Peel forest

Image: Matt Searles | ©

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.

Campsite overview

Access

  • Campervan
  • Car
  • Caravan

Landscape

  • Forest

Category

  • Category
Serviced

Bookings

  • Bookings

Bookings required

Facilities

  • Cookers/electric stove
  • Non-powered/tent sites
  • Phone
  • Powered sites
  • Shelter for cooking
  • Shower - hot
  • Toilets
  • Water from tap
  • Wheelchair accessible
47 non-powered/tent sites
34 powered sites

Activities

  • Fishing
  • Rafting
  • Walking and tramping

Seasonal restrictions

The campground is closed from May to mid-September each year. During this period the adjoining Clarke Flat is opened as a standard campsite.

Fires are not permitted at any time.

Dog access

No dogs

About this campsite

  • Number of sites - 47
  • Number of powered sites - 34
  • Number of cabins - 4

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.

Getting there

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

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. 

The campsite pass for rental campervans cannot be used at this campsite.

DOC/NZMCA campsite passes can not be used at this campsite.

Backcountry Hut Passes cannot be used at this campsite.

Cabins

  • $50 per night - up to 2 person
  • Additional adult: $15 per night
  • Additional child 5 to 17 years: $11 per night

Bookings

Bookings are essential. Bookings open 9 am, 3 September 2018.

Map of campground zones (PDF, 985K)

The camp is open from South Canterbury Anniversary weekend (mid-September) to the 30 April each year.

Casual bookings can also be made in person (subject to availability) at The Green Man at Peel Forest Cafe. The cafe owners manage the camp on behalf of DOC. Note the cafe is closed on Mondays, so cabin keys will need to be arranged in advanced.

The Green Man at Peel Forest Cafe

Phone: +64 3 696 3567
Email: thegreenmanpeelforest@gmail.com
Address: 1202 Peel Forest Road
Peel Forest
RD22 Geraldine 7992

Activities

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

Raukapuka / Geraldine Office
Phone:   +64 3 693 1010
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   esienquiries@doc.govt.nz
Address:   13 – 15 North Terrace
Geraldine 7930
Postal Address:   PO Box 33
Geraldine 7956

 

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Know before you go

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.
  • All campers must report to the cafe on arrival. Site allocation is at the discretion of the camp managers who will inform you of your site allocation. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • The campground speed limit is 10 km/hr
  • Vehicles and trailers must not be left on adjoining sites.
  • 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. 
  • 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.
  • The facilities are provided exclusively for campers use or by people authorised by the camp managers.
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