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There are a variety of locations to go camping in Selwyn.

There are two campgrounds that the Council manages and require bookings: Rakaia Huts Campground and Glentunnel Campground.

There are also numerous reserves on which camping is permitted, with no bookings required.

Other Reserves Available for Camping

Camping on Council Reserves is allowed for up to 28 days total per site during the summer season (1 Nov – 31 Mar) and 28 days total regardless of site over the winter season (1 April – 31 Oct).

During the winter season there may be restrictions on overnight camping. Sites may close at any time between 1 April – 31 October.

In our camping reserves we encourage responsible freedom camping and support the Tiaki Promise to care for our land.

There are seven public dump stations in Selwyn where both toilet waste and wastewater can be disposed.

Camping on Council Reserves is governed by the Council's Camping on Reserves Policy [PDF, 1152 KB].

Chamberlain's Ford - CLOSED from 29th April 2025 - REOPEN 21st October 2025

Location: Leeston Road
Contact: Selwyn District Council
Key Activities: Picnics, casual recreation, camping. Electric BBQ
Open all year  for recreational use
Charge: No fee, koha/donations appreciated for facility upkeep.
Booking: Not required, spaces are limited and are available on a "first-in, first-served" basis. Not suitable for large vehicles. Wheelchair accessible toilet facilities are available. Non-potable water is available.

Chamberlain's Ford reserve is a dog exercise area. Registered dogs are welcome off-lead within the reserve and must be kept under control at all times.

Selwyn River water quality varies. For current swimming/recreation status refer to Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website. Reserve users are always advised to be aware of the possibility of FLOODING if there is significant rainfall in the foothills.

Coes Ford - CLOSED from 29th April 2025 - REOPEN 21st October 2025

Location: The Lake Road/Pannetts Road
Contact: Selwyn District Council
Key Activities: Picnics, casual recreation. camping.
Open all year  for recreational use
Charge: No fee, koha/donations appreciated for facility upkeep.
Booking: Not required, spaces are available on a "first-in, first-served" basis. Area 2 suitable for large vehicles. Wheelchair accessible toilet facilities are available. Non-potable water is available.

Coes Ford reserve is a dog exercise area. Registered dogs are welcome off-lead within the reserve and must be kept under control at all times.

Selwyn River water quality varies. For current swimming/recreation status refer to Land Air Water Aotearoa LAWA website.     Reserve users are always advised to be aware of the possibility of FLOODING if there is significant rainfall in the foothills.
Map of the Coes Ford area

Lakeside Domain - OPEN 

Location: Timberyard Road, Lakeside
Contact: Selwyn District Council
Key Activities: Fishing, picnics, casual recreation, camping, bird watching, water skiing, boating, kayaking.
Open all year for recreational use unless ground conditions deteriorate. 
Charge: No fee, koha/donations appreciated for facility upkeep.
Booking: Not required, spaces are available on a "first-in, first-served" basis. Suitable for large  vehicles. Wheelchair accessible toilet facilities are available. Outdoor shower (cold water only). Non-potable water is available.

Registered dogs are welcome within the domain and must be kept under control at all times.

Whitecliffs Domain - CLOSED from 29th April 2025 - REOPEN 21st October 2025

Location: Hartleys Road, Whitecliffs
Contact: Selwyn District Council
Key Activities: Picnics, casual recreation, camping.
Open all year for recreational use. Camping is permitted for summer season only. Vehicle access to the reserve is prohibited during winter.  Foot access is available and the reserve is open for recreation. 
Charge: No fee, koha/donations appreciated for facility upkeep.
Booking: Not required, spaces are limited and are available on a "first-in, first-served" basis. Not suitable for large vehicles. Wheelchair accessible toilet facilities are available. Non Potable water is available.

Whitecliffs domain is a dog exercise area. Registered dogs are welcome off-lead within the domain and must be kept under control at all times.

Selwyn River water quality varies. For current swimming/recreation status refer to Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website.

For other camping areas see Selwyn From the Land .

Visiting New Zealand

Campermate If you are visiting New Zealand, or a New Zealander holidaying around New Zealand, there is an app available that shows nearby locations of everything you'll need when travelling, from petrol stations to dump stations. Visit the CamperMate website to find out more and to download the app.