Rakaia Gorge Campground

🌤️ Approaching the End of Our Summer Season

Welcome to Rakaia Gorge Campground — your riverside escape in the heart of Canterbury.

Set beside the ever‑changing Rakaia River and surrounded by dramatic mountain views, our first‑come, first‑served campground offers classic Kiwi camping in a peaceful natural setting. As the evenings draw in, visitors get to enjoy some of the most spectacular dark skies in the region — perfect for stargazing after a day outdoors.
Please note we don’t take bookings or confirm availability in advance.

⏰ Important: New Last Check‑In Time — 7.30pm

With earlier nightfall, all arrivals must now check in by 7.30pm. Please plan your travel so you can settle in safely before dark and enjoy the evening sky.

🍂 Seasonal Change: Reduced Sites from Anzac Day

As summer winds down, from Anzac Day (25 April) the full campground closes and we reduce to 10 public sites for the winter season.

📞 Any question please call our caretakers +64 21 251 1817. They’re happy to give you an update — just remember we still don’t reserve spots.

Rates and Information

$15 per person per night (Cash is still welcome but we now have EFTPOS -$2 transaction fee).
Children under 10 stay free.
Checkout time: 11am. Last check-in 7.30pm.
Sorry we don't' accept bookings. Please call the caretakers on the day or the day before to check availability.

Camp Phone: 021 251 1817

Facilities

Very clean campsite and facilities.
Free gas heated hot showers.
Sorry no powered at the campground.
Covered area to prepare meals and do dishes, ideal for bike riders. You need to bring your own cooker.
Dogs are welcome but must be on leads at all times. Sorry cats are not allowed.

Experience Nature

Wake up to the sound of the river and the calls of bellbirds.
Spend your days fishing, jet boating, or exploring nearby hiking trails.
Enjoy your evenings under a sky full of stars.

Start your day with the sweet symphony of bellbirds greeting the dawn.

Come camp under the stars

What you can do nearby?

Nearby Hiking Trails

Rakaia Gorge Walkway: 9.8 km circular trail with stunning river and mountain views (3 hours 15 minutes).
Lower Gorge Lookout via Rakaia Gorge Walk: 1.9-mile out-and-back trail to a scenic lookout (1 hour).
Rakaia Gorge Lookout from Campground: Easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail starting from the campground (33 minutes).

Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or an extended break, Rakaia Gorge Campground is the ideal spot to relax and reconnect with nature.

Rakaia Gorge WalkwayThis walkway offers several geological and historic features as it traverses the edge of the Rakaia Gorge.

Rakaia Gorge Lookout

Just a short stroll up the road to the lookout or take the river walk straight across from the camp that meanders along the river then up to the lookout.

Discovery Jet

Discovery Jet offers an adrenalin-pumping experience you'll never forget. You'll need to hang on tight as our driver skillfully weaves the jet boat through the intricate network of braided river channels, skimming along stony banks and through gushing opalescent blue waters rich with salmon and trout.www.discoveryjet.co.nz/