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

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

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 closed for camping for the Winter Season

Location: Leeston Road
Contact: Selwyn District Council
Key Activities: Fishing, picnics, casual recreation, conservation. Camping areas are closed.
Open all year round Chamberlains Ford is currently closed to vehicle access. Foot access is still available and the reserve is open for recreation.
Charge: No fee, koha (donations) appreciated for facility upkeep.
Booking: Not required during summer, spaces are limited and are available on a "first-in, first-served" basis. Not suitable for large vehicle access.
Toilet facilities are closed.
Non-potable water is available.
Selwyn River water quality varies. For current status refer to Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA)

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. Suitable for large  vehicles.
Toilet facilities are open. Wheelchair accessible.
Non-potable water is available.
Selwyn River water quality varies. For current 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.
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 open. Wheelchair accessible. Outdoor shower (cold water only).
Non-potable water is available.

Whitecliffs Domain closed for camping for the Winter Season

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.
Charge: No fee, koha (donations) appreciated for facility upkeep.
Booking: Not required during summer, spaces are limited and are available on a "first-in, first-served" basis. Suitable for large vehicles.
Toilet facilities are available.
Selwyn River water quality varies. For current status refer to Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA)

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.