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Camp in Canaan Downs near mountain bike and tramping tracks.
The Canaan Downs Camping Ground is a small campsite accessible by a steep gravel windy road - definitely not suitable for large camper vans.
There is a toilet - lots of wasps at the end of summer, and running water.
Though the site is in a sheltered area the weather can change rapidly due to the mountain conditions.
A great location for mountain biking, hiking and caving in Harwoods Hole for experienced cavers.
Canaan Downs Campsite is categorised as a DOC Standard Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing. Prices vary for some campsites and may include seasonal pricing. Visit the DOC website for exact pricing.
Standard campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services than Serviced campsites. These campsites have toilets, a water supply that could be treated or untreated tap water, or from a stream or lake, and vehicle or boat access. Bring your own soap for washing hands. Untreated water should be boiled before use to ensure it's safe. Wood BBQs and fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided; this will vary from site to site.
Feature | Value | Value |
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Unpowered Site | Adult | $10.00 to $15.00 per night |
Unpowered Site | Child | $5.00 to $7.50 per night |
Unpowered Site | Infant | $0.00 per night |
Adults are 18+ years, children are 5-17 years, infants are 0-4 years.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC Nelson/TasmanCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
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Websites |
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Feature | Value | Info |
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Overnight Camping Site Cost |
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Overnight Camping Site CostWhat is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? Low Cost Camping You can expect very basic facilities only and often a beautiful location. A nominal fee is charged. |
Overnight Stay Rules |
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Overnight Stay RulesWhat are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? Camping and any vehicle You are permitted to stay overnight and camp (with a tent) or in any vehicle. |
Campsite Managing Organisation |
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Campsite Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this campsite? DOC Managed This campsite is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. |
Maximum Sites Available |
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Maximum Sites AvailableHow many camping or parking sites are available for staying overnight in? 6 to 10 sites There are between six and ten sites available to stay overnight in. |
Water Supply |
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Water SupplyIs there fresh water available? Water supply available A supply of fresh water is available. Untreated water. You may wish to boil or treat it before drinking. |
Booking Required |
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Booking RequiredIs it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? First Come, First Served Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot. |
Large Vehicle Access |
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Large Vehicle AccessCan large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? No large vehicles The site is not accessible for large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. no go bro |
Dogs |
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DogsDoes this establishment allow dogs? No dogs allowed The location does not allow dogs under normal conditions. Their may be be exceptions granted under specific circumstances eg. guide dogs. No dogs |
Vehicle Access |
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Vehicle AccessCan vehicles drive in? Vehicle accessible This location is accessible in a vehicle. Access road is gravel, steep and windy. Icy in winter. |
DOC Campsite Category |
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DOC Campsite CategoryWhat category does this Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite fall into? DOC Standard Campsite Department of Conservation Standard Campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services. Toilets (usually composting or pit variety) water supply (tap, stream, or lake) and vehicle or boat access. Wood barbeques and fireplaces, showers (cold), picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided. Standard Campsites generally can not be booked. |
Toilet |
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ToiletIs there a toilet available? Public toilet There are toilet facilities available to the general public. |
✓ Beautiful location
✓ Peaceful and quiet
✓ Well-maintained toilets
✓ Great walking tracks
✓ Affordable fee
𐄂 Difficult road access
𐄂 Cold at night
Not over priced (Doc) Nice and secluded-toilets.
Was a great stay!
A place lost in nature, peaceful!
This site is off the beaten track.
Fee $6, sites 10, near to a number of tracks.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 8 |
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31% |
9/10 | 6 |
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23% |
8/10 | 9 |
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35% |
7/10 | 3 |
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12% |
6/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4.0/5
There is another campsite just before this one with a hand drawn sign stating “Canaans Down Campsite”.
Keep going past this place, the real campsite is at the end of the track. Long gravel road with few passing spots and steep drops on the edges.
Drop loos were in good condition.
I’d advise getting there early so you can get a spot away from the tree line - the wind can really pick up here, enough to fell a tree and there are signs saying not to park near them.
Beware of the Weka birds… they’re smart. They know what they’re doing. They act all cute, shy and friendly at first, and then they steal your pizza right out your hand! I turned away for a second and they were in the back of my camper. It’s a matter of time before they learn how to drive and steal your vehicle, then they’ll be in bed with your partner and reading your kids bedtime stories and you’ll be out on the streets before you know it. Don’t give in! Stay strong and guard your food.
Reviewed 4 months ago
5.0/5
Beautiful location on the edge of Abel Tasman NP.
In a clearing surrounded by beech trees. Peaceful and quiet. Very cold at night though (late April).
Reviewed 6 months ago
4.0/5
It’s down a 7 mile off-road track so be prepared for it to take 30mins minimum to get to (& would recommend to do it in daylight!).
Super remote & peaceful right next to the woods. With 2 drop toilets can’t complain in the slightest. Hour walk to Harwoods & lookout which was well worth it (ignore the scary sign saying how unsafe it is, just a liability assurance for doc)
Reviewed 12 months ago
3.5/5
A nice spot out of the way, but beware of bumble bees!
Usually bumble bees are my friends but these ones will not leave you alone, hundreds! The site itself is very nice, secluded with plenty of water spigots and two toilets. The road is a little daunting, but nothing too troublesome, just don’t bring a big camper!
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
For a DOC campsite what more can you ask?
Fantastic location, lots of walks to explore, clean toilet, well maintained grounds, water available…. and all for 6$pp. Despite being Christmas holidays it was pretty quiet, so we stayed two nights. Road in good condition, but yes not suitable for big vehicles. Well done DOC 👍
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.0/5
Great campsite, gravel road but perfectly manageable.
Plenty of space for shady set up, toilets were a bit dirty but overall fine. There are cheeky wekas around so be sure to pack food away. Lots of taps, no bins so rubbish needs to be taken with you. Lots of walks close by. Quite a few sandflies around also. Overall a really good campsite.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
4.5/5
Was a great stay!
A bit hard to get to but well worth it for Harwoods hole walk. Would give 10/10 but -1 point for getting attacked by a Weka.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
4.0/5
This site is off the beaten track.
The road is a bit on the rough side so the larger camper and don’t end up here. Quite nice really.
It’s also basically on top of a mountain (but tucked down a bit). So the weather can be a bit extreme.
Good space and nice walks. Enjoy! 🌞
Reviewed about 4 years ago
4.5/5
Basic campsite, 2 toliets but 1 was out of service while there.
Clean & not smelly. Water available (boil 1st). Very few wasps around, pest control doing a great job. Great walks & mountain biking. Gravel road in not too bad, did see some large campervans come in but not a lot if passing areas if someone coming the other way. Friendly weka's (please don't feed them). Only 2 other overnight campers but was middle of the week. Watch out for the mosquitoes at night.
Reviewed over 4 years ago
4.0/5
Gravel road isnt for beginners ;) its very thin and sheer drops in places.
Long way to go on a difficult road for such a basic campsite, but if you are after cheap (6 bucks an adult, 4 for kids) and cheerful then this is probably the best option around the Takaka area. Campsite is very quiet and picturesque, basic toilet facilities (pretty clean though) as to be expected. Plenty of space for tents. Its not the best campsite you will see in the south island but I would take this over the holiday park alternatives any day.
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
5.0/5
It is an adventure by itself to get there, a long gravel road trough fields with sheep.
We stopped to say hello to a group of alpacas that where on a field behind a gate.
Camping ground is good, toilets are clean. We took some really nice hikes in the area. There is an amazing view point!
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
4.0/5
There is another campsite just before this one with a hand drawn sign stating “Canaans Down Campsite”.
Keep going past this place, the real campsite is at the end of the track. Long gravel road with few passing spots and steep drops on the edges.
Drop loos were in good condition.
I’d advise getting there early so you can get a spot away from the tree line - the wind can really pick up here, enough to fell a tree and there are signs saying not to park near them.
Beware of the Weka birds… they’re smart. They know what they’re doing. They act all cute, shy and friendly at first, and then they steal your pizza right out your hand! I turned away for a second and they were in the back of my camper. It’s a matter of time before they learn how to drive and steal your vehicle, then they’ll be in bed with your partner and reading your kids bedtime stories and you’ll be out on the streets before you know it. Don’t give in! Stay strong and guard your food.
Reviewed 4 months ago
5.0/5
Beautiful location on the edge of Abel Tasman NP.
In a clearing surrounded by beech trees. Peaceful and quiet. Very cold at night though (late April).
Reviewed 6 months ago
4.0/5
It’s down a 7 mile off-road track so be prepared for it to take 30mins minimum to get to (& would recommend to do it in daylight!).
Super remote & peaceful right next to the woods. With 2 drop toilets can’t complain in the slightest. Hour walk to Harwoods & lookout which was well worth it (ignore the scary sign saying how unsafe it is, just a liability assurance for doc)
Reviewed 12 months ago
3.5/5
A nice spot out of the way, but beware of bumble bees!
Usually bumble bees are my friends but these ones will not leave you alone, hundreds! The site itself is very nice, secluded with plenty of water spigots and two toilets. The road is a little daunting, but nothing too troublesome, just don’t bring a big camper!
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
For a DOC campsite what more can you ask?
Fantastic location, lots of walks to explore, clean toilet, well maintained grounds, water available…. and all for 6$pp. Despite being Christmas holidays it was pretty quiet, so we stayed two nights. Road in good condition, but yes not suitable for big vehicles. Well done DOC 👍
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.0/5
Great campsite, gravel road but perfectly manageable.
Plenty of space for shady set up, toilets were a bit dirty but overall fine. There are cheeky wekas around so be sure to pack food away. Lots of taps, no bins so rubbish needs to be taken with you. Lots of walks close by. Quite a few sandflies around also. Overall a really good campsite.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
4.5/5
Was a great stay!
A bit hard to get to but well worth it for Harwoods hole walk. Would give 10/10 but -1 point for getting attacked by a Weka.
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
4.0/5
This site is off the beaten track.
The road is a bit on the rough side so the larger camper and don’t end up here. Quite nice really.
It’s also basically on top of a mountain (but tucked down a bit). So the weather can be a bit extreme.
Good space and nice walks. Enjoy! 🌞
Reviewed about 4 years ago
4.5/5
Basic campsite, 2 toliets but 1 was out of service while there.
Clean & not smelly. Water available (boil 1st). Very few wasps around, pest control doing a great job. Great walks & mountain biking. Gravel road in not too bad, did see some large campervans come in but not a lot if passing areas if someone coming the other way. Friendly weka's (please don't feed them). Only 2 other overnight campers but was middle of the week. Watch out for the mosquitoes at night.
Reviewed over 4 years ago
4.0/5
Gravel road isnt for beginners ;) its very thin and sheer drops in places.
Long way to go on a difficult road for such a basic campsite, but if you are after cheap (6 bucks an adult, 4 for kids) and cheerful then this is probably the best option around the Takaka area. Campsite is very quiet and picturesque, basic toilet facilities (pretty clean though) as to be expected. Plenty of space for tents. Its not the best campsite you will see in the south island but I would take this over the holiday park alternatives any day.
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
5.0/5
It is an adventure by itself to get there, a long gravel road trough fields with sheep.
We stopped to say hello to a group of alpacas that where on a field behind a gate.
Camping ground is good, toilets are clean. We took some really nice hikes in the area. There is an amazing view point!
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
3.5/5
It's an adventure to get to this campsite!
It's a long (but nice) gravel road that can be pretty narrow at some points (big campervans, watch out). Just keep going until the road stops and you'll find it! It was quite busy over the weekend: some walking and mountainbike tracks start from the campsite. The walk to the hole and viewpoint is really good and gives an amazing view over the valley (but the climbing may be dangerous if you have kids).
At $6 per person it's very cheap, but drop loos are quite smelly and the many sheep and lambs might keep you awake during the night when you're there in spring like us. Still, fine campsite and happy we did the walk!
Reviewed almost 7 years ago
5.0/5
From the Canaan Downs Camping Ground, you walk about half an hour to a viewpoint and is one of the best walks I have done in New Zealand so far!!
It leads through native and untouched forest. Sometimes you have to climb around rocks and branches but it is fun and not that hard. At the end you are on top of a hill and can climb until the rim of a platform where you see the spectacular Abel Tasman. I felt on top of the world, it was amazing!
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016
4.0/5
11km gravel road.
The trail to Harwood's Hole is great. There are many tracks for walking and mountain biking.
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016
4.5/5
There is a long gravel road to get there.
The place is quiet with basic toilets and water. Some walkways start there.
Reviewed almost 9 years ago
4.5/5
The way there is quite tricky since its a very narrow one-lane gravel road with sometimes BIG rocks.
Keep driving until you cannot go further. Free (in July 2014) as people kept stealing the fees from the box. You'll notice as there are no camping forms available. Very cold during winter, our water bottles froze from inside the car. Great and proper hikes available starting from the campsite. Definitely worth the visit!! Vault toilets and water tap from creeks.
Reviewed about 10 years ago
5.0/5
Very great location, all the facilities in a green way (donation $5 per person).
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in January 2014
4.5/5
Not over priced (Doc) Nice and secluded-toilets.
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in January 2014
5.0/5
The best place ever, it was so nice, we have decided to get married there.
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in December 2013
4.0/5
A place lost in nature, peaceful!
However lack of facilities and running out of water.
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in December 2013
5.0/5
Just a lovely campsite right in the middle of the Abel Tasman.
Reviewed about 11 years ago and experienced in February 2013
3.5/5
Quiet.
A bit of a drive and felt like you had maybe gone the wrong way. But had picnic benches, 2 toilets, drinking water after boiling.
Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013
4.5/5
Very peaceful and beautiful location with ok toilets, taps and a couple of picnic benches.
Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013