Waitaki Lakes Camping

Waitaki Lakes Camping Sunny and sheltered campgrounds where you can relax beside the beautiful Waitaki Lakes

Your chance to get away from it all and spend time relaxing with your family. Waitaki District Council manages 6 basic (kiwistyle) campgrounds on the sunny and sheltered side (southern side - north facing) of Lakes Aviemore and Benmore. Camps include Parsons Rock, Otematata Boat Harbour, Wildlife Reserve, Loch Laird, Sailors cutting and Falstone. Located close to amenities, shops, golf courses and playgrounds in Otematata and Omarama. Our camping season runs from the third Saturday of September until first Sunday of May. Tickets available from:
◦Waitaki District Council, Oamaru
◦Camp supervisors and self registration booths

This Saturday is the big day and we know you're just as excited as we are! To make sure everything runs smoothly and saf...
16/09/2026

This Saturday is the big day and we know you're just as excited as we are! To make sure everything runs smoothly and safely, especially on Saturday morning, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

✅All campers are welcome to stay in Loch Laird top paddock on Friday night. Our team will help manage this to keep things flowing.
✅Camps open at 8am on Saturday morning – please don’t congregate around entrances or on roads.
✅Campers must have their ticket prior to setting up their site. Make sure your camping tickets and boat ramp passes are clearly visible at all times.
✅First In, First Served - we don’t reserve sites – but please enter sites in an orderly fashion, and no running ahead of those queuing.
✅Please be respectful to others as you wait to enter the campgrounds – remember these will be your fellow campers.

The weather at this stage is looking reasonable with perhaps some wind (which is very normal!). However, it can be changeable at this time of year so make sure you are well prepared.

Please be sensible when towing, drive carefully, and be considerate of others on the road and in the campgrounds. Kids will be around, so keep your speed down.

Most of all, have a fantastic opening weekend and summer season!

If you have any issues, please contact the Camp Manager – we’re here to help!

With less than three weeks to go until opening weekend at the Waitaki Lakes Camping grounds, its a good time to check yo...
03/09/2026

With less than three weeks to go until opening weekend at the Waitaki Lakes Camping grounds, its a good time to check your gear, make sure you have everything you need to make summer this year the best it can be (and maybe make sure the kids haven’t left something unrecognisable stuffed in a box somewhere!! )

We all have a favourites things to take to the lakes with us - let us know what your ‘can’t live without' piece of camping equipment is?

At the Waitaki Lakes, there are a few things you can count on:Great views, Good times on the water, and of course…a nor'...
27/08/2026

At the Waitaki Lakes, there are a few things you can count on:

Great views, Good times on the water, and of course…
a nor'wester turning up sooner or later!

Don't let the wind win:
✅ Add extra pegs (longer pegs are even better!)
✅ Angle pegs steeply for a stronger hold
✅ Use extra guy ropes where needed
✅ Park vehicles to help block the wind
✅ Pack away gear before it becomes airborne
✅ If strong winds are coming, pull down shelters and awnings early - make sure you are checking the forecast.

Pro tip: The early bird catches the calm water, so get the boat out before the wind arrives, the best skiing often happens earlier in the day

Stay safe, stay prepared, and enjoy everything our stunning lakes have to offer.

It's time to reconnect with your favourite trails, and don't we have a lot of them for a morning or a day trip - A2O, Be...
17/08/2026

It's time to reconnect with your favourite trails, and don't we have a lot of them for a morning or a day trip - A2O, Benmore Peninsula, Oteake, Ahuriri and so many more - what’s your go-to trail when camping at the Waitaki Lakes?

(Hopefully it won’t be this frosty when camping season starts❄️)

Don't forget to grab your season ticket on our website https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/Facilities/Parks-and-Recreation/Camping/Waitaki-lakes-camping

Some of the best conversations happen with no wifi.Reconnect at Waitaki Lakes this season - 2026/27 passes on sale from ...
03/08/2026

Some of the best conversations happen with no wifi.

Reconnect at Waitaki Lakes this season - 2026/27 passes on sale from 10th August

Address

State Highway 83
Omarama

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