CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

This is a free DOC camp between Twizel and Tekapo. It is a large flat area, with spectacular mountain views. There is a single long-drop toilet. You don’t need to be self-contained, and tents are ok. No dogs. No open fires. Max 4 nights

You turn off SH8 on the Lake Pukaki side of the Pukaki Canal onto the gravel access road, along the banks of the canal. Take it slow, it is rough and rutted. Ignore the first road down from the canal bank as it is very steep and soft. Carry on to the next, easy-access road, which brings you down at the western end of Lake Poaka. There are tracks which let you choose any location around the lake.

Get your camera out. You can walk, swim or cycle. Handy to the Ruataniwha Conservation Park.Fishing depends on a permit, but if you are fishing the Pukaki Canal, it provides a handy camping spot. 

DOC: ckw.nz/doc-poaka | ckw.nz/doc-ruataniwha

Photos: Autumn ©M Richardson