Image: Shellie Evans | DOC
Tawanui Campsite

Located in Catlins coastal area in the Otago region

This is a standard campsite in the Coastal Otago area. This isolated campsite is in a clearing beside the river. Day walk the Catlins River Track through silver beech forest.

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 are open for stays up to 30 June 2026.

If there is no availability showing online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked. No sites are held for campers turning up on the day without a booking.

Bookings are required all year.

Book Tawanui Campsite online.

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 the number of people in your party – there are no designated sites. Find space for your party on arrival.

Turn off SH1 at Balclutha and drive South to Owaka. Follow Papatowai Highway for approximately 7 km, turn right onto Catlins Valley Rd, right onto Morris Saddle Rd, then left at cattle-stop (sign indicating campsite). Narrow gravel road. 

Tracks to this campsite

Location

Grid reference: NZTM2000, E1330818-N4848999
Latitude: -46.4583626, Longitude: 169.49316511

There is no mobile phone coverage.