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Vehicles must be self contained.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC OtagoCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Arrowtown |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
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? Self-contained motorhomes only Overnight stays are only permitted if your vehicle is certified as being 'self-contained'. The vehicle must display the "Responsible Camper" sticker. |
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 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. |
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 Restricted Freedom Camping Site Department of Conservation Restricted Freedom Camping Sites are for Self Contained Vehicles only with restrictions over length of stay. Some of these locations may have a toilet, but this can't be expected. |
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. |
✓ Stunning valley view
✓ Plenty of parking space
✓ Ideal location between Wanaka and Queenstown
✓ Good for experienced drivers
✓ Popular camping spot
𐄂 No toilets or facilities
𐄂 Chilly nights
Nice freedom camping.
Wow! This spot was terrific.
Honestly a pretty tough drive.
Nice view on the valley towards queenstown.
Was super cold..
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 11 |
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30% |
9/10 | 11 |
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30% |
8/10 | 8 |
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22% |
7/10 | 2 |
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5% |
6/10 | 4 |
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11% |
5/10 | 1 |
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3% |
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% |
2.5/5
Rentals BEWARE.
Didn’t end up camping here - was halfway there and then realised that my rental van (mighty) actually prohibited use of that road. If we were to drive it it would void all insurances. Such a shame cause it seemed like a lovely site
Reviewed over 1 year ago
3.0/5
Honestly a pretty tough drive.
Tight mountain turns (go slow, use gps to see how tight the turns get). Chilly as others have noted, no toilet. I’d go here if you plan to pass through anyway, from Wanaka to Queenstown or vice versa, and if you’re an experienced driver. The view down was nice.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.5/5
Nice view on the valley towards queenstown.
For us the sunset was nice but not as amazing as expected. We have been here mid February. Likely later in the year the sun will go down more 'mid valley' creating nicer sunsets.
We arrived around 6:30pm and still enough spaces. Around 15 lots in first row. More campervan can fit in space behind.
No toilets or other facilities. Elevation is around 1000m so it gets chilly in the nights even in summer.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
Great spot with amazing views.
V windy and stormy but spectacular. It is just a car park, but a great spot to stop over close to Queenstown.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
5.0/5
Go early as spots are limited if you wish to face the mountains.
No facilities. Only for self contained vehicles (or risk a fine!). Priceless view of the mountains. Drive up to the space is about 20 minutes from the main road.
Reviewed over 4 years ago
5.0/5
Stunning view of the valley into Queenstown, one of the best sunsets we saw.
Plenty of space with a view when we arrived at 5 and were one of the first there. Lots of space even if you don’t get there until late though. No facilities so self contained only.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
3.5/5
Cold and windy, but ok for one Night.
No toilets. Quite a lot of space.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
5.0/5
Amazing views!
A must-stay place if you’re self contained and heading towards queenstown.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
4.0/5
Amazing view looking down the valley towards Queenstown.
Plenty of space for 20+ campers but arriving early will guarantee you a spot right on the edge of the cliff overlooking the valley.
Reviewed about 5 years ago
5.0/5
Was super cold..
A minus 6 degree night in October. But a beautiful view.. And a good spot for astro photography.
Reviewed about 5 years ago
2.5/5
Rentals BEWARE.
Didn’t end up camping here - was halfway there and then realised that my rental van (mighty) actually prohibited use of that road. If we were to drive it it would void all insurances. Such a shame cause it seemed like a lovely site
Reviewed over 1 year ago
3.0/5
Honestly a pretty tough drive.
Tight mountain turns (go slow, use gps to see how tight the turns get). Chilly as others have noted, no toilet. I’d go here if you plan to pass through anyway, from Wanaka to Queenstown or vice versa, and if you’re an experienced driver. The view down was nice.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.5/5
Nice view on the valley towards queenstown.
For us the sunset was nice but not as amazing as expected. We have been here mid February. Likely later in the year the sun will go down more 'mid valley' creating nicer sunsets.
We arrived around 6:30pm and still enough spaces. Around 15 lots in first row. More campervan can fit in space behind.
No toilets or other facilities. Elevation is around 1000m so it gets chilly in the nights even in summer.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
Great spot with amazing views.
V windy and stormy but spectacular. It is just a car park, but a great spot to stop over close to Queenstown.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
5.0/5
Go early as spots are limited if you wish to face the mountains.
No facilities. Only for self contained vehicles (or risk a fine!). Priceless view of the mountains. Drive up to the space is about 20 minutes from the main road.
Reviewed over 4 years ago
5.0/5
Stunning view of the valley into Queenstown, one of the best sunsets we saw.
Plenty of space with a view when we arrived at 5 and were one of the first there. Lots of space even if you don’t get there until late though. No facilities so self contained only.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
3.5/5
Cold and windy, but ok for one Night.
No toilets. Quite a lot of space.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
5.0/5
Amazing views!
A must-stay place if you’re self contained and heading towards queenstown.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
4.0/5
Amazing view looking down the valley towards Queenstown.
Plenty of space for 20+ campers but arriving early will guarantee you a spot right on the edge of the cliff overlooking the valley.
Reviewed about 5 years ago
5.0/5
Was super cold..
A minus 6 degree night in October. But a beautiful view.. And a good spot for astro photography.
Reviewed about 5 years ago
5.0/5
Nice freedom camping.
The view is phenomenal. The place is not busy at all. Definitely would go again.
Reviewed over 5 years ago
4.5/5
This was a great spot with views over queenstown and a good stop before heading to Wanaka.
We stayed here two nights in a row, unfortunately only for self contained so you would be out of luck otherwise as theres no toilets. Pretty open area so it can get quite windy. Also lots of people come to watch the sunset here so it will be busy around that time but then most people head out.
Reviewed over 5 years ago
4.0/5
Beautiful sunset but got quite windy up there.
No toilets or anything so it is really more a pit stop kind of spot if your not self contained. Amazing sunset and sunrise! Busy as with cars stopping to take photos of the view.
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
3.0/5
Yes the view is nice and there is a lot of space.
But you have to go up the crown range road which is heavy with a campervan when you just want to visit Queenstown... and anyways forbidden for britz campervans...
And in the morning cars on the road were honking and woke us up... must have been on porpoise because t i can’t see what’s there to hunk for :D
Reviewed about 6 years ago
5.0/5
Wow! This spot was terrific.
No facilities, but felt reasonably safe as there is a traffic camera watching the location and you can check your van out while there - the location has great phone service - you can look it up on the metservice web page, search for traffic camera crown range. The sites aren’t completely flat but almost, and the view is spectacular. We stayed overnight during a snowstorn and were snowed in until the grader came to clear the carpark in the middle of the day. We were prepared for this (batteries charged, plenty of gas, chains, snow gear, etc) but most of the other vans weren’t. Don’t stay there in the cold months if you aren’t prepared for it because you could be there for a while. Our neighbours were freezing and one group got so desperate they tried to dig themselves out with chopping boards (FAILED, BTW...). In the cold months you must have chains for your van. We had an awesome time there and will stay again.
Reviewed about 6 years ago and experienced in September 2018
3.0/5
Very exposed site and a little tricky to find a flat area and no shelter whatsoever.
Only us and one other camper which felt a little isolated. No facilities. Local teenagers being silly with cars up and down the mountain made us a little uneasy. Otherwise quietened down at night and good view across to Queenstown.
Reviewed about 6 years ago
5.0/5
Ridiculous views and super quiet!!
At sunset lots of people pull over to take pictures but we were practically the only car there. Serenity at its finest!
Reviewed about 6 years ago
5.0/5
What a stunning place to park up for the night!
We felt on top of the world!
It is a long slow drive but well worth the view.
We were the only van there, joined later by the gritter, as it started to snow.
The road was fine to drive down in the morning, despite the snowfall.
Some cars stopped off for photos both in the evening & the morning.
This could be irritating in season.
Reviewed over 6 years ago
4.5/5
Amazing spot for self contained vehicles overlooking Queenstown.
Lots of people coming and going during the day but night time very quiet.
Reviewed over 6 years ago
4.5/5
Amazing view above Queenstown.
There are many cars just stopping for taking pictures, but after the sunset it's getting quiet. There are 10 spots on the edge with the amazing view directly from the camper. Other 15 campers can park in the second row.
There is no toilet.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago
4.0/5
Breathtaking views, no facilities but if you're self contained that doesn't matter.
Would visit again.
Reviewed over 7 years ago
4.5/5
Incredible views, but you're best to drive up in the evening as there seems to be a lot less traffic/people around at that time.
We woke up to an overwhelming amount of tourists in the morning. Otherwise I can't really complain about this place, free camping and literally nothing around you apart from the exceptional views. Would rather stay here instead of getting overpriced/overhyped Queenstown accommodation.
Reviewed over 7 years ago
4.5/5
We arrived after five hours traveling from Milford Sound getting there at around 6pm.
The view is amazing. Commercial aircraft (no noise) flying below you in the Gibbston Valley heading for the airport. Not much level ground to park, but we managed. The wind was immense, but such is 2017 summer.
Reviewed almost 8 years ago
4.5/5
We came here quite late in the night, it was the only place we could find after traveling, we didn't want to drive to late in the night.
We woke up in the morning greeted by a fantastic view. Although it was near the highway it wasn't very noisy in the night. Me and my wife decided to take a walk while the kids stayed in the camper watching a movie. The view was fantastic after the 1 hour walk, I would highly recommend going on the hike. Overall a decent place to stay at if near the Wanaka area.
Reviewed about 8 years ago
4.5/5
Free camping at the top of the mountain pass on our way down from the glacier region to Queenstown.
It was cold and the wind was howling at night. But bring a good blanket and you'll be fine. Great views!
Reviewed almost 10 years ago
4.0/5
Nice sunset and nice sunrise location.
Basic but good and free! All by ourselves in November!
Reviewed about 9 years ago