Monkey Island Beach | Orepuki Freedom Camping Site
The Orepuki Freedom Campsite at Monkey Island NZ is a true hidden gem. It’s open to all types of campers, completely free to stay and full of activities to entertain all ages.
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Freedom Campsite |
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NSC - Non Self Contained |
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Toilets - Long Drop |
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Rubbish Bins On Site |
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Dogs Allowed on Leash |
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Campfires NOT Permitted |
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46.3007° S, 167.7277° E |
A busy spot in the summer for camping, surfing, swimming, gemstone collecting, horse riding, motorbiking, picnics, fishing and walking along the beach. Watch and listen to the waves from your campsite, or go for a climb up Monkey Island for more expansive views across Te Waewae Bay and Gemstone Beach. This is by far the best beach front freedom campsite in Southland.
In This Camping Guide:
Monkey Island / Orepuki Freedom Campsite Facilities
Two long drop toilets can be found at each end of the campground. There aren’t any running water taps for hand washing, though I’ve read it’s part of a planned future upgrade. Near the entrance you’ll also find two large dumpsters for your trash disposal. Fires are not permitted in the campsite or on the beach at any time. Open to all non self contained campers (NSC).
After a semi controversial renovation by Southland District Council in 2020, some folk have described the campground as a “big gravel pit.” A large majority of the grass areas were covered with gravel to create more carparks. A smaller stretch of grass running along the sand dune remains for campers with tents. This site fills up very fast year round though, so those few spots aren’t always available or can become overcrowded.
As a family with young kids, the larger grass areas were much nicer and less messier to have around. My toddler kept trying to eat rocks from the ground and even tripped a few times on the hard gravel. Since you’re right in front of the beach though, there’s plenty room for kids to play and run around there.
Despite this, I still found the campground to be quite enjoyable. I wouldn’t go out of my way to camp here, but would definitely stay here while en route to another destination.
What To Do at Monkey Island Beach
1. Swimming & Surfing
The best part about staying on the beach is easy access to the water! Go swimming, surfing or even paddle boarding. Monkey Island Beach is well known for being a kid friendly beach and a great beginner’s surf spot. Check out Southland Surf School to book group or private surfing lessons right here on the beach. For those with more experience, you can hire out gear from them too. Be sure to check the Monkey Island Surf Report and Forecast before heading out.
So many safe, shallow spots for kids to get in the water and play!
2. Climb Monkey Island at Low Tide
Monkey Island is actually only an island during high tide! At low tide you can walk straight out and climb the wooden steps to the top in less than 5 minutes. Reward yourself with panoramic views of the coastal beaches, Te Waewae Bay and the Fiordland mountain ranges. Remember to keep the Tide Times in mind, otherwise you’ll be swimming back to shore!
Morning view of Monkey Island during high tide.
3. Hunt for Treasure at Gemstone Beach
It’s about a 45 minute walk one way to reach Gemstone Beach by foot, or a 5 minute drive by car. This beach is full of hidden gems, literally! People have found everything from jasper, garnet, quartz, sapphire to fossilized worm casts and more. You might just get lucky and strike gold! In fact, the wee town of Orepuki NZ used to be a gold mining settlement, so get those kids to work and send them off on a treasure hunt. Around low tide is the best time to look for gems.
Gemstones is a short book to help you identify and differentiate NZ gemstones, written by Jocelyn Thornton. Download it for free!
Colorful rocks found along the shore. You might even find gem stones the closer you get to Gemstone Beach.
4. Horse Riding
Orepuki Horse Treks offer guided tours for intermediate and advanced horse riders. They can take you through the nearby farm land or ride along the coast from Orepuki Beach to Monkey Island.
5. Fresh Seafood
Gather your own kaimoana for dinner! Fishing and paua collecting is allowed here. Read the signposted fishing rules and regulations while on site.
6. Watch the Sunset
A sunset on the beach is always pretty relaxing, but a sunset on this beach is just breathtaking. The water on the shore creates a clear reflection of the sky above, painting a very pretty scene and a great photo opportunity.
Sunset on the beach. The water reflections made it very scenic.
How to Get to Monkey Island NZ
Monkey Island Beach is just a 20 minute drive from both Riverton and Tuatapere. The turnoff is located directly between the signs for Cosy Nook and Gemstone Beach. Parking for day visitors is to the left and for overnight visitors, the Orepuki Freedom Campsite is to the right.
From Invercargill (50 minutes )
Starting in Invercargill, take North Road / State Highway 6 until you reach the roundabout with signs leading you to State Hwy 99 / Southern Scenic Rte. Go left and follow the highway to Riverton in about 30km’s.
From Riverton (20 minutes)
From Riverton, keep heading Northwest on State Highway 99 and stay on the Southern Scenic Route. In 25 kilometers you’ll turn left on Frentz Road. In just under 1km turn right onto Monkey Island Road.
Other Things To Do Near Orepuki NZ
Southland is known for it’s rugged beaches, lush green forests, coastal views and it’s iconic cheese rolls. Here’s a few other activities to check out near the Orepuki campsite:
Colac Bay: Take a 20 minute walk along the beach, have a picnic, watch the surfers or have a go at surfing yourself.
Round Hill / Long Hilly Walking Track: This 2.7km / 45min walk takes you through the Longwood Forest Conservation Area, with several information boards about the historic Chinese gold miners in the region.
Mores Scenic Reserve Walking Tracks: Scenic picnic area overlooking Riverton and trailhead for the Mores Coastal Loop, Hilltop Lookout and the Kings Track.
Howell’s Point Reserve: Popular for picnics, fishing and bird watching. Take the half hour stroll around the coast for views of Taramea Bay, Invercargill, Bluff and Stewart Island.
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.
