Tawanui Campsite
Catlins coastal 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 Coastal Otago area. This isolated campsite is in a clearing beside the river. Day walk the Catlins River Track through silver beech forest.
- 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
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only.
- Landscape
- Forest, Rivers and lakes
- Access
- Campervan, Car, Caravan
- Unpowered sites
- 60
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.
Your booking will be for the number of people in your party – there are no designated sites. Find space for your party on arrival.
Getting there
Turn off SH1 at Balclutha and drive South to Owaka. Follow Papatowai Highway for approximately 7 km, turn right onto Catlins Valley Rd, right onto Morris Saddle Rd, then left at cattle-stop (sign indicating campsite). Narrow gravel road.
Tracks to this campsite
Location
Grid reference: NZTM2000, E1330818-N4848999
Latitude: -46.4583626, Longitude: 169.49316511
Know before you go
There is no mobile phone coverage.
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the campsite