirements. If it passes they will give you a warrant and sticker certification to display on the front of your vehicle and the rear of your vehicle.
As part of the Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 vehicles will need to have a permanently fixed toilet to be certified as self-contained, this means portable toilets will no longer be sufficient. There is a transition period for vehicles with a portable toilet that are already certified as self-contained from 7 June 2023 – until their warrant expiry or 7 June 2025, depending which comes first. These dates vary for rental vehicles.
Still not sure, ask?
If you’re still not sure where you can camp, or require assistance with finding a camping ground, then please contact our Central Otago isites on 03 262 7999 or email visitorcentre@codc.govt.nz
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3. Designated Sites
There are four designated LINZ camping sites around Lake Dunstan and one at Pinders Pond near Roxburgh. These sites have minimal facilities and are available for short term stays only.Overnight stays are limited to a maximum number of nights per calendar month (1st – month end). The duration of your stay may be monitored and enforced.
Bendigo
3 night maximum stay
This site is available for short term stays only. Site rules and length of stay are monitored and enforced.Lowburn
3 night maximum stay
Certified Self Contained Vehicles only
This site is available for short term stays only. Site rules and length of stay are monitored and enforced.Champagne Gully
1 night maximum stay
This site is available for short term stays only. Site rules and length of stay are monitored and enforced.Jacksons Inlet
1 night maximum stay
Certified self contained vehicles only
This site is available for short term stays only. Site rules and length of stay are monitored and enforced.Pinders Pond (Roxburgh)
3 night maximum stay
This site is available for short term stays only. Site rules and length of stay are monitored and enforced. -
4. Responsible Camping Guidelines
Central Otago Responsible Camping Guidelines
Please follow these guidelines to ensure an enjoyable camping experience for all:
- Only camp in an official campground or an area designated for camping - you must follow all site rules.
- Do not camp in any urban areas or townships.
- Do not light fires.
- Use the facilities provided (toilets and rubbish bins).
- Do not wash dishes, clothes or yourself in any river or lake.
- Remove all rubbish and recycling. (Please dispose of at a Transfer Station or a Recycling Centre)
- Respect and enjoy our environment.
- Be considerate of all users.
- Do not block access to any track, road or waterway.For further information on Responsible Camping:
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5. Still not sure, then ask for advice.
If you’re still not sure where you can camp, or require assistance with finding a camping ground, then please contact our isites on 03 262 7999 or email visitorcentre@codc.govt.nz
Tiaki Care for New Zealand
In Central Otago we are proud to embrace the ‘Tiaki Promise’ in welcoming you to our world.
Tiaki means to care for people and place.
New Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look after it.
The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations.
By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home.
tiakinewzealand.com
Camping Grounds & Holiday Parks
Generations of families and friends come every year to enjoy their traditional camping holidays in our holiday parks and campgrounds.
OUR REGIONAL VALUES
Make a Difference
Be at the cutting edge, setting directions and accepting challenges.
Respecting Others
Take the time to listen and understand other people’s opinions and cultural differences.
Embracing Diversity
Be open to new ideas, open to exploring the possibilities and appreciate the strengths and talents each person brings.
Adding Value
Always ask ourselves is there a better way – one that achieves a premium status, quality experience or interaction.
Having Integrity
Seek to be open and honest in all our interactions.
Learning from the past
Choose to learn from past experiences with the future generations in mind.
Making a sustainable difference
Make decisions with the community in mind and in harmony with the natural environment so we can help create the kind of place we can be proud of.
Protecting our rich heritage
Protect and celebrate our rich heritage in landscapes, architecture, flora, fauna and cultural heritage.
Meeting our obligations
Do the right thing by our region and check what legal requirements need to be met before you get started.