Tawanui Campsite
Standard campsiteLocated in Catlins coastal area, OtagoOpen
Current advisories
Tawanui Campsite closed
26 August 2026
Tawanui Campsite is closed. There is an issue with the water system affecting the toilets. First published on 27 August 2026. Last reviewed on 27 August 2026.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai alerts.
- Sites
- 60
- Booking
- Can book
- Cost
- from $10
- Power
- None
- Toilet
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Boil first
- Dogs
- On a lead
Getting there
Turn off SH1 at Balclutha and drive South to Owaka. Follow Papatowai Highway for approximately 7 km, turn right onto Catlins Valley Rd, right onto Morris Saddle Rd, then left at cattle-stop (sign indicating campsite). Narrow gravel road.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 46.45836° S, 169.49317° E
About this place
This is a standard campsite in the Coastal Otago area. This isolated campsite is in a clearing beside the river. Day walk the Catlins River Track through silver beech forest.
Fees and bookings
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book.
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2027. If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked. No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking. Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee. Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain. Book Tawanui Campsite online . Your booking will be for the number of people in your party – there are no designated sites. Find space for your party on arrival.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
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Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans) • Non-powered/tent sites • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Walks nearby
Contact
DOC Customer Service Centre
Regional DOC service centre.
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Sources
- DOC Campsites · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.
- OpenStreetMap Campsites · ODbL (Open Database License)Contains information from OpenStreetMap, made available under the ODbL.
- DOC Campsites (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).