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 6 months ago

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 about 1 year ago

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

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 about 3 years ago

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 almost 5 years ago

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 about 6 years ago

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 8 months ago

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

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

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 over 4 years ago

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

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

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

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 over 10 years ago

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