DOC
DOC
101 Rankers Reviews
100x sites available
Adult |
$15/night |
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Child |
$7.50/night |
Infant |
FREE |
Welcome to New Zealand's most comprehensive database of freely available camping information. This is the only travel map of its kind in NZ.
Camp beside Lake Māhinapua within forest surroundings. A popular overnight and day stop. Enjoy water sports in the lake.
Historically Lake Mahinapua was a main access waterway up and down the coast using paddle steamers.
Fees
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.
Bookings
Bookings are open for the 2023/24 season.
Book Lake Mahinapua 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.
Getting there
10 km south of Hokitika, turn off SH6 into Lake Mahinapua Access Road, opposite the hotel. 300 m to roadend.
Lake Māhinapua 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 West CoastCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika |
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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? ![]() Medium Cost Camping Standard facilities of powered sites and hot showers can be expected. Price is per person per night, based on a powered site for two people. |
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. |
Booking Required |
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Booking RequiredIs it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? Booking is Required Staying overnight requires booking a site in advance. |
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. ![]() |
Water Supply |
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Water SupplyIs there fresh water available? Water supply available A supply of fresh water is available. |
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. |
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. Long drop toilet only |
✓ Beautiful location
✓ Friendly wildlife
✓ Cooking shelter with sinks
✓ Spacious campsite
✓ Recycling station available
𐄂 Disgusting toilets
𐄂 Muddy and uneven ground
Great views of the lake and the snowy mountains.
Nice place.
Fantastic campground.
The view is amazing mostly in the morning.
Amazing entrance to this place.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 35 |
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35% |
9/10 | 31 |
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31% |
8/10 | 19 |
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19% |
7/10 | 11 |
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11% |
6/10 | 2 |
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2% |
5/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4/10 | 2 |
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2% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 1 |
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1% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2.0/5
I don't know why there are so many good reviews, maybe I had bad luck.
Toilets were absolutely disgusting, worst I've seen in 3 weeks (freedom) camping. No cleaning/maintenance in winter? Yes, the spot is beautifully situated, but hard to find a somewhat leveled spot and with a lot of rain it's hard to find a spot at all because it's very muddy and there are huge potholes in the grass and you dont want to get stuck. There is no potable water tap. There is a semi-sheltered place to wash dishes.
Reviewed 7 months ago
4.5/5
Awesome spot, lots of friendly wekas and plenty of space to spread out.
Solar shower rope hoists in the bathrooms are a bonus and loved the new shelter with sinks for dishes too!
Reviewed over 2 years ago
5.0/5
One of our favourites campsites of the trip, plenty of space and a really chilled out vibe.
Didn’t try the solar shower, so can’t advise if that works.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
4.0/5
Lovely spot with almost everything you need, clean toilets, showers, sinks, some shelter, even a recycling station.
Well positioned close to Hokitika and on a very cute lake and not too many sandflies
Reviewed over 2 years ago
3.5/5
Lovely location but toilet out of order (public toilets nearby available) and mozies bad.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
5.0/5
Beautiful camp next to Lake Mahinapua.
Clean flush toilets, cooking/dishes shelter with multiple sinks, rubbish and recycling station, even a solar shower! (Though probably a lucky dip to get a hot shower when it's busy!).
Lake is lovely for a kayak and morning sunrise. Nice bush walks around camp.
Weka, falcons and glowworms top it off to make this a definite 10!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2021
4.0/5
A lovely lake with the back drop of the mountains.The camp site is back a little from the lake a large grassy area with plenty of choice where to park.
Clean and tidy toilets, solar shower and shelter for kitchen area.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2021
3.5/5
Facilities are closed, epic views, peaceful, morning icy swimming is a must!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in September 2020
4.0/5
Very few campers (July 2020) Grounds well maintained tho choose site carefully because of wet conditions.
Clean flush toilets w/paper, small outside shelter area with cold water and sink. Beautiful lake views and walks through the bush.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in July 2020
5.0/5
Excellent campsite.
Beautiful walks and rides in the area.
One of our favorite !
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2020
5.0/5
Excellent doc campsite.
Included in the campervan pass and has really good facilities. Flushing toilets, with soap and tp. Even a solar shower but we didn't use so not sure how well it worked. They also have rubbish and recycling bins. One of the best equipped DOC sites we stayed in at this price.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in August 2019
4.5/5
This is a gorgeous campsite, right on the shores of the lake.
The amenities were clean with flushing toilets. Lovely big communal undercover areas. Mowed grassy and flat camping areas. DOC Campsite, so cost $13 per person, per night.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in June 2019
5.0/5
Nice clean toilets.
Great place to set up overnight.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in June 2019
3.5/5
We stAyed at this DOC site after reading reviews.
Not a massive site, but enough space for choice of spots. Lake itself is nice with mountain backdrop. 10mins from Hokitika. Limited toilet facilities only.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2019
4.5/5
Great place with plenty of space.
Nice sunset. Bellbird singing in the early morning
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2019
3.0/5
Nice place.
Quite expensive without a shower.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2016
3.0/5
Great spot.
DOC run so honesty box applies. Loads of space for campervans.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in July 2016
2.0/5
I don't know why there are so many good reviews, maybe I had bad luck.
Toilets were absolutely disgusting, worst I've seen in 3 weeks (freedom) camping. No cleaning/maintenance in winter? Yes, the spot is beautifully situated, but hard to find a somewhat leveled spot and with a lot of rain it's hard to find a spot at all because it's very muddy and there are huge potholes in the grass and you dont want to get stuck. There is no potable water tap. There is a semi-sheltered place to wash dishes.
Reviewed 7 months ago
4.5/5
Awesome spot, lots of friendly wekas and plenty of space to spread out.
Solar shower rope hoists in the bathrooms are a bonus and loved the new shelter with sinks for dishes too!
Reviewed over 2 years ago
4.0/5
Lovely spot with almost everything you need, clean toilets, showers, sinks, some shelter, even a recycling station.
Well positioned close to Hokitika and on a very cute lake and not too many sandflies
Reviewed over 2 years ago
5.0/5
One of our favourites campsites of the trip, plenty of space and a really chilled out vibe.
Didn’t try the solar shower, so can’t advise if that works.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
3.5/5
Lovely location but toilet out of order (public toilets nearby available) and mozies bad.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
5.0/5
Beautiful camp next to Lake Mahinapua.
Clean flush toilets, cooking/dishes shelter with multiple sinks, rubbish and recycling station, even a solar shower! (Though probably a lucky dip to get a hot shower when it's busy!).
Lake is lovely for a kayak and morning sunrise. Nice bush walks around camp.
Weka, falcons and glowworms top it off to make this a definite 10!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2021
4.0/5
A lovely lake with the back drop of the mountains.The camp site is back a little from the lake a large grassy area with plenty of choice where to park.
Clean and tidy toilets, solar shower and shelter for kitchen area.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2021
4.0/5
Very few campers (July 2020) Grounds well maintained tho choose site carefully because of wet conditions.
Clean flush toilets w/paper, small outside shelter area with cold water and sink. Beautiful lake views and walks through the bush.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in July 2020
3.5/5
Facilities are closed, epic views, peaceful, morning icy swimming is a must!
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in September 2020
5.0/5
Excellent campsite.
Beautiful walks and rides in the area.
One of our favorite !
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2020
4.5/5
This is a gorgeous campsite, right on the shores of the lake.
The amenities were clean with flushing toilets. Lovely big communal undercover areas. Mowed grassy and flat camping areas. DOC Campsite, so cost $13 per person, per night.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in June 2019
5.0/5
Excellent doc campsite.
Included in the campervan pass and has really good facilities. Flushing toilets, with soap and tp. Even a solar shower but we didn't use so not sure how well it worked. They also have rubbish and recycling bins. One of the best equipped DOC sites we stayed in at this price.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in August 2019
5.0/5
Nice clean toilets.
Great place to set up overnight.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in June 2019
3.5/5
We stAyed at this DOC site after reading reviews.
Not a massive site, but enough space for choice of spots. Lake itself is nice with mountain backdrop. 10mins from Hokitika. Limited toilet facilities only.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2019
4.5/5
Great place with plenty of space.
Nice sunset. Bellbird singing in the early morning
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2019
4.0/5
Pretty basic campsite but all we needed with our self-contained van.
Flushing toilets! Water! A beautiful walk to the lake. Bugs galore, but they were at every campsite we stayed at.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2019
5.0/5
An amazing campsite if you are lucky enough to be here on a fine early morning!!
Took probably the best photos of our trip as the lake was dark and glass and acted like an enormous mirror. 10/10 would stay again.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2018
4.5/5
Really nice spot to camp.
Sunrise over the lake was beautiful. Seeing the Weka birds roaming the campsite was cute- we even saw chicks! Clean toilets and lots of room.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2018
5.0/5
BEST SPOT EVER!
December 2018 the price is NZ$ 13 per person. Put cash in envelope at camp or wait for ranger to pay by card. HUGE area to camp. If you have a solar shower, you can use the cubicles to hang it up. Toilets with running water are big and clean. A few drinking water stations around the camp. Good sized area to clean dishes. Benches down by the lake. Great little walks around the area. Glowworms to be seen on the road in/out from the camp to the mainroad. Not so many sandflies this time. Awesome spot. Mahinapua Pub open for public till around 17:00. Weak sound of music for the Kiwi Experience busses parties after that. All in all - GREAT place to stop on the westcoast.
Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in December 2018