Book Now

Accommodations

Photos

Eco composting toliets.
Relax beside the river.
A tent in The Glade. No vehicle access.
Outdoor kitchen area.
Bathroom sinks
Playing in the cold river.
Sites can be snug but there's room for games.
In ground trampoline. Bounce at your own risk.
Sunset from lake view. A 15 minute walk from your campsite.
Our sure to rise logo. Retro, like our campground.
Is this the biggest picnic table?
Sunny and sheltered sites

Information

Little River Campground

Sheltered and sunny sites. A perfect place to start or finish your Banks Peninsula adventure. Woodland and bird sanctuary. Free WIFI and travel advice. Hot showers $2 for 4 minutes. Please support local business and you'll experience a unique camp.

Only 45 minutes from Christchurch and 45 minutes from Akaroa. Nestled in the secluded picturesque Okuti Valley with private native bush reserve to explore. Riverside park like setting with good hot showers, sheltered kitchen area - sinks, fridge, microwave, gas hobs, jug and toaster. Be adventurous, get off the beaten tourist track and discover our little piece of paradise.

We aim to be an eco campground- the toilets are dry eco, Clivus Multrum, so don't expect air hand driers. We ate a zero waste area but provide composting facilities. If you enjoy native bush, birds, views and want to see some nature we are a perfect place to stay. Cabins are retro kiwi bach style and rustic.

If you come here for the great outdoors over quality facilities we hope you'll rank us favourably. Please write a review if you have something unique to add. Thanks, Marcus and Megan.

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

Manaia Nature Habitat Holiday Park

Commercial organisation

Location

South IslandCanterburyBanks Peninsula

Categories

  • Activity__camping_grounds_holiday_parksCamping Grounds

Operating Season And Hours

Open until 28 April. 9am-9pm.

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-43.7855336731906

172.829539680481

Take a peak
Latitude
-43.7855336731906
Longitude
172.829539680481

Websites

Maps

FREE Header

Camping NZ NEW

Welcome to New Zealand's most comprehensive database of freely available camping information. This is the only travel map of its kind in NZ.

Reviews

    ✓ Beautiful natural surroundings

    ✓ Friendly and helpful owner

    ✓ Unique and quirky vibe

    ✓ Lots of activities for kids

    ✓ Peaceful and quiet

    𐄂 Inconsistent and pricey fees

    𐄂 Limited WiFi

    • This is a great little campground.
    • Absolutely gorgeous!
    • The first stay of our camper trip.
    • Really nice place and really friendly owner.
    • What a fantastic site and a welcoming host.
    Rating Count Percentage
    10/10 49
    70%
    9/10 6
    9%
    8/10 4
    6%
    7/10 6
    9%
    6/10 1
    1%
    5/10 1
    1%
    4/10 1
    1%
    3/10 1
    1%
    2/10 1
    1%
    1/10 0
    0%
  • 5.0/5

    Absolutely gorgeous!

    A real kiwi campground. Surrounded by nature, the eels are awesome. Very clean and tidy. Love it here!

    Reviewed about 1 year ago

    K
    Kim's avatar

    Kim

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    The first stay of our camper trip.

    A lovely quirky little place with a bit of a hippy vibe. Lots of bush/trees made for particularly pretty and private camping pitches. Clean long drops. Friendly owner gave us first time camper tips which were invaluable - thanks 😊

    Reviewed about 1 year ago and experienced in January 2024

    UNITED KINGDOM
    JL
    Janet Lewis's avatar
    😊

    Janet Lewis

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Dinky little place.

    Fabulous 4 minute 2 dollar shower.

    Reviewed over 1 year ago

    L
    Louise's avatar

    Louise

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Very rustic but lovely campsite.

    Compost toilets which were actually fine, hot showers. The outdoor kitchen was really cute and had everything you needed - sinks, cooking facilities etc.

    We stayed right by the river which was so peaceful. So many amazing walks around the campsite, amazing huge swing and mudslides (which were unfortunately closed when we were there). There was also an abandoned film set in the middle of the forest - definitely kept us entertained!

    Really amazing stay for our last night in our campervan!

    Reviewed about 2 years ago

    KE
    Katie Edser's avatar

    Katie Edser

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Wonderful place, quiet, clean owned by Marcus, friendly and helpful !

    We paid 20 per adult but it’s worth it. Very good experience !

    Reviewed about 2 years ago

    CB
    Catherine  Barriel's avatar
  • 5.0/5

    Awesome campground by a lovely creek; despite the summer crowds we had a nice and quiet camping spot and enjoyed a lovely short hike around the place.

    Reviewed about 2 years ago

    CM
    Citlali & Mike's avatar

    Citlali & Mike

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Amazing place to stay, great facilities and lovely grounds.

    Super friendly manager.

    Reviewed about 2 years ago

    M
    Matthew's avatar

    Matthew

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Quiet, stunning and all you need!

    Very cute atmosphere, very clean facilities, lovely owner, good wifi. I loved it!

    Reviewed over 2 years ago

    J
    Julia's avatar

    Julia

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Such an incredible wee oasis!!

    Quirky cabins and great camping sites along the river. Adding to this, exciting and well thought mud slide, giant swing and a peaceful board walk for all abilities. The hosts are soooo welcoming and helpful 😊

    Reviewed about 2 years ago

    SR
    Sonia Rocha's avatar
    😊

    Sonia Rocha

    Customer

  • 2.0/5

    This camping is a rip-off, we paid $25 each per night, and we heard others that paid $100 each for 2 nights.

    There is free WiFi, but it's only 50MB and quite slow, so you can't videocall or watch a video online. The kitchen area is alright, a bit messy, but probably the best part of the camping. The showers are supposed to be hot for 4 minutes for $2, they are only 30 seconds warm and the rest is ice cold.

    The owner is a nice guy but it feels like he just makes the prices up in his head whatever he feels like.

    Reviewed 12 months ago

    F
    Felix's avatar

    Felix

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    What a fantastic site and a welcoming host.

    The kids loved it as much as we did, so many adventures to be had, good old fashion camping at its best.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago

    S
    :Shane:'s avatar

    :Shane:

    Customer

    Thanks for the review. We say, if the kids are enjoying it, the parents can relax and enjoy it too. We celebrate the old fashion back to basics camp ethos.

    NEW ZEALAND
    MP
    Marcus Puentener's avatar

    Marcus Puentener

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    We had an awesome couple of nights camping here.

    Our two 8 year old kids had an absolute blast on the water slide, swings, feeding eels and toasting marshmallows. The facilities are very good and clean and Marcus who runs the camp does a fantastic job. No doubt we will be back again over the summer.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago

    S
    Scott's avatar

    Scott

    Customer

    Thanks for taking the time to review us and your feedback is appreciated. Hope to see you again.

    NEW ZEALAND
    MP
    Marcus Puentener's avatar

    Marcus Puentener

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Just spent a week at the camping ground and absolutely loved it.

    I was wondering how it would be camping with our two year old as he has no fear and will run off, but at Little River Campground I didn’t have to worry about him at all as we had a great site where the communal play area was in full sight and Caspar was entertained all day. Marcus helped us choose a nice shady/sunny spot by the river. We had heaps of fun on the giant swing, slippery slide and with the campfire. Great visit to tumbledown bay where we swam with seals and dolphins. Even enjoyed one rainy day chatting and hanging out in the communal kitchen lounge area. Appreciated the fact that no cars are allowed next to the tents ( you can park them a few metres away) and that we were asked politely to keep the noise down in the evening when people needed to sleep :) I highly recommend the stay!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2021

    JE
    Julieanne Eason's avatar

    Julieanne Eason

    Customer

    Thanks Julieanne,

    Your description of your stay makes us happy. We try our best to find the most suitable site depending on guests need. We even have an area, The Meadow for those with no kids.

    NEW ZEALAND
    MP
    Marcus Puentener's avatar

    Marcus Puentener

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Our first time to Little River campground and we loved it!

    Great facilities, lovely hosts and beautiful surroundings.

    Definitely a special spots, awesome river for kids to explore, heaps to do.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2020

    La
    Lucy and Chris 's avatar

    Lucy and Chris

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    We love this place.

    So close to Christchurch and kids (5,6,8) love exploring the area and feeding the eels. Great memories are created here. Highly recommend.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2020

    Ja
    Jess and Shaun's avatar

    Jess and Shaun

    Customer

  • 2.0/5

    This camping is a rip-off, we paid $25 each per night, and we heard others that paid $100 each for 2 nights.

    There is free WiFi, but it's only 50MB and quite slow, so you can't videocall or watch a video online. The kitchen area is alright, a bit messy, but probably the best part of the camping. The showers are supposed to be hot for 4 minutes for $2, they are only 30 seconds warm and the rest is ice cold.

    The owner is a nice guy but it feels like he just makes the prices up in his head whatever he feels like.

    Reviewed 12 months ago

    F
    Felix's avatar

    Felix

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Absolutely gorgeous!

    A real kiwi campground. Surrounded by nature, the eels are awesome. Very clean and tidy. Love it here!

    Reviewed about 1 year ago

    K
    Kim's avatar

    Kim

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    The first stay of our camper trip.

    A lovely quirky little place with a bit of a hippy vibe. Lots of bush/trees made for particularly pretty and private camping pitches. Clean long drops. Friendly owner gave us first time camper tips which were invaluable - thanks 😊

    Reviewed about 1 year ago and experienced in January 2024

    UNITED KINGDOM
    JL
    Janet Lewis's avatar
    😊

    Janet Lewis

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Dinky little place.

    Fabulous 4 minute 2 dollar shower.

    Reviewed over 1 year ago

    L
    Louise's avatar

    Louise

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Very rustic but lovely campsite.

    Compost toilets which were actually fine, hot showers. The outdoor kitchen was really cute and had everything you needed - sinks, cooking facilities etc.

    We stayed right by the river which was so peaceful. So many amazing walks around the campsite, amazing huge swing and mudslides (which were unfortunately closed when we were there). There was also an abandoned film set in the middle of the forest - definitely kept us entertained!

    Really amazing stay for our last night in our campervan!

    Reviewed about 2 years ago

    KE
    Katie Edser's avatar

    Katie Edser

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Wonderful place, quiet, clean owned by Marcus, friendly and helpful !

    We paid 20 per adult but it’s worth it. Very good experience !

    Reviewed about 2 years ago

    CB
    Catherine  Barriel's avatar
  • 5.0/5

    Such an incredible wee oasis!!

    Quirky cabins and great camping sites along the river. Adding to this, exciting and well thought mud slide, giant swing and a peaceful board walk for all abilities. The hosts are soooo welcoming and helpful 😊

    Reviewed about 2 years ago

    SR
    Sonia Rocha's avatar
    😊

    Sonia Rocha

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Amazing place to stay, great facilities and lovely grounds.

    Super friendly manager.

    Reviewed about 2 years ago

    M
    Matthew's avatar

    Matthew

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Awesome campground by a lovely creek; despite the summer crowds we had a nice and quiet camping spot and enjoyed a lovely short hike around the place.

    Reviewed about 2 years ago

    CM
    Citlali & Mike's avatar

    Citlali & Mike

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Quiet, stunning and all you need!

    Very cute atmosphere, very clean facilities, lovely owner, good wifi. I loved it!

    Reviewed over 2 years ago

    J
    Julia's avatar

    Julia

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    We had an awesome couple of nights camping here.

    Our two 8 year old kids had an absolute blast on the water slide, swings, feeding eels and toasting marshmallows. The facilities are very good and clean and Marcus who runs the camp does a fantastic job. No doubt we will be back again over the summer.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago

    S
    Scott's avatar

    Scott

    Customer

    Thanks for taking the time to review us and your feedback is appreciated. Hope to see you again.

    NEW ZEALAND
    MP
    Marcus Puentener's avatar

    Marcus Puentener

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    What a fantastic site and a welcoming host.

    The kids loved it as much as we did, so many adventures to be had, good old fashion camping at its best.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago

    S
    :Shane:'s avatar

    :Shane:

    Customer

    Thanks for the review. We say, if the kids are enjoying it, the parents can relax and enjoy it too. We celebrate the old fashion back to basics camp ethos.

    NEW ZEALAND
    MP
    Marcus Puentener's avatar

    Marcus Puentener

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Just spent a week at the camping ground and absolutely loved it.

    I was wondering how it would be camping with our two year old as he has no fear and will run off, but at Little River Campground I didn’t have to worry about him at all as we had a great site where the communal play area was in full sight and Caspar was entertained all day. Marcus helped us choose a nice shady/sunny spot by the river. We had heaps of fun on the giant swing, slippery slide and with the campfire. Great visit to tumbledown bay where we swam with seals and dolphins. Even enjoyed one rainy day chatting and hanging out in the communal kitchen lounge area. Appreciated the fact that no cars are allowed next to the tents ( you can park them a few metres away) and that we were asked politely to keep the noise down in the evening when people needed to sleep :) I highly recommend the stay!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2021

    JE
    Julieanne Eason's avatar

    Julieanne Eason

    Customer

    Thanks Julieanne,

    Your description of your stay makes us happy. We try our best to find the most suitable site depending on guests need. We even have an area, The Meadow for those with no kids.

    NEW ZEALAND
    MP
    Marcus Puentener's avatar

    Marcus Puentener

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    We love this place.

    So close to Christchurch and kids (5,6,8) love exploring the area and feeding the eels. Great memories are created here. Highly recommend.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2020

    Ja
    Jess and Shaun's avatar

    Jess and Shaun

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Our first time to Little River campground and we loved it!

    Great facilities, lovely hosts and beautiful surroundings.

    Definitely a special spots, awesome river for kids to explore, heaps to do.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2020

    La
    Lucy and Chris 's avatar

    Lucy and Chris

    Customer

  • 3.5/5

    The hosts of this site are very friendly and hard working but clearly overtaxed.

    The site is getting tired and needs some maintenance. We stayed in a tent in the “glade” where one picnic table was broken and unusable. There were several recliner chairs left out in the elements and deteriorating. The park was busy and the small kitchen was overtaxed. Signs indicated water needed to be treated and water in the sinks at the bathrooms was brown. It’s a good location, decent place, and great people. It just needs some more attention.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2020

    CE
    Captain Erick's avatar

    Captain Erick

    Customer

    Hello Erick, Than ks for your honest review, which we take responsibility for. We are a small, one person business and I can only attend to so much. The camp always needs work done on it and we try our hardest. We clearly state that we are back to basics, rustic and it is more about the native bush, river and quiet location that attracts people, not the old furniture. The chairs and picnic table are gone. The brown water is unusual but can occur after heavy rain. You have motivated me to sort things out, thanks.

    I hope you have a good holiday. Marcus

    NEW ZEALAND
    MP
    Marcus Puentener's avatar

    Marcus Puentener

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    Really nice place and really friendly owner.

    It has a gorgeous landscape. 15$/person. Just keeping in mind that you need 2$ extra for the shower (it’s really worth it). No reception, but powerful wifi! Compost toilets!😍 Everything clean! Totally recommend it! Just careful with sandflies (as always XD)

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2020

    C
    Carla's avatar
    😍

    Carla

    Customer

    Thanks Carla, I am happy you had a good time here and have given use 10/10. Yiu explain our facilities well. (the sand flies are not every day thankfully). Enjoy your holidays, Marcus

    NEW ZEALAND
    MP
    Marcus Puentener's avatar

    Marcus Puentener

    Representative

  • 3.5/5

    I feel bad about the 7/10.

    The owner is making a real effort to make this place a great site, and it is certainly different from any of the big chain campgrounds. The campervan pitches are a little cheek-by-jowl, and it was a bit of a squeeze to make sure we didn't hit guy ropes and trees to get into ours. Having said that, the site is perfect for families with young kids who don't want a bog-standard holiday park. There's a lot to keep youngsters entertained, and I can see why it's so popular, just not for us older fuddy-duddies.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2020

    RC
    Richard & Chris, UK's avatar

    Hi Richard and Chris,

    Thanks for the review. The camp can get busy over the few days of New Year and at school holiday weekends. We do state the sites can be snug at this time but most of the time we have sites available. We pride ourselves on not being part of a chain, unique and boutique is more us! Marcus

    NEW ZEALAND
    MP
    Marcus Puentener's avatar

    Marcus Puentener

    Representative

  • 5.0/5

    An absolutely stunning place to stay.

    Marcus is a hardworking and lovely host, who insures your stay is not only comfortable but also enjoyable. The facilities, though rustic are well maintained. The river/picnic area is breathtaking as are the walks. A true kiwi gem.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2020

    D
    Darla's avatar

    Darla

    Customer

    Thanks Darla,

    We appreciate the time for writing the review and you've summed us up well. What we lack in facilities we try and make up in good friendly hospitality. Marcus

    NEW ZEALAND
    MP
    Marcus Puentener's avatar

    Marcus Puentener

    Representative

  • 4.5/5

    Fabulous campground: the place, atmosphere, birdsong, the stream, the eels, cabins, bungalows, outdoor kitchen...

    everything is unique at Markus's ground!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2019

    R
    Raphy's avatar

    Raphy

    Customer

    Thanks Raphy, I'm please you enjoyed what the camp has to offer. It is well worth exploring the 5 hectares of native bush and appreciating nature- the bellbirds, wood pigeons, eels and ancient trees. Marcus

    NEW ZEALAND
    MP
    Marcus Puentener's avatar

    Marcus Puentener

    Representative