Campers organising trips to campsites between Wānaka and Makarora this summer may need to adjust their plans due to issues with two campground septic systems.

Both Boundary Creek and Kidds Bush campsite toilets have been found to be non-compliant with their resource consents.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is undertaking upgrades to rectify the situation which means, from December 3, Boundary Creek campsite will be closed for the summer season.

Boundary Creek campsite is located beside SH6 at the head of Lake Wānaka. 

The Kidds Bush campsite, which is located on the shores of Lake Hāwea, will remain open, but the existing toilet block will be closed and portaloos installed for use instead.

DOC’s Central Otago operations manager Nikki Holmes said while the closures weren’t ideal, it was important to be able to provide toilets that comply with consented standards.

“Wherever possible, we encourage people to poo in a loo – if our loos aren’t up to scratch we want to fix that.”

DOC plans to replace the toilets at both sites with new containment vault systems.

This is the same as the toilets recently installed at the Cameron Flat campsite and at the Blue Pools carpark, Nikki said.

The Kidds Bush upgrades will be completed by mid-next year, she said, and work is ongoing to determine a timeframe for Boundary Creek.

Boundary Creek campsite is located at the head of Lake Wānaka.

While Boundary Creek campsite is closed for overnight stays, there is still walking access to the lake for short-term day visitors. 

Meanwhile, the temporary portaloos at Kidds Bush will be serviced regularly, Nikki said.

She said there were still plenty of other great camping options nearby.

“Lower visitor numbers mean that there will be capacity at other DOC campsites on the Haast Highway and at commercial campsites at Lake Hāwea and Wānaka.”

PHOTO: DOC