Pioneer Park Campsite
Located in Pioneer Park Conservation Area in the Canterbury region
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Introduction
Short walks are nearby, and you can visit historic Burkes Cottage. Do not camp in flood zone if heavy rain or thunderstorms are forecast.Very heavy rain can cause sudden and severe flooding.
Access
- Campervan
- Car
- Caravan
Facilities
- Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans)
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance
Activities
- Walking and tramping
Seasonal restrictions
Very heavy rain can cause sudden and severe flooding. Regularly check the weather forecast. Do not camp in the high-risk flood zone (shown in the Know before you go section below) if heavy rain or thunderstorms are forecast.
Dog access
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Pay at the time of booking.
Passes
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
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.
All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.
Bookings are required all year.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
From Geraldine follow SH 79 for 23 km. Turn into Gudex Road, then Middle Valley Road, turn left into Pioneer Park.
Gravel road.
There is a ford on the access road into Pioneer Park, this ford is usually dry but care is needed for vehicles with low ground clearance.
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1436542, N5110580
Latitude: -44.14350594, Longitude: 170.95614336
Flash flood risk
Very heavy rain can cause sudden and severe flooding at Pioneer Park Campsite.
On 24 December 2022, a thunderstorm and heavy rain caused a flash flood here. The area highlighted in red on the map was covered with water in only 5 minutes, putting people and their belongings at risk.
Map showing area flooded during December 2022 storm
Image: DOC
Following heavy rain, the two fords on the access road may also be flooded and you will not be able to cross them safely.
Take the following precautions when staying at Pioneer Park Campsite.
- regularly check the weather forecast and do not camp in the high-risk flood zone if heavy rain or thunderstorms are forecast
- do not attempt to cross the fords if the creek is flooded
- move away from the high-risk flood zone during very heavy rain or thunderstorms and be prepared to move to high ground at short notice.
Mobile phone coverage
There is no or very limited mobile phone coverage at the campsite.
There is mobile phone coverage a 10-minute walk from the campsite, along the White Pine Track.
Walking and tramping
Short walks are nearby.
Contacts
| Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 435 1186 |
| mtcookvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 1 Larch Grove Aoraki/Mount Cook 7999 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |
