Image: Sonya Sawyers | DOC
Kidds Bush Campsite.
Kidds Bush Reserve Campsite

Located in Hāwea Conservation Park in the Otago region

Camp alongside Lake Hāwea in a large, grassy area with good shade from mountain beech trees. Walk along the lake shore, go fishing or swimming.

Fees

This campsite is very busy and often booked out between Boxing Day and early February. Book well in advance and have an alternative campsite planned if this one is full. Alternative DOC campsites:

  • Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
  • Infant (0 - 4 years): free

Fees from 1 July 2025

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

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.

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 are required all year.

Book Kidds Bush Reserve 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 a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.

The campsite is located on the shore of Lake Hāwea on Meads Road, 40 min (32 km) north of Wānaka off SH6.

Meads Road is a gravel road and is narrow and steep in places.  It is not suitable for large campervans. 

Location

Grid reference: NZTM2000, E1302511-N5072411
Latitude: -44.4411771, Longitude: 169.26180602

For your safety, we recommend not camping under the trees at this campsite.

Kidds Bush Campsite has portable toilets until a new toilet block is built.

Kidds Bush Nature Walk starts from the campsite.