Campground Improvements for the 2022/23 Season

Published on 06 September 2022

Waitaki District Council has been working hard during the off-season to bring some major new improvements to the Waitaki Lakes Camping Grounds.

With the Waitaki Lakes Camping Grounds a popular hotspot for weekend camping, day trips and fishing, Council recognised the need for improvements to ensure holiday makers can enjoy their vacation time and preserve the area for future generations.

On behalf of Waitaki District Council, Whitestone Contracting Ltd have completed the installation of 5kms of pipeline to supply three of Council’s campgrounds with potable drinking water. This includes Parsons Rock, Lock Laird, and Wildlife Reserve campgrounds. Installed over winter, the aim was to minimise the disruption to campers and to be completed for the 2022/23 camping season.

This project was part of the central governments three waters stimulus funded projects. The Boat Harbour already had drinking water which brings the total to four out of the six campgrounds now supplied with drinking water.

Recreation Manager, Lindsay Hyde said. “The Parks Team is thrilled to have drinking water available for the campers at four campgrounds this season. The campgrounds are a much-enjoyed destination for many from Waitaki and we are happy we can expand on the services provided to holiday makers.”

Further works have also been in progress at Falstone Creek with earth being prepared for the sowing of new grass. The sowing is expected to begin in late September when the soil is over 8 degrees – campers can get their usual spaces back about 6-8 weeks later when the grass is at a stage where it can cope with traffic.

Many Waitakian’s love spending their summers camping at the lakes with the atmosphere enjoyed across many generations. If you would like to “put some roots down” on the campgrounds, Council will be hosting a planting day at Falstone Creek, to develop the new landscaping. This is expected to happen by Labour weekend (end of October) – more details to come!

ENDS