Responsible Camping in Central Otago

Responsible Camping

article by: Sarah Bennett

From wilderness campsites to fully serviced holiday parks – the classic Kiwi camping holiday is an experience everyone can enjoy. What’s more, by camping in New Zealand you’re choosing accommodation that has a light environmental footprint while also connecting you with local communities and fellow travellers.

Follow these tips to be a responsible and respectful Kiwi camper in Central Otago and throughout Aotearoa.

Know where you can camp

One of the great things about Kiwi camping is that there are so many different types of campground, but this means the rules can change from place to place so get the local lowdown before you go!

Central Otago welcomes visitors to stay in fully serviced holiday parks, freedom campsites and DOC campsites. For other New Zealand regions, check out local tourism websites, camping apps and travel guides.

Once you’re on the road, call into isites and DOC Visitor Centres for up-to-the-minute advice.

Know the rules before you stay at permitted freedom camping locations

Holiday Parks provide all the services you would need for a comfortable camping holiday

Camp Considerately

The communal nature of camping means you’ll meet people and maybe even make some new friends. Be a thoughtful campsite neighbour by taking only a fair share of the space; park your vehicle considerately and clear of access to tracks, roads, lakes or rivers; keep noise to a minimum; and leave your campsite better than you found it.

Be self-contained to freedom camp

To go freedom camping or stay in other basic sites you’ll need to be fully self-contained. This means having a plumbed-in toilet and a certain amount of storage for both clean and dirty water. There are big fines for rule-breakers, so if you want to freedom camp, hire an appropriate camper or sort your van and get it certified.

You’ll need to dispose of your dirty water and toilet waste every few days, so check ahead for the dump stations at convenient locations across Central Otago.

Use the Loo

Pooping in the right place is essential for the health of other people and the environment including wildlife and waterways. Always use your onboard toilet or those provided. If you get caught short, do your business in the bush well away from people, trails and waterways, digging a hole to bury your poop and covering it thoroughly before you leave.

Dispose of rubbish carefully

Many basic and remote campsites don’t provide rubbish and recycling bins because it’s simply too difficult for our small communities to service them. Take responsibility for your own waste by carrying bags or bins so you can stow your rubbish until you reach a waste and recycling station or other collection point.

To be certified self-contained you must have a fixed and plumbed in toilet in your motorhome or caravan

PLEASE only dump the three Ps - Pee, Poo and Paper. Wet wipes and non-flushable items cause expensive to fix blockages.

Please don't do this! If bins supplied are full, transfer stations offer recycling and general rubbish drop off services 7 days per week

Source Fresh Water

Potable water can be obtained from many locations, straight from the tap and safe to drink from your onboard tank or refillable drinking bottle. Most campsites and dump stations provide a reliable supply, and there are many other sources including public toilets on town mains supply where you can fill smaller containers. Various camping apps will help you pinpoint portable water supplies, but ask a local if you need help.

Be water wise. If a supply isn’t safe to drink, a Boil Water notice (normally published on the CODC website) will advise you. Conserve water, especially if it comes from a limited source such as rainwater tanks or restricted town supply. Washing down your bike or van may have to wait!

Say no to soapy waterways

Wild swimming is a wonderful way to take your daily bath, but soap and shampoo are bad for the health of our lakes, rivers and ocean. When it’s time to wash your hair, dishes, or do your laundry, either use your van facilities or lather up and rinse well away from waterways so any detergent is filtered down through the soil.

Stay in a Serviced Camp Ground

Even if you’re a dedicated freedom camper, staying in a serviced campground at least a couple of days each week will help keep you happy and hygienic. As well as providing dump stations, rubbish and recycling facilities, potable water, kitchens, laundry and lovely hot showers, they’ll likely offer bonuses such as barbecue areas, bike clean-down stations, playgrounds and maybe even a spa or swimming pool.

Be sure to book into a serviced campground regularly - they are the perfect place to restock and refresh - Image: Sarah Bennett

There are excellent campgrounds to be found in Central Otago - many still have that traditional family holiday set up

Drive Well

Winding, narrow, rough, remote – and sometimes full of sheep! – New Zealand’s roads will keep you on your toes. Plan ahead and allow plenty of time to get to your destination. If traffic builds up behind you, pull over to let it pass. Inside the camp, drive at a snail’s pace to be safe around fellow campers and animals, and minimise any dust that may swirl around.

Check the weather

With luck your camping holiday will be all blue skies and tee-shirts, but be ready for all weather conditions. Carry appropriate clothing and footwear and ensure your tent, camper or caravan is weather-tight, pegged out properly and takes account of sun, shade and prevailing winds. Take care, too, not to camp too closely to any waterway prone to flood when there’s big rain around, or under trees where branches might fall.

Be a courteous driver - whether on the road or in the campground consider others. Cautiously move through stock on the road as the farmer directs

Central Otago's weather is shaped by its inland location and surrounding hills. Be prepared to experience four seasons in one day!

Be Fire Smart

If the weather’s hot and dry, the wild fire risk is probably high. Stay fire safe by obeying fire bans and being super-careful with camping stoves and barbecues. Be sure to completely extinguish your fire or flame before you go to bed or leave camp, too. See Checkitsalright for more fire tips.

Get ready for the dark

Kiwi camping is synonymous with spectacular night skies. Sit back and enjoy them getting your camp set up before nightfall and having your torch on hand to avoid stumbling through the dark!

Central Otago's night skies are legendary for their clarity - step outside and look up. Image: Light Source Creative

Rubbish and Recycling

Each main town has a transfer station where you can drop off your rubbish/waste. A fee may apply.

Dump Stations

You can find a dump station facilities at some petrol stations, campgrounds and other free public access locations

Showering and Laundry

The Cromwell and Alexandra swim centres offer showers for a small fee. There are laundromats in Cromwell and Alexandra

Responsible Camping
in Central Otago

Know where you can camp

Camp Considerately

Be self-contained to freedom camp

Use the Loo

Dispose of rubbish carefully

Source Fresh Water

Say no to soapy waterways

Stay in a Serviced Camp Ground

Drive Well

Check the weather

Be Fire Smart

Get ready for the dark

Still not sure, ask?

Bendigo

Lowburn

Champagne Gully

Jacksons Inlet

Pinders Pond (Roxburgh)

Central Otago Responsible Camping Guidelines

Rubbish and Recycling

Dump Stations

Showering and Laundry

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