Campgrounds
There are two campgrounds in Selwyn District, plus numerous reserves on which camping is permitted.
Our Two Campgrounds:
Rakaia Huts is open
Location: Pacific Drive, Rakaia Huts
Contact: Sharon Graham, C/- Selwyn District Council, PO Box 90, Rolleston 7643
Phone: 0276 611 562 E-mail: rakaiahutscampground@selwyn.govt.nz
Dump station available for camp users only
- Campground Rules [PDF, 41 KB]
- Campground Fees [PDF, 150 KB]
- Site Reservation Requirements and Guidelines [PDF, 102 KB]
- Map of Rakaia Huts area [PNG, 314 KB]
Glentunnel Holiday Park is open
Location: Homebush Road, Glentunnel
Contact: Nathan and Cheryl Langridge 03 318-2868
Selwyn District Council leases this campground to a private operator, Holiday Parks Association of NZ
Dump station available for camp users only
Other Reserves Available for Camping
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.
Chamberlain's Ford open for camping
Location: Leeston Road
Contact: Selwyn District Council
Key Activities: Fishing, picnics, casual recreation, conservation. Camping areas will open on October 22 for the summer season.
Open all year round for recreational use Foot access is always available and the reserve is open for recreation. The reserve may close at times to allow for maintenance.
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. Toilet facilities are available. Wheelchair accessible toilet. Non-potable water is available. Not suitable for large vehicle access.
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.
Coe's Ford open for camping
Location: The Lake Road/Pannetts Road
Contact: Selwyn District Council
Key Activities: Fishing, picnics, casual recreation, conservation, bird watching, camping.
East camping area open all year round (will be closed if flooding occurs from Selwyn River)
West camping area closed to vehicle access during winter months. Foot access is still available.
Charge: No fee, koha (donations) appreciated for facility upkeep.
Booking: Not required, spaces are available on a "first-in, first-served" basis. Toilet facilities are available. Wheelchair accessible toilet. Non-potable water is available. Coes 2 area suitable for large vehicles.
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 for camping
Location: Timberyard Road, Lakeside
Contact: Selwyn District Council
Key Activities: Fishing, picnics, casual recreation, conservation, bird watching, water skiing, boating, kayaking.
Open all year round some areas may be closed to restrict vehicle access during winter. These areas will be opened for camping on Thursday October 22.
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.
Toilet facilities are available. Wheelchair accessible. Outdoor shower (cold water only). Non-potable water is available. Suitable for large vehicles.
Whitecliffs Domain open for camping
Location: Hartleys Road, Whitecliffs
Contact: Selwyn District Council
Key Activities: Fishing, picnics, casual recreation, conservation. Camping areas are closed.
Camping area is open for summer season only. Vehicle access to the reserve is restricted during winter. Foot access is still available and the reserve is open for recreation all year.
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. Toilet facilities are available. Suitable for large vehicles.
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
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.