River Howe
Wildlife reserve full of birds on the side of the Pukaki canal
River Howe
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Use this campsite as a base for recreational activities around the Twizel area or as an overnight stay in a picturesque setting.
Wildlife reserve full of birds on the side of the Pukaki canal. Camp right alongside the lake.
Use this campsite as a base for recreational activities around the Twizel area or as an overnight stay in a picturesque setting.
Turn off SH6 onto the Pukaki Canal Road (take care, this is a gravel road). The access road to the lake is signposted.
Lake Poaka Campsite is categorised as a DOC Basic Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing.
Basic campsites have very limited facilities so you need to be fully self-sufficient. There are basic toilets and water may be from a water tank that is untreated, stream or lake. Untreated water should be boiled before use to ensure it's safe. Access may be by road or boat.
Feature | Value | Value |
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Unpowered Site | Adult | $0.00 per night |
Unpowered Site | Child | $0.00 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 CanterburyCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Twizel |
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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? Free Camping It costs nothing to stay overnight. In general this means that you should not expect any facilities. |
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. |
Payment Requirement |
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Payment RequirementIs there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in. |
Maximum Stay Duration |
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Maximum Stay DurationHow many consecutive days can you stay overnight at this establishment? 4 nights You are permitted to stay at this campsite for up to four nights in a row. Four nights maximum in a single calendar month. |
Maximum Sites Available |
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Maximum Sites AvailableHow many camping or parking sites are available for staying overnight in? More than 20 sites There are more than twenty camping/parking sites available to stay overnight in. About 30 sites. |
Water Supply |
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Water SupplyIs there fresh water available? Water supply available A supply of fresh water is available. Lake water - boil before use! |
Dump Station |
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Dump StationDump stations allow the safe disposal of sewage and greywater from self-contained vehicles. Does this site have a dump station? No dump station This location has no dump stations for the disposal of waste water from recreational vehicles. |
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. |
Powered Sites |
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Powered SitesDoes this establishment have powered sites? No powered sites This campsite does not offer any powered sites with an electricity supply. |
Large Vehicle Access |
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Large Vehicle AccessCan large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. |
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. |
Vehicle Access |
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Vehicle AccessCan vehicles drive in? Vehicle accessible This location is accessible in a vehicle. |
DOC Campsite Category |
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DOC Campsite CategoryWhat category does this Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite fall into? DOC Basic Campsite Department of Conservation Basic Campsites have very limited facilities so you need to be fully self-sufficient. There are basic toilets and water from a tank, stream or lake. Access may be by road or boat. Basic Campsites generally can not be booked. |
WiFi Internet |
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WiFi InternetWhat type of WiFi internet access is available? No WiFi There is no WiFi access available. |
Campfire Rules |
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Campfire RulesWhat are the rules for open air fires? Fires prohibited There is a total fire ban -no fires are permitted. |
Toilet |
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ToiletIs there a toilet available? Public toilet There are toilet facilities available to the general public. Long drop. |
Cell Phone Service |
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Cell Phone ServiceWhat level of cell phone service is available at the location? Reasonable service There is cell phone service at the location but it may not be reliable or fast. You can make calls or get a data connection on a mobile phone. |
✓ Beautiful lake and mountain views
✓ Large amount of space
✓ Peaceful and quiet
✓ No mosquitos or sandflies
✓ Free campsite
𐄂 Gravel road access
𐄂 Toilets can be smelly
Beautiful spot!
Stayed two nights here.
Lake view and entry are amazing and available.
Great spot!
Beautiful site, can’t believe it’s free!
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 22 |
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33% |
9/10 | 14 |
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21% |
8/10 | 22 |
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33% |
7/10 | 4 |
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6% |
6/10 | 1 |
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1% |
5/10 | 2 |
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3% |
4/10 | 1 |
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1% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 1 |
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1% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5.0/5
Gravel road is in a fine condition - not perfect but good enough for either slow or fast driving.
Both ramps down to the campsite are in good condition for either small or large campervan.
Area is huge and as of beginning of October, there's plenty of room - especially compared to super popular free campsite right next to Lake Pukaki. Views are not as great but there's a price to be paid for peacefulness.
Reviewed about 1 month ago
5.0/5
Awesome spot although don't swim in lake go to canal above as heaps of ducks and geese trout aplenty huge camp area
Reviewed 3 months ago and experienced in February 2024
4.5/5
As mentioned in other reviews, gravel road to get to this site, and then the site itself is a bit potholed, but no major issues if you take it steady.
Couple of long drop toilets, nice view over the lake, and with an impressive mountain backdrop. Plenty of space for heaps of campers, and a short drive from Twizel if you need any supplies or fuel. One of our favourites
Reviewed 10 months ago
4.0/5
Great spot - one of our favourites on this trip.
Stayed 1 night. Very peaceful. Lots of room and lots of bird life on the lake. Looked popular with fishermen and people on holiday. Didn’t use the toilets but there were short queues sometimes.
Reviewed 11 months ago
4.0/5
Very crowded although it was just after Christmas.
Lots of spots but be aware if you are next to the river someone might come and set up right next to you when it's busy. One toilet was clean and the other one was very smelly and dirty. Close to Twizel for supplies.
Bonus is one of the most used viewpoints for Lake Pukaki is just around the corner so if you are staying a couple of nights you can go back when it's quiet and have those million dollar views to yourself.
Reviewed 11 months ago
4.0/5
Good campsite but it’s a fairly long gravel road to it.
Doesn’t have fresh water though
Reviewed 12 months ago
4.0/5
Gorgeous location with beautiful views and sunset.
Big so no issue with space. 2 drop loos. Smelly but fairly clean
Reviewed 12 months ago
5.0/5
Parfait, Un peu éloigné des autres campings donc il n’y a pas grand monde, belle vue sur le lac c’est chouette Pas de réseau mais à part ça, parfait pour un camping gratuit
Reviewed about 1 year ago
3.5/5
Lake view and entry are amazing and available.
Not too crowded, due to the 2km gravel drive to the campground. Stargazing in the evening is very cool. Two long drop toilets available, nothing else. No water, except the lake.
Reviewed about 1 year ago
4.0/5
Great little spot.
Toilet was well used as the other one out of order. Climb up the little bank next to the canal to take in the sunset. Stunning. Ducks a bit friendly! Tried to eat the burger out of my boyfriends hand!
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
1.0/5
I would not bring my tiny caravan back here.
I came down the second entrance which worked well but as I was facing back towards the road drove out the the first entrance and only JUST made it, I skidded so badly getting up the very awfully and deeply pitted long bumpy gravel road 💩
The roads were shocking, the view was ok. Trees were nice.
I will not come back 🥺
Reviewed about 2 years ago
5.0/5
Gravel road is in a fine condition - not perfect but good enough for either slow or fast driving.
Both ramps down to the campsite are in good condition for either small or large campervan.
Area is huge and as of beginning of October, there's plenty of room - especially compared to super popular free campsite right next to Lake Pukaki. Views are not as great but there's a price to be paid for peacefulness.
Reviewed about 1 month ago
5.0/5
Awesome spot although don't swim in lake go to canal above as heaps of ducks and geese trout aplenty huge camp area
Reviewed 3 months ago and experienced in February 2024
4.5/5
As mentioned in other reviews, gravel road to get to this site, and then the site itself is a bit potholed, but no major issues if you take it steady.
Couple of long drop toilets, nice view over the lake, and with an impressive mountain backdrop. Plenty of space for heaps of campers, and a short drive from Twizel if you need any supplies or fuel. One of our favourites
Reviewed 10 months ago
4.0/5
Very crowded although it was just after Christmas.
Lots of spots but be aware if you are next to the river someone might come and set up right next to you when it's busy. One toilet was clean and the other one was very smelly and dirty. Close to Twizel for supplies.
Bonus is one of the most used viewpoints for Lake Pukaki is just around the corner so if you are staying a couple of nights you can go back when it's quiet and have those million dollar views to yourself.
Reviewed 11 months ago
4.0/5
Great spot - one of our favourites on this trip.
Stayed 1 night. Very peaceful. Lots of room and lots of bird life on the lake. Looked popular with fishermen and people on holiday. Didn’t use the toilets but there were short queues sometimes.
Reviewed 11 months ago
4.0/5
Good campsite but it’s a fairly long gravel road to it.
Doesn’t have fresh water though
Reviewed 12 months ago
4.0/5
Gorgeous location with beautiful views and sunset.
Big so no issue with space. 2 drop loos. Smelly but fairly clean
Reviewed 12 months ago
5.0/5
Parfait, Un peu éloigné des autres campings donc il n’y a pas grand monde, belle vue sur le lac c’est chouette Pas de réseau mais à part ça, parfait pour un camping gratuit
Reviewed about 1 year ago
3.5/5
Lake view and entry are amazing and available.
Not too crowded, due to the 2km gravel drive to the campground. Stargazing in the evening is very cool. Two long drop toilets available, nothing else. No water, except the lake.
Reviewed about 1 year ago
4.0/5
Great little spot.
Toilet was well used as the other one out of order. Climb up the little bank next to the canal to take in the sunset. Stunning. Ducks a bit friendly! Tried to eat the burger out of my boyfriends hand!
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
So far on our two week tour of campsites this is our favourite.
Ignore the pictures as it’s so much nicer in person. There is an easy to get to track down to it. The first track down is the pothole one as a previous review mentioned but just drive a tiny bit further and there are another 3/4 routes down to the lake or just park on the higher ground.
Hardly any sandfly’s or mosquitos which was amazing, no rubbish and two toilets that were clean and had loo roll!!!
We loved it so much we are staying there again tonight to see the beautiful dark sky and the Milky Way, no need for an expensive stargazing experience. We felt sorry for all the others parked back at the salmon farm or other campsites eaten alive by mosquitoes.
There is a huge amount of space so everyone gets a lovely spot too.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
1.0/5
I would not bring my tiny caravan back here.
I came down the second entrance which worked well but as I was facing back towards the road drove out the the first entrance and only JUST made it, I skidded so badly getting up the very awfully and deeply pitted long bumpy gravel road 💩
The roads were shocking, the view was ok. Trees were nice.
I will not come back 🥺
Reviewed about 2 years ago
4.0/5
Long gravel road access, large open field beside a lake, no mosquitos was a plus.
Free.
Reviewed about 2 years ago
5.0/5
Great spot!
Good accessible. Great views. Perfect location for visiting mt Cook or lake tekapo / lake pukaki. Stayed 2 nights with tent.
Reviewed about 2 years ago
4.5/5
Beautiful site, can’t believe it’s free!
Loads of space, a few toilets so you can camp as near or far away as you like. No issues with noise etc, lots of people coming and going very late at night and in the morning but not much of an issue
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
4.0/5
Lake Poaka is a fantastic camp spot and a favorite of ours yes it's free but we always leave a donation in the box which goes towards the upkeep of the toilets.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
4.0/5
Close to the main road but far enough away to not hear it, and free!
A couple of long drop toilets, nice spot next to the canal. Easy.
Reviewed almost 4 years ago
5.0/5
Great free campsite in a gorgeous location!
Bathrooms were clean and the campsite was very quiet so we felt like we had it to ourselves. Only thing is to make sure you have fresh drinking water as there was none on site.
Reviewed about 4 years ago
4.5/5
Beautiful spot down long gravel road.
Lots of spots for campers under the trees. We parked up nice and close to the water for great views. Awesome sunset from the canal. Clean long drop toilets.
Reviewed about 4 years ago
3.5/5
Nice for a free campsite, one of the long drops is much nicer than the other.
Lake is beautiful and no sandflies but lots of curious birds. No other amenities.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
4.5/5
Great free campsite with plenty of lakeside spots.
Far better than expected - a very scenic spot. Toilets were a bit full but no complaints as it's free! About 5 min drive off main road down a gravel road
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
5.0/5
Absolutely beautiful spot.
The lake is teaming with trout, too! Can only catch legally on fly gear. Toilet was fine and the lakeside campsites are perfect. Don’t drive past this one .. it’s well worth the stay
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
5.0/5
Beautiful camping site with plenty of space, two toilets placed far from each other.
We spent two nights (family with a 7 years old boy) and the toilet was very clean, however, at the end of the third day paper toilet and hand sanitizer had finished (is not a issue with you have yours). If you like fishing is a great spot to catch trouts - first, check fish and game booklets, they have some restrictions. No sand fly during the stay 🙌
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
4.0/5
Down quite a long and bumpy gravel road (make sure you drive down the right side of the Pukaki canal!) but a quiet and pleasant camp site.
Great views of the mountains and we had a lovely sunset. Long drops available.
Cost (2p, non-powered): $0
Location: Very pretty. Lots of bird life.
Facilities: Long drops only
Value: 10/10
Sandflies: A few
X-Factor: Not quite
Other:
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
4.0/5
Really no complaints here...quiet and safe place to sleep.
Toilet is OK. Be sure to bring water!
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
4.0/5
Absolutely beautiful spot!
Set up with the trees so it protects you from the wind. Awesome little river inlets everywhere and just so peaceful. You wouldn't even know you're only 1-2km off the highway! Bring insect reppelent and you're good to go!
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
4.0/5
Stayed two nights here.
Lots of room. Some picnic tables. Beautiful view of the stars of a clear night. One night was cloudy, the other was clear. Good view of the mountains. Lake looked nice. Road along the canal was rough to get to the site. but other than that it was good.
Reviewed about 5 years ago