The Ultimate Guide to Camping at Lake Benmore, New Zealand
Last Updated: 10th October, 2023
In the heart of New Zealand’s South Island lies Lake Benmore, a hidden gem in Canterbury that doubles as one of the best Kiwi camping-holiday spots around! With warm summer days, crystal-clear lakes, and lots of space to set up a tent and get out the BBQ, it’s easy to see why! Here is your ultimate guide to camping at Lake Benmore.
Overview of Lake Benmore, New Zealand
Lake Benmore, located in New Zealand’s South Island, is a magnificent and expansive man-made reservoir near the charming town of Omarama! It was created in the 1960’s as part of the Waitaki Hydroelectric Scheme, which involved damming the Waitaki River. The lake stretches over 74 square kilometers (28.6 square miles!) and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and awesome outdoor activities!
Highlights of Visiting Lake Benmore
1. Incredible Scenery!
Lake Benmore is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters that are surrounded by picturesque landscapes. It is situated amidst rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, and pristine forests, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
2. Heaps of Outdoor Activities
Lake Benmore offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Fishing at Lake Benmore is a popular pastime here, with the lake teeming with salmon and trout. Boating and water sports are also common, with ample space for jet skiing, water skiing, and kayaking. If you are more interested in getting into the surrounding hills, there are some amazing short walks that provide excellent opportunities for hiking and bird watching!
3. Fantastic Camping and Accommodation
There are numerous campgrounds and holiday parks at Lake Benmore, making it an ideal destination for camping enthusiasts. Campers can choose from basic lakeside sites, forested areas, or established holiday parks, all of which offer you a chance to immerse in the natural beauty of the region.
4. Stargazing
The clear skies above Lake Benmore make it an excellent location for stargazing. On a clear night, visitors can witness the beauty of the southern hemisphere’s night sky, including the Milky Way and various constellations.
Related Read: Exploring the Magnificent Mt John, Lake Tekapo
Lake Benmore is in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, which is the largest dark sky reserve in the Southern Hemisphere! This means that you will have the most amazing starry night-sky above you as you sit outside your tent in the evenings – truly an incredible experience!
Where is Lake Benmore?
Lake Benmore, one of New Zealand’s hidden gems, is nestled in the South Island’s picturesque Canterbury region. This stunning man-made reservoir is set amongst the beautiful backdrop of the Southern Alps, and surrounded by the rugged Benmore Range and Mount Sutton.
It is located only a stone’s throw away from the charming towns of Omarama and Twizel, and is at the half-way point on the drive from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to Oamaru, on the east-coast.
Lake Benmore is surrounded by several other stunning lakes, connected by the beautiful Waitaki River. From Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, the stunning glacial water travels through a series of canals and Lake Ruataniwha before it reaches the northern arm of Lake Benmore. From here, it follows the Waitaki River, passing through the beautiful Lake Aviemore and smaller Lake Waitaki before flowing all the way out to the Pacific Ocean!
Camping at Lake Benmore, New Zealand
One of the most popular things to do around Lake Benmore is to pitch your tent, roll out your sleeping mat and spend the night camping under the stars! Lake Benmore offers a variety of lakeside camping sites and established holiday parks, making it an ideal location for camping enthusiasts! Campgrounds range from back-to-basics with nothing but a toilet, all the way to a fully-furnished campground with all the necessities for a awesome camping holiday!
Complete List of Campgrounds at Lake Benmore
Here is the complete list of campgrounds at Lake Benmore and the surrounding region – all the way from Omarama down to the beautiful Lake Aviemore. These campgrounds are a mix of locally-owned and operated holiday parks, to basic campgrounds maintained by the Waitaki Lakes and Waimate District Councils.
- Omarama Top 10 Holiday Park
- Ahuriri Bridge Conservation Area
- Lake Benmore Holiday Park
- Sailors Cutting
- Lake Benmore Camping ground – Ohau C
- Benmore Views Campground
- Falstone Campground
- Loch Laird Campground
- Briars Gully
- Boat Harbour Camping Ground
- Otematata Holiday Park and Lodge
- Parsons Rock Campground
- Te Akatarawa Reserve
- Waitangi Reserve
- Waitangi East Campground
- Fishermans Bend Campground
Detailed Overview of all the Campgrounds at Lake Benmore
| NAME | OPEN DATES | RECOMMENDED FOR: | $$$ | SITE TYPES | FACILITIES | DOGS | |
| 1 | Omarama Top 10 Holiday Park | All Year | – Family Holidays – Young Kids – Great base for exploring Omarama and Lake Benmore | From $45 | 90 Powered Sites 60 Non-Powered Sites 4 motels 10 cabins 3 Ensuit units | – Hot Showers – Modern Toilet Block – Communal Kitchen – BBQ area – Kids Playground – TV Room – Laundry – WIFI | Yes |
| 2 | Ahuriri Bridge Campsite | All Year | – Self-Contained Campervans – Fishing in the Ahuriri River – Visiting Omarama Clay Cliffs – Shot stop-overs on the drive between Queenstown and Lake Tekapo | Free! | 30 Non-Powered Sites | – Long-drop Toilets | No |
| 3 | Lake Benmore Holiday Park | Summer Months | – Cyclists on the Alps 2 Ocean! – Family Holidays with Kids – Swimming and boating | From $40 | 15 Ensuite Sites Powered and non-powered sites | – Communal Kitchen – Hot showers – BBQ and picnic tables – Washing Machine – Boat Ramp – Modern Toilets | Yes |
| 4 | Sailors Cutting | September – June | – Basic Campground – Boating and Swimming – Popular with permanent campers – Sheltered | $25 per site | Unpowered Sites for tents, caravans and motorhomes | – Boat Ramp – Dump Station – Shade Areas – Toilets | Yes |
| 5 | Lake Benmore Camping Ground – Ohau C | September – May | – Exploring Twizel – Fishing – Watersports | $30 per site | Unpowered Sites for tents, caravans and motorhomes | – Toilets – Dump station – Rubbish Facilities – 3 Boat Ramps ($10) | Yes |
| 6 | Benmore Views Family Camp | Summer | – Totara Peak Station (merino sheep farm) – Exploring Twizel – Fishing – Swimming | $25 per adult per night | Unpowered Sites for tents, caravans and motorhomes | – Flush Toilets – Hot Showers (coin operated) – Boat Ramp | Yes |
| 7 | Falstone Creek Camping Ground | September – June | – Right on Lake Benmore – Boating and Swimming | $25 per site | Unpowered Sites for tents, caravans and motorhomes | – Boat Ramp – Dump Station – Shade Areas – Toilets | Yes |
| 8 | Loch Laird Campground | September – June | – Spacious Campground – Family Holidays with kids – Swimming and Boating – Benmore Peninsular Walk – Close to Benmore Dam – Very busy in peak holiday season! | $25 per site | Unpowered Sites for tents, caravans and motorhomes | – Basic Toilet Block – Boat Ramp | Yes |
| 9 | Briars Gully | September – April | – Close to Benmore Dam – Shores of Waitaki River – Shaded spots under willow trees – Swimming and Kayaking – More Secluded | $15 per site, Families $25 | Unpowered Sites for tents, caravans and motorhomes | – Basic Toilet Block | Yes |
| 10 | Boat Harbour Camping Ground | September – June | – Boating – Best for a day visit -very pricey for the basic campground facilities – Exploring Otematata | $25 per site | Unpowered Sites for tents, caravans and motorhomes | – Basic Toilets – Boat Ramp | Yes |
| 11 | Otematata Holiday Park and Lodge | September – June | – Spacious campsite – Family Holidays with kids – Exploring Otematata | $16 – $18 | 50 Powered Sites 15 Non-Powered Sites | – Small Kitchen – Ablutions Block – Laundry – Communal Lounge – Dump Station – Swimming Pool | Yes |
| 12 | Parsons Rock Campground | September – June | – Large Campground with stunning views – Best for Self-Contained Campers, as it has limited facilities – Busy over peak summer period – Fishing – Boating and Swimming | $25 per site | Unpowered Sites for tents, caravans and motorhomes | – Basic Toilets – Non-potable water – Dump Station – Boat Ramp | Yes |
| 13 | Te Akatarawa Reserve | September – April | – Spacious Campsite on the far shoreline of Lake Aviemore – Beautiful willow shade trees along the banks – Peaceful getaway – Good for campervans and motorhomes | $15 per site, Families $25 | Unpowered Sites for tents, caravans and motorhomes | – Basic Toilets – Water (to be boiled) – Recycling | Yes |
| 14 | Waitangi Reserve | September – April | – Spacious sites on the Lakefront – Family Holidays with kids – Swimming and Boating – Fishing – Nearby walking trails | $15 per site, Families $25 | Unpowered Sites for tents, caravans and motorhomes | – Basic Toilets – Rubbish Bins | Yes |
| 15 | Waitangi East Campground | September – April | – Spacious sites on the Lakefront – Family Holidays with kids – Swimming and Boating – Fishing – Nearby walking trails | $15 per site, Families $25 | Unpowered Sites for tents, caravans and motorhomes | – Basic Toilets – Rubbish Bins | Yes |
| 16 | Fishermans Bend Campground | September – April | – Close to Aviemore Dam – Peace and quiet – Spacious Sites – Lots of trees – Hidden Gem – Fishing – Swimming | $15 per site, Families $25 | Unpowered Sites for tents, caravans and motorhomes | – Basic Toilets – Rubbish Bins – Shade trees | Yes |
What is the Best Time to go Camping at Lake Benmore?
The best time to go camping at Lake Benmore is during the warm summer months (December to February), when the days are long, and the temperatures are perfect for water-based activities like swimming, boating and fishing! However, this is the most popular time for camping at Lake Banmore, and so be prepared for campgrounds to be more crowded (especially around the Christmas and New Years Holidays!).
If you are looking for milder weather and want to avoid the peak tourist crowd, then the Autumn Months (March to May) is a great time to go camping at Lake Benmore. The fall foliage around the lake and the surrounding mountains creates a beautiful, tranquil backdrop for your camping trip.
Camping at Lake Benmore in Winter
While winter is not the typical camping season at Lake Benmore due to cold temperatures, it can be a unique experience for those who enjoy a more adventurous experience! Just be warned, most of the campgrounds around Lake Benmore close over the winter months, and so make sure to check out where’s open before heading off!
Additional Tips for Camping at Lake Benmore, New Zealand
- Reserve Campsites in Advance: Popular campgrounds around Lake Benmore can get crowded, especially during the summer months. To secure your spot, it’s advisable to make reservations well in advance.
- Pack Essentials: Make a checklist of camping essentials, including a reliable tent, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, warm clothing, and personal items. Don’t forget insect repellent, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.
- Check the Weather: New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable. Check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and rainfall.
- Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles by cleaning up after yourself, disposing of waste properly, and respecting the natural environment. Campfires may be restricted, so check the local regulations.
