Peel Forest Campground
Located in Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve in the Canterbury region
Introduction
Peel Forest is a remnant of a magnificent podocarp forest that once covered this area.Access
- Campervan
- Car
- Caravan
Landscape
- Forest
Facilities
- Cookers/electric stove
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Phone
- Powered sites
- Shelter for cooking
- Shower - hot
- Toilets - flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible
Activities
- Fishing
- Rafting
- Walking and tramping
Seasonal restrictions
The campground is closed from May to mid-October each year. During this period the adjoining Clarke Flat is opened as a standard campsite.
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Dog access
- Number of sites - 47
- Number of powered sites - 34
- Number of cabins - 4
Map of campground zones (PDF, 110K)
Facilities and services
- Hot showers (campers only).
- Wheelchair accessible kitchen, shower and toilet block.
- Communal kitchen with electric elements. Bring your own chilly bin, BBQ, pots, pans, crockery and cutlery. There is one shared fridge/freezer.
- Clothes washer and dryer.
- Public card phone on site. Mobile phone coverage highly variable.
- Camp hosts will be present on site.
Cabins have:
- single beds
- electricity
- a jug, and
- heating.
All the other facilities like toilets, showers, stoves are outside in the amenity block.
What to bring
- Bedding is not supplied – bring your own sheets, pillow cases, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, towels and tea towels.
Fees
Campsites
Non-powered site
- Adult (18+ years): $20 per night
- Child (5 - 17 years): $10 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Powered site
- Adult (18+ years): $23 per night
- Child (5 - 17 years): $11.50 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Maximum number of people per site is 6.
Cabins
- $50 per night for up to 2 adults
- $15 per night for each additional adult, child or infant
Campsite Pass
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite except between 26 December to 8 February inclusive.
Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not pre-book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge.
There's a $3 fee per Campsite Pass user to book a powered site.
The DOC Backcountry Hut Pass is not applicable at this campsite.
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays from 20 October 2022 through to 30 April 2023.
2023/24 bookings
Bookings for 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024 will open in 2023. The opening date will be announced on this page in late March 2023.
All bookings operate on a first-come first-served basis. We do not operate waiting lists for bookings for future seasons, or currently booked-out facilities.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
For booked cabins, the access code will be emailed to you 3 days before arrival.
22 km north of Geraldine. Follow Main North Rd (Scenic Highway 72) for 8 km, turn left after the Orari Bridge into Geraldine to Arundel Rd, after 3 km, take the second left into Peel Forest Rd for 13 km.
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1460733, N5138885
We aim to provide a traditional New Zealand camping experience. Te ensure you and other campers enjoy your stay, be considerate of others and be aware of the rules below.
- Unacceptable conduct (eg nudity, violence, excessive noise) and/or behaviour deemed to be publicly offensive will result in immediate removal of those concerned with no refund given.
- A 1.5 m gap must be keep between the sides of all tents and site boundary.
- No fires permitted under any circumstance including charcoal barbeques, braziers or fireworks. Gas cooking only.
- Recycling bins are available. Recycling items must be washed/clean before being placed in bins.
- No pets, including caged birds, cats and dogs, allowed as the campground is in a scenic reserve.
- Noisy generators or compressors are not permitted. Generators are not to be used after 10 pm.
- Music players must be used with headphones or played at a volume not audible to the neighbouring campsite.
- The facilities are provided exclusively for campers use.
Safety
- An unfenced stream and access road runs through the campground. You are responsible for the supervision of children in your care while in the campground.
Vehicles
- All caravans and campervans that require power must have a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness (WOF).
- Chemical toilets must not be emptied into campground toilets or drains.
- The campground speed limit is 10 km/hr
- Vehicles and trailers must not be left on adjoining sites.
Walking and tramping
Walk to swamp forest, old logging sawpits, Acland Falls or the Rangitata River.
Other activities
Fish, jet boat or raft the river. Explore the Rangitata Valley.
Contacts
| Mahaanui / Sockburn Office | |
| Phone: | +64 3 341 9100 |
| Fax: | +64 03 341 9101 |
| Email: | esienquiries@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
31 Nga Mahi Road Sockburn Christchurch |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 11089 Sockburn 8443 Christchurch |
| Full office details | |
