Kidds Bush Reserve Campsite | Lake Hawea Camping
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Adult: $10, Child: $5 |
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Bookings Required |
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NSC - Non Self Contained |
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Toilets - Long Drop |
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Water Tap - Non treated |
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Campfires NOT Permitted |
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No Dogs Allowed |
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44°26'26.6"S 169°15'39.5"E |
Set up camp directly on the shore of Lake Hawea at the Kidds Bush Reserve Campsite. The site itself is a large grassy clearing shaded by beautiful and large trees, leaving plenty room for kids to explore. Walk the nearby tracks, go fishing, take a swim, hunt for mushrooms and more.
In This Camping Guide:
Kidds Bush Reserve Campsite Facilities
Cooking a gourmet camp breakfast of pancakes!
CAMP SITES
There are 40 bookable “tent sites” but no actual designated spaces in the campground. A few picnic tables are scattered throughout but you’re free to park or set up camp wherever you please. Most of the campsite consists of grass areas underneath large shady trees with a gravel area along the lakefront. It’s first come, first serve. Tent users, caravans, motorhomes and vehicles are all welcome.
TOILETS
A toilet block is situated in the middle of the campsite, with 3 long drop loos and a sink with running water. The water is not treated so should be boiled before drinking, brushing teeth, etc.
Note: A portable toilet unit was installed October 2021 and will remain in place until a new toilet block is constructed. (Last updated Feb 2023)
SHELTERED KITCHEN AREA
Next to the toilet block are two separate structures: a sink basin and a sheltered kitchen area. There are multiple water taps and a large sink which can be used for washing dishes, cleaning fish, etc. The covered in area is great for preparing and eating meals when the weather isn’t so great outside.
RESTRICTIONS
Campfires and dogs are not permitted inside the Kidds Bush Reserve Campsite. There’s also a seasonal restriction banning the use of tap water in winter.
FEES & BOOKINGS
Fees:
Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Booking in advance is required year round and can be completed on the DOC Booking Site. When you book online, sites are chosen on arrival via a first come first serve basis. If you don’t prebook though you can pay via the camp ranger (if present, $10 service fee applies) or through the honesty box system found on site. DOC Campsite Passes can also be used here too.
What To Do at Kidds Bush Reserve
1. Get in the Lake: Go Swimming, Boating or Fishing
The best part of being right on the shore of Lake Hawea is super easy access to the water! Go swimming, boating, fishing or even paddle boarding. The lakeshore is a little rocky but super shallow and safe for families to swim in. Boats can also be launched here from the lake.
You can launch boats and kayaks from here, or pitch tents off to the side under the trees.
2. Walk the Kidds Bush Nature Walk (30min return)
The Kidds Bush Nature Walk is an easy, half hour loop track taking you through shady beech forest. A fairly flat track with many trees, birdlife and fungi to see. Starts and ends near the campsite, at the same trailhead as the Sawyer Burn Track.
This marks the start of both the Sawyer Burn Hut Track and the Kidds Bush Nature Walk.
3. Hike the Sawyer Burn Hut Track (3 hours return)
The Sawyer Burn Track is a steep uphill climb offering panoramic views over Lake Hāwea Conservation Park. You can take the day hike to the bush line, tramp overnight to Sawyer Burn Hut or carry on to Sentinel Peak. There’s an option to suit all fitness levels. The most family friendly option is the 3 hour return trek to the bushline and back to the campsite.
A panoramic view overlooking Lake Hawea. The campsite is just below you!
4. Hunt for Mushrooms
In late autumn and winter, there’s an abundance of mushrooms to hunt for around the camping area. On a cold and dewy morning, check underneath the pine trees and amongst the tall grass. We saw a lot on the Kidds Bush Nature Walk nearby too, some growing up the trees and on top of fallen logs. We’re no experts at identifying and naming all the different types, but we saw at least 15 or 20 kinds of funky looking fungi! Various shapes, colors, and sizes.
So many shroomies!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you can use a DOC Camping Pass at Kidds Bush Reserve Campsite.
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Yes, bookings are required year round at Kidds Bush Reserve Campsite. In person bookings can be completed with a camp ranger ($10 service fee applies) or via the honesty box system found onsite.
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No, dogs are not permitted inside of Kidds Bush Reserve.
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Yes, there is limited cell coverage available in Kidds Bush Reserve and at the campsite.
How to Get to Kidds Bush Reserve Campsite
Meads Road, the only way in and out of Kidds Bush Reserve.
Kidds Bush Reserve is a half hour North of Lake Hawea and 35min South of Makarora. Getting to the campsite is a short but worthy detour on the way to the West Coast. The dirt road that leads you in is not always suitable for large campervans due to one steep section and some bumpy areas.
From Wanaka (40 minutes )
Take State Hwy 84 East out of Wanaka and turn left onto State Hwy 6 (signs for W Coast). Stay on the motorway for approximately 35km’s before turning right onto Meads Road. Follow this dirt road for another 6km’s and the Kidds Bush Reserve Campsite will be on your right.
Other Things To Do Near Lake Hawea
Day Hikes: Within a half hour drive of the campsite there’s Isthmus Peak Track (7hr return) and Boundary Creek Track (5hr return). Both day walks include a steep climb with killer lake views. Shorter walks near the township of Hawea include the Gladestone Track (2.5hr return) or the Upper / Lower Timaru River Tracks (2-6hr return).
Overnight Tramps: On the opposite side of Lake Hawea you’ll find the Dingle Burn Track, a 3-4 day long tramping route with several huts along the way.
Other Campsites: Boundary Creek Campsite is just 20 minutes away and overlooks Lake Wanaka. A great alternative for campervans who can’t cross the dirt road or a backup plan if the campground gets too full.
Disclaimer: Please adventure at your own risk. The author of this article is not liable for any injuries or damage that may occur. It is up to the individual to determine their own capabilities and limits, and to thoroughly research before venturing into the great outdoors. Read our full Disclaimer.
