Camping

Camping Areas | Dump Stations | Transfer Stations

South Wairarapa District Council welcomes campers and encourages you to explore everything our region has to offer, from the wild coast to native bush, lively towns and tranquil vineyards.

Campers are asked to stay in holiday parks, designated Council camping sites or DOC camping areas. 

Visit the Information Centre on Main Street located in the Greytown Town Centre, or the i-site at the Waihinga Centre, Texas Street, Martinborough for more tourist information. 

Where are the Holiday Parks?

There are six main holiday parks in the South Wairarapa:

• Featherston Motels and Camping – 06 308 9852 – 4 Fitzherbert Street, Featherston
• Greytown Campground – 06 304 9387 – Kuratawhiti Street in Soldiers Memorial Park, Greytown
• Martinborough Top 10 Holiday Park – 0800 78 0909 – 10 Dublin Street, Martinborough
• Lake Ferry Holiday Park – 06 307 7873 – Lake Ferry Road, Lake Ferry
• Gateway Motel Holiday Park – 06 307 7780 – Lake Ferry Road, Lake Ferry
• Waimeha Camping Village – 06 307 8992 – 2805 Cape Palliser Road, Ngawi

Where are the Council Camping Areas?

Coastal camping in South Wairarapa is governed by the Camping in Coastal Areas 2009 (Amended 2013) Bylaw and by the Coastal Reserves Management Plan (Part 1 – Part 2).  Campers are invited to stay for up to 28 days at the following locations (but please note that dogs are not permitted at Ngawi, Tora and Te Awaiti):

• Ngawi Camping Area – On the coastal side of Cape Palliser Road, opposite Ngawi settlement.
• North Tora Camping Area – On the coastal side of Tora Farm Settlement Road, at the Awhea River mouth.
• South Tora Camping Area – On the coastal side of Tora Farm Settlement Road, south of Awheaiti Stream (Note: campervans and caravans not permitted on this fragile site).
• Te Awaiti Camping Area – Between Te Awaiti Road and Oterei River.
• Lake Domain Reserve – On the northern shores of Lake Wairarapa just outside Featherston. Drive down Murphy’s Line and follow the Wairarapa Moana signs.
  The camping area is on the right when you get to the lake. 

Where can I park overnight ?

Lyon St, Featherston behing the Fell Museum and Featherston Museum.  Maximum stay of two nights, for self contained vehicles only.

Camping Area Development Plan

In 2013 the Council and the community considered upgrade options for the coastal camping areas.   The following concept plans were approved in July 2013, and work will be undertaken as reserve funds allow:

• North Tora Campground
• Te Awaiti Campground
• South Tora Campground
• Ngawi Campground 

Where are the DOC Camping Areas?

In addition to holiday parks and Council camping areas, there are DOC managed camping sites in the South Wairarapa as well.

Safety risks at Te Awaiti and North Tora

Risks of flash flooding have prompted the Council to consider banning overnight camping at these two campsites. This document explains why the campsites are risky.

Are there Dump Stations?

Dump stations are available throughout the district for servicing motor homes and self contained campervans. Disposal of human waste should only be undertaken at dump stations. Disposal in any other location is an offence and could result in infringements or prosecution.  Dump stations can be found at the following locations:

• Arbor Reserve, Greytown
• Greytown Campground, Greytown
• Card Reserve, Featherston (corner of Johnston and Harrison Streets)
• Opposite Martinborough Holiday Park, Martinborough on Dublin Street
• Opposite Ngawi Camping area

Refuse and Transfer Stations

Help us keep our district beautiful by using rubbish bins when possible, or by taking your rubbish with you.  Check the opening times and days for our district’s refuse and transfer stations.