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

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

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. Chamberlains Ford reserve camping areas 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 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 #1 area open for camping

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. These camping areas 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. 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 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

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. This camping 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 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.