Lyell Campsite
Lyell area • West Coast
Alerts
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
- About
- The site of the historic gold-rush town of Lyell, this large, grassed campsite is easily accessible. Explore the gold workings at settlements of Gibbstown (2 hr return), Zalatown and 8 Mile, plus the Alpine Battery site.
- Facilities
- BBQ
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance
- Toilets - non-flush
- Toilets
- Water supply
- Activities
- Walking and tramping
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only.
- Access
- Campervan, Car, Caravan
- Unpowered sites
- 18
Fees and bookings
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $18 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $9 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Pay online at the time of booking.
Passes
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.
Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book.
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2027.
- If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked.
- No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking.
- Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
- Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.
Seven sites are bookable and the remaining 11 are on a first come, first served basis. If you don’t book before you come, bring cash.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
Getting there
On SH6 in the Upper Buller Gorge, 15 km northeast of Inangahua.
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1520990, N5372328
Latitude: -41.79697466, Longitude: 172.04899791
Know before you go
Soft ground
Some areas of this campsite can become soft and slippery during and after heavy rain. Caution is advised for heavy, towing or 2-wheel drive vehicles.
Sandflies
There are many sandflies in Murchison, especially during the summer months.
Wasps
There are many wasps during summer.
Activities
Walking and tramping
Walk to the battery and take an alternative loop back to the campsite.
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the campsite