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 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.

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.