This was one of our favourite spots especially when the weather is right for a million dollar view up the lake to Mt Cook .This time spoiled by the over use of illegal campers and inconsiderate parking

.The very new toilet block couldn’t cope with the overuse.

Reviewed 7 months ago

Great spot on the edge of a small domain under the trees clean and quiet surrounded by farmland .

Toilets old but clean and well maintained along with a picnic area and sink Just over 1km to the village . A nice cafe and second hand shop .

Reviewed 7 months ago

Fab spot large grassy area plenty of room, lovely views.

However due to a very dry summer the lake was dry! Still amazing to see and walk on the lake bed . Toilets very clean .

Reviewed 7 months ago

This free area is just perfect for exploring the city and most of all just a 10 minute drive to the ferry terminal.

It’s very popular and fills up fast but parking on the road side if it’s full is allowed.

The toilet block is modern but sadly has been abused by people who obviously have no respect. It is reasonable and I think cleaned daily.

Reviewed 7 months ago

We like this better than Lowburn on the other side of the lake .

Much quieter and picturesque. Clean flush toilets and two long drop. A good map by the main toilet block clearly shows where you can camp. A bit of road noise . But clean and tidy. We walked 1 km to the Rocky Point pottery shop . A small amount of Colin Pledgers( now deceased )pottery still for sale. His lovely wife took time to tell of the interesting history. A little further Bendigo loop road is worth exploring with historical remnants of gold mining days and now great thriving vineyards .

Reviewed 7 months ago

Absolutely one of the best freedom camp sites if the weather is fine.

Good toilet facilities. The pines have a been chopped down some replanting being done . Plenty of spots to choose from . We were lucky enough to have 34 deg blue sky and 24 hours clear views of Mt Cook. We biked along the Pukaki cycle track to Hayman Rd about 5 km. If you want a little more secluded camping go a bit further to Hayman Rd, there a notices where you can camp along there, no facilities but nice spots .

Reviewed over 2 years ago

Just past the paid camp ground on the same side a beautiful grassy area over looking the length of Lake Ruataniwha and mountains behind.

Paths down to the lake and cycle tracks into Twizel and along the canal behind the dam. Just have to be 10 for views. No facilities but that’s ok for us as self contained. Highly recommend.

Reviewed over 2 years ago

This is a great little spot for an overnight stop.

A bit close to the road but not too noisy. We parked by the trees close to the water at the end . Not many others, clean , good flush toilets , wash basins and rubbish bins. Boat ramp and picnic tables.

Reviewed almost 3 years ago

There are 10 parking spaces at the entrance to Taylor’s Dam( was a dam but now a lovely small lake with ducks and swan) The spaces provided are rather miserly and if there was no one else staying we would

have felt very vulnerable. However, others joined us and the park like area around the lake was lovely. It is well frequented by friendly locals and dog walkers . Also the local vineyards fire off guns regularly during the day to frighten off the birds. Sounds a bit like a war zone ! The toilets are down in the reserve. A water tap at the end of the parking. Boy racers congregate in the evening at the area above where we are parked and no cell phone coverage if an emergency call was needed.Glad they did not stay long the night we were there.

Having said we had a peaceful night and rode our bikes into Blenheim and around the park area , enjoying

the bird life . It would be nice of the council to consider cordoning off a small safer area within the very large park area. Still we realised it was free -just pointing out what we experienced others can choose to stay or not.

Reviewed over 3 years ago

Not a bad place to stop off, a large grassy area with pine trees for shelter or more open at the end.

A little scruffy in parts and toilets poorly maintained. Close to the river and beach, views of the mountains.

Reviewed over 3 years ago

This is very hard to find, the entrance did not match the map, it is more south, there is a sign but go slow and don’t blink!

It was our first night of freedom camping and it was a bit creepy, no one around, little inlets into the bush past the cemetery. No ph service.All rather vague about where to go. We ended up at the first area by the stream. A peaceful night but probably would look elsewhere next time.

Reviewed over 3 years ago

We preferred Kerr Bay out of the two.

However, a nice bush setting with clean toilets and small simple kitchen area for washing dishes. Not so close to the lake and quieter than Kerr Bay.

Still a lovely area.

Reviewed over 3 years ago

A large popular spot for campers .

Toilets clean , water and wifi. Sheltered or open areas with lake views or not to choose from.

Raining on our visit but no ground flooding . A great stop for the night.

Reviewed over 3 years ago

This is a large picturesque area with many places to choose from Excellent toilets.

Pukaki is so beautiful with views of Mt Cook at the end on a clear day . We were very disappointed not to stay the night as the wind was horrendous and we had to move on.We will return !

Reviewed over 3 years ago

A fairly sheltered gravel car park beside the river across the road from the beach.

Excellent toilets and free wifi. Nice walks up the river or along the beach. A great nights stay.

Reviewed over 3 years ago

A lovely large grassy spot by the lake edge by trees if shelter is needed.

Good toilets. Boat ramp used by locals.nice walks around the lake.

At the time we visited the water at lake Opuha had

potentially toxic algal blooms ( cyanobacteria) and warnings to stay out. Maybe shortlived

A peaceful spot .

Reviewed over 3 years ago

Freedom Campervans only.

A large area of flat land with plenty of places to park. A basic long drop toilet was ok . Water to wash hands .

Very sheltered and quiet . A pretty spot beside the lagoon and river .

Reviewed almost 3 years ago and experienced in February 2021

This is a great stop for the weary traveller.

A little close to the main road, large grassy areas , toilets not great. A quiet night.We found a good spot and enjoyed the lupin edged river close by and beautiful change of light on the backdrop of mountains across the road . Apparently the name means place of light it lived up to its name.

Reviewed over 3 years ago

A lovely quiet grassy and sheltered camp site.

Well maintained toilets a dish washing facility and picnic tables. Water available. We loved this site . A bike ride to Cust village. A great stop for the night

Reviewed over 3 years ago

A large strip of grass on the edge of the river, plenty of parking.

Toilets ok, water available. Information boards on the areas history .Cafe not far down the road. If the weather is good a great spot but little shelter from the wind. We did a bike ride up to the cliffs and then to Waipahu Point then next day. Nice walk along the beach by the camp.

Reviewed over 3 years ago