Image: Laura Honey | DOC
Lyell Campsite.
Lyell Campsite

Located in Lyell area in the West Coast region

The site of the historic gold-rush town of Lyell, this large, grassed campsite is easily accessible. Explore the gold workings at settlements of Gibbstown (2 hr return), Zalatown and 8 Mile, plus the Alpine Battery site.

Fees

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

Fees from 1 July 2025

  • Adult (18+ years): $18 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $9 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.

Seven sites are bookable and the remaining 11 are on a first come, first served basis. If you don’t book before you come, bring cash.

Bookings are required all year.

Book Lyell 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.

On SH6 in the Upper Buller Gorge, 15 km northeast of Inangahua.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1520990, N5372328
Latitude: -41.79697466, Longitude: 172.04899791

Soft ground

Some areas of this campsite can become soft and slippery during and after heavy rain. Caution is advised for heavy, towing or 2-wheel drive vehicles.  

Sandflies

There are many sandflies in Murchison, especially during the summer months.

Wasps

There are many wasps during summer.

Walking and tramping

Walk to the battery and take an alternative loop back to the campsite.