Otaio Gorge Campsite

Located in Hunters Hills area in the Canterbury region

Camp at a scenic reserve beside forest; swim in the Otaio River.

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 for the 2026/27 season open at 12 noon on Friday 15 May 2026.  

  • 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.

Bookings are required all year.

Book Otaio Gorge Campsite online.

Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
  1. From Tīmaru follow SH1 to St Andrews.
  2. Turn right into Blue Cliffs Rd and follow for 19.5 km.
  3. Turn right into Back Line Rd – gravel road.
  4. Follow this road for 5 km.

Location

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

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

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.