Bookings required
Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $5 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 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026
Bookings open at 9.30 am on Tuesday 20 May 2025.
All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.
Bookings for stays up to 30 June 2025
Bookings are currently open.
Bookings are required all year.
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.
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.
The 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.
Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
| Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 1/37 Halifax Street Nelson 7010 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |