Skippers Campsite
Skippers area • Otago
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
- This is a standard campsite in the Queenstown/Wakatipu area. Camp within scenic rocky natural features on terraces around an old cemetery and school. Bike, walk, tramp or hunt to explore the area.
- Facilities
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Toilets - flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Toilets
- Water supply
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only.
- Landscape
- Forest
- Access
- 4WD, Mountain bike
- Unpowered sites
- 24
About this campsite
Behind Mt Aurum Homestead you’ll find a self-registration booth, flush toilets and running water.
Don't camp adjacent to the homestead/school area. The flush toilets are closed in winter; two pit toilets are available nearby.
Fees and bookings
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
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.
Getting there
17.5 km north of Queenstown, off Skippers Road near Coronet Peak. Gravel access.
Skippers Road is winding and has steep drop-offs. 4WD is recommended. Rental cars are generally prohibited.
Location
Grid reference: NZTM2000, E1258674-N5025449
Latitude: -44.84264845, Longitude: 168.68112312
Know before you go
The historic site is protected - the removal of any material is illegal.
During high winds small-sized branches are falling out of dead trees within the densely forested pine stands in Mount Aurum Recreation Reserve. Avoid areas of dead trees during high winds.
Be ready for unplanned road closures
Unplanned road closures can happen during and after wet weather due to slips on the Skippers Road. Contact Queenstown Lakes District Council on +64 3 4410499 for road updates.
If you have a campsite booking and the road is closed, contact the Queenstown DOC Visitor Centre.
Choosing a safe tent site
For your safety we recommend not camping under the trees at this campsite.
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the campsite