Stunning vista.
Canaan Downs Campsite

Located in Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve in the Nelson/Tasman region

Camp in Canaan Downs near mountain bike and tramping tracks.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
  • Infant (0 - 4 years): free

Pay 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.

Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.

From SH 60 on the Tākaka Hill Rd turn off at Canaan Rd and follow it 11 km to the end. This is a basic gravel road, steep and winding and icy in winter. The road is not suitable for larger campervans or towed caravans.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1590897, N5467579
Latitude: -40.94287224, Longitude: 172.89185511 

Fires are not permitted at any time.

Do not camp under the trees especially in windy conditions.

There are three mountain bike tracks in Canaan Downs. 

Harwoods Hole Track leads to the deep Harwood Hole shaft. Only experienced cavers should enter the hole and they must know the Harwoods Hole and Starlight Cave guidelines.