Information about Campgrounds and Contact Details

There are two campgrounds in Selwyn District, plus numerous reserves on which camping is permitted.

Our Two Campgrounds:

Rakaia-Huts-Camping-groundRakaia Huts is open at Alert Level 2

Rakaia Huts  is open . Campers are requested to scan in on arrival, wipe down shared surfaces and observe appropriate social distance during your stay.

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

Glentunnel CampgroundGlentunnel Holiday Park is open at Alert Level 2

Glentunnel Holiday Park  is open . Campers are requested to scan in on arrival, wipe down shared surfaces and observe appropriate social distance during your stay.

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 during level 2

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 closed for camping

Toilet facilities closed during level 2.

Chamberlains Ford camping areas suffered significant damage during the May flood event.  The reserve will remain closed to enable assessment and repair of the damage. When safety of all users can be  achieved the reserve will be reopened.

Location: Leeston Road
Contact: Selwyn District Council
Key Activities: Fishing, picnics, casual recreation, conservation.
Open all year  for recreational use Foot access is available and the reserve is open for recreation. We are working hard to reopen Chamberlains Ford reserve camping areas for Christmas.
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 closed for camping

Toilet facilities closed during level 2.

Coes Ford camping areas suffered significant damage during the May flood event.  The reserve will remain closed to enable assessment and repair of the damage. When safety of all users can be  achieved the reserve will be reopened.

Location: The Lake Road/Pannetts Road
Contact: Selwyn District Council
Key Activities: Fishing, picnics, casual recreation, conservation, bird watching, camping.
Coes #1 open all year round except during flood events affecting the Selwyn River
Coes #2 and Coes #3 closed. Vehicle access is prohibited during winter. Foot access is available and the reserve is open for recreation. We are working hard to reopen Coes Ford reserve camping areas for Christmas.
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 and recreation

The reserve is open for camping and recreation use under Alert Level 2.

The reserve is open with reduced areas available for camping. Ground conditions are variable. 

Location: Timberyard Road, Lakeside
Contact: Selwyn District Council
Key Activities: Fishing, picnics, casual recreation, conservation, bird watching, water skiing, boating, kayaking.
Open all year for recreational use unless ground conditions deteriorate. Vehicle access to the southern side is prohibited during winter. Foot access is available and the reserve is open for recreation. This area will reopen for the 2021/22 summer camping season in October 2021. 
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 closed for camping

Toilet facilities closed during level 2.

Whitecliffs domain suffered significant damage during the May flood event.  The scheduled winter closure period will enable assessment and repair of the damage. When safety of all users can be  achieved the reserve will be reopened.

Location: Hartleys Road, Whitecliffs
Contact: Selwyn District Council
Key Activities: Fishing, picnics, casual recreation, conservation.
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. We are working hard to reopen Whitecliffs reserve camping areas for Christmas.
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

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.