Otaio Gorge Campsite

Notice

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: Camp at a scenic reserve beside forest; swim in the Otaio River.
Facilities: Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans)
Non-powered/tent sites
Toilets - flush
Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Toilets
Water supply
Activities: Swimming
Dogs: No dogs.
Landscape: Forest, Rivers and lakes
Access: Campervan, Car, Caravan
Unpowered sites: 15

Fees and bookings

Fees

Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
Child (5–17 years): $5 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.

Book Otaio Gorge Campsite online.

Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.

Getting there

From Tīmaru follow SH1 to St Andrews.
Turn right into Blue Cliffs Rd and follow for 19.5 km.
Turn right into Back Line Rd – gravel road.
Follow this road for 5 km.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1435460, N5067879
Latitude: -44.52356925, Longitude: 170.92863696

Know before you go

During periods of heavy rainfall this campsite is at risk of flooding.

Activities

Swimming

Swim in the Otaio River.

Otaio Gorge Track

A short 100 metre, 5 minute walking track, leads upstream from the campground and provides access to a scenic swimming hole.

You may also see the remnants of a historic water intake system along the riverbank.