Bookings not required - first come, first served
Rainbow Road provides access to the campsite. This is a toll road with access restrictions – see Rainbow Station for details.
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Fees
Free to camp. Road access fees apply.
Access from the Wairau-Hanmer Springs Hydro Road (Rainbow Road) between St Arnaud and Hanmer Springs. This is a gravel road with stream fords, accessible by high-clearance 4WD vehicles, mountain bike or foot.
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1593706, N5343329
Latitude: -42.06192817, Longitude: 172.92224786
Coldwater Campsite is a different location to Coldwater Hut.
Nelson Lakes National Park Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 521 1806 |
| Email: | nelsonlakesvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | View Road St Arnaud 7072 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |
Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre
| Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
| Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: | Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 1/37 Halifax Street Nelson 7010 |
| Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |