Little River Campground
Okuti Valley
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Accommodations
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Standard
Little River Campground
The Love Shack
The cabins are ‘classic retro baches’, or Kiwi holiday cabins. Nothing flash, basic but comfortable. Don’t expect 4 star accommodation. Posh, we ain’t.. They have no bathrooms.
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Standard
Little River Campground
Power Sites
We have 8 powered sites and 40+ tent sites in 4 areas. Secluded or open, shady or sunny, we have an area suitable for most campers.
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Standard
Little River Campground
Tent Sites
We have 8 powered sites and 40+ tent sites in 4 areas. Secluded or open, shady or sunny, we have an area suitable for most campers.
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Standard
Little River Campground
Kowhai Cabin
The cabins are ‘classic retro baches’, or Kiwi holiday cabins. Nothing flash, basic but comfortable. Don’t expect 4 star accommodation. Posh, we ain’t. They have no bathrooms.
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Standard
Little River Campground
Good as Gold
The cabins are ‘classic retro baches’, or Kiwi holiday cabins. Nothing flash, basic but comfortable. Don’t expect 4 star accommodation. Posh, we ain’t. They have no bathrooms.
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Information
Little River Campground
Sheltered and sunny sites. A perfect place to start or finish your Banks Peninsula adventure. Woodland and bird sanctuary. Free WIFI and travel advice. Hot showers $2 for 4 minutes. Please support local business and you'll experience a unique camp.
Only 45 minutes from Christchurch and 45 minutes from Akaroa. Nestled in the secluded picturesque Okuti Valley with private native bush reserve to explore. Riverside park like setting with good hot showers, sheltered kitchen area - sinks, fridge, microwave, gas hobs, jug and toaster. Be adventurous, get off the beaten tourist track and discover our little piece of paradise.
We aim to be an eco campground- the toilets are dry eco, Clivus Multrum, so don't expect air hand driers. We ate a zero waste area but provide composting facilities. If you enjoy native bush, birds, views and want to see some nature we are a perfect place to stay. Cabins are retro kiwi bach style and rustic.
If you come here for the great outdoors over quality facilities we hope you'll rank us favourably. Please write a review if you have something unique to add. Thanks, Marcus and Megan.
Details
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Organisation |
Manaia Nature Habitat Holiday ParkCommercial organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Banks Peninsula |
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Operating Season And Hours |
Open until 28 April. 9am-9pm. |
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Reviews
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5.0/5
Absolutely gorgeous!
A real kiwi campground. Surrounded by nature, the eels are awesome. Very clean and tidy. Love it here!
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4.5/5
The first stay of our camper trip.
A lovely quirky little place with a bit of a hippy vibe. Lots of bush/trees made for particularly pretty and private camping pitches. Clean long drops. Friendly owner gave us first time camper tips which were invaluable - thanks 😊
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5.0/5
Very rustic but lovely campsite.
Compost toilets which were actually fine, hot showers. The outdoor kitchen was really cute and had everything you needed - sinks, cooking facilities etc.
We stayed right by the river which was so peaceful. So many amazing walks around the campsite, amazing huge swing and mudslides (which were unfortunately closed when we were there). There was also an abandoned film set in the middle of the forest - definitely kept us entertained!
Really amazing stay for our last night in our campervan!
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5.0/5
Wonderful place, quiet, clean owned by Marcus, friendly and helpful !
We paid 20 per adult but it’s worth it. Very good experience !
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5.0/5
Awesome campground by a lovely creek; despite the summer crowds we had a nice and quiet camping spot and enjoyed a lovely short hike around the place.
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5.0/5
Quiet, stunning and all you need!
Very cute atmosphere, very clean facilities, lovely owner, good wifi. I loved it!
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5.0/5
Such an incredible wee oasis!!
Quirky cabins and great camping sites along the river. Adding to this, exciting and well thought mud slide, giant swing and a peaceful board walk for all abilities. The hosts are soooo welcoming and helpful 😊
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2.0/5
This camping is a rip-off, we paid $25 each per night, and we heard others that paid $100 each for 2 nights.
There is free WiFi, but it's only 50MB and quite slow, so you can't videocall or watch a video online. The kitchen area is alright, a bit messy, but probably the best part of the camping. The showers are supposed to be hot for 4 minutes for $2, they are only 30 seconds warm and the rest is ice cold.
The owner is a nice guy but it feels like he just makes the prices up in his head whatever he feels like.
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2.0/5
This camping is a rip-off, we paid $25 each per night, and we heard others that paid $100 each for 2 nights.
There is free WiFi, but it's only 50MB and quite slow, so you can't videocall or watch a video online. The kitchen area is alright, a bit messy, but probably the best part of the camping. The showers are supposed to be hot for 4 minutes for $2, they are only 30 seconds warm and the rest is ice cold.
The owner is a nice guy but it feels like he just makes the prices up in his head whatever he feels like.
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5.0/5
Absolutely gorgeous!
A real kiwi campground. Surrounded by nature, the eels are awesome. Very clean and tidy. Love it here!
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4.5/5
The first stay of our camper trip.
A lovely quirky little place with a bit of a hippy vibe. Lots of bush/trees made for particularly pretty and private camping pitches. Clean long drops. Friendly owner gave us first time camper tips which were invaluable - thanks 😊
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5.0/5
Very rustic but lovely campsite.
Compost toilets which were actually fine, hot showers. The outdoor kitchen was really cute and had everything you needed - sinks, cooking facilities etc.
We stayed right by the river which was so peaceful. So many amazing walks around the campsite, amazing huge swing and mudslides (which were unfortunately closed when we were there). There was also an abandoned film set in the middle of the forest - definitely kept us entertained!
Really amazing stay for our last night in our campervan!
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5.0/5
Wonderful place, quiet, clean owned by Marcus, friendly and helpful !
We paid 20 per adult but it’s worth it. Very good experience !
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5.0/5
Such an incredible wee oasis!!
Quirky cabins and great camping sites along the river. Adding to this, exciting and well thought mud slide, giant swing and a peaceful board walk for all abilities. The hosts are soooo welcoming and helpful 😊
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5.0/5
Awesome campground by a lovely creek; despite the summer crowds we had a nice and quiet camping spot and enjoyed a lovely short hike around the place.
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5.0/5
Quiet, stunning and all you need!
Very cute atmosphere, very clean facilities, lovely owner, good wifi. I loved it!
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5.0/5
We had an awesome couple of nights camping here.
Our two 8 year old kids had an absolute blast on the water slide, swings, feeding eels and toasting marshmallows. The facilities are very good and clean and Marcus who runs the camp does a fantastic job. No doubt we will be back again over the summer.
Thanks for taking the time to review us and your feedback is appreciated. Hope to see you again.
Marcus Puentener
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5.0/5
What a fantastic site and a welcoming host.
The kids loved it as much as we did, so many adventures to be had, good old fashion camping at its best.
Thanks for the review. We say, if the kids are enjoying it, the parents can relax and enjoy it too. We celebrate the old fashion back to basics camp ethos.
Marcus Puentener
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5.0/5
Just spent a week at the camping ground and absolutely loved it.
I was wondering how it would be camping with our two year old as he has no fear and will run off, but at Little River Campground I didn’t have to worry about him at all as we had a great site where the communal play area was in full sight and Caspar was entertained all day. Marcus helped us choose a nice shady/sunny spot by the river. We had heaps of fun on the giant swing, slippery slide and with the campfire. Great visit to tumbledown bay where we swam with seals and dolphins. Even enjoyed one rainy day chatting and hanging out in the communal kitchen lounge area. Appreciated the fact that no cars are allowed next to the tents ( you can park them a few metres away) and that we were asked politely to keep the noise down in the evening when people needed to sleep :) I highly recommend the stay!
Thanks Julieanne,
Your description of your stay makes us happy. We try our best to find the most suitable site depending on guests need. We even have an area, The Meadow for those with no kids.
Marcus Puentener
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5.0/5
We love this place.
So close to Christchurch and kids (5,6,8) love exploring the area and feeding the eels. Great memories are created here. Highly recommend.
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5.0/5
Our first time to Little River campground and we loved it!
Great facilities, lovely hosts and beautiful surroundings.
Definitely a special spots, awesome river for kids to explore, heaps to do.
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3.5/5
The hosts of this site are very friendly and hard working but clearly overtaxed.
The site is getting tired and needs some maintenance. We stayed in a tent in the “glade” where one picnic table was broken and unusable. There were several recliner chairs left out in the elements and deteriorating. The park was busy and the small kitchen was overtaxed. Signs indicated water needed to be treated and water in the sinks at the bathrooms was brown. It’s a good location, decent place, and great people. It just needs some more attention.
Hello Erick, Than ks for your honest review, which we take responsibility for. We are a small, one person business and I can only attend to so much. The camp always needs work done on it and we try our hardest. We clearly state that we are back to basics, rustic and it is more about the native bush, river and quiet location that attracts people, not the old furniture. The chairs and picnic table are gone. The brown water is unusual but can occur after heavy rain. You have motivated me to sort things out, thanks.
I hope you have a good holiday. Marcus
Marcus Puentener
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5.0/5
Really nice place and really friendly owner.
It has a gorgeous landscape. 15$/person. Just keeping in mind that you need 2$ extra for the shower (it’s really worth it). No reception, but powerful wifi! Compost toilets!😍 Everything clean! Totally recommend it! Just careful with sandflies (as always XD)
Thanks Carla, I am happy you had a good time here and have given use 10/10. Yiu explain our facilities well. (the sand flies are not every day thankfully). Enjoy your holidays, Marcus
Marcus Puentener
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3.5/5
I feel bad about the 7/10.
The owner is making a real effort to make this place a great site, and it is certainly different from any of the big chain campgrounds. The campervan pitches are a little cheek-by-jowl, and it was a bit of a squeeze to make sure we didn't hit guy ropes and trees to get into ours. Having said that, the site is perfect for families with young kids who don't want a bog-standard holiday park. There's a lot to keep youngsters entertained, and I can see why it's so popular, just not for us older fuddy-duddies.
Hi Richard and Chris,
Thanks for the review. The camp can get busy over the few days of New Year and at school holiday weekends. We do state the sites can be snug at this time but most of the time we have sites available. We pride ourselves on not being part of a chain, unique and boutique is more us! Marcus
Marcus Puentener
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5.0/5
An absolutely stunning place to stay.
Marcus is a hardworking and lovely host, who insures your stay is not only comfortable but also enjoyable. The facilities, though rustic are well maintained. The river/picnic area is breathtaking as are the walks. A true kiwi gem.
Thanks Darla,
We appreciate the time for writing the review and you've summed us up well. What we lack in facilities we try and make up in good friendly hospitality. Marcus
Marcus Puentener
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4.5/5
Fabulous campground: the place, atmosphere, birdsong, the stream, the eels, cabins, bungalows, outdoor kitchen...
everything is unique at Markus's ground!
Thanks Raphy, I'm please you enjoyed what the camp has to offer. It is well worth exploring the 5 hectares of native bush and appreciating nature- the bellbirds, wood pigeons, eels and ancient trees. Marcus
Marcus Puentener
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5.0/5
After a day in Akaroa, we stopped here and were delighted.
It’s quite unlike the chain holiday parks, with a laid back, relaxed vibe. We loved it! There are compost toilets and a kitchen/lounge that is in a partly open structure, but all worked great. $15 per person, but you have to pay extra for showers. There is also a lovely nature trail, a giant swing and an abandoned film set in the forest - so fun to explore. If you’re ok with things being a little different from a chain holiday park, you’ll love it!
Thanks for the review Tim, It is appreciated and as we say, we cater for guests that have an open mind and like a bit more creativity and not being sterile like a chain holiday park. It is what makes us different and worth a visit.
Marcus
Marcus Puentener
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5.0/5
This is a great little campground.
Stream at the bottom of the hill, walk trails through the bush to the top of the hill, birds in the trees (and not just sparrows) and good clean facilities. If you enjoy nature but don't want to be too far from the nearest coffee shop (just 5km to Little River Café) this is a good option for you. Thoroughly enjoyed our two nights there over Easter, as did all the happy families there at the time.
Hello Joan and Tony,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a 10/10 review. We try our hardest to keep the campground clean and to make it a fun place to stay for kids and adults. We have a very natural area that thrives with bird life and plants, so it is a good place to discover nature. All the best and maybe we will see you again. Kind regards Marcus
Marcus Puentener
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5.0/5
Very nice and helpful owner.
He helped planning our trip and gave us some insider tips. Facilities are very clean. Kitchen had everything we needed and there was a lot of food for free use. Nice walking tracks around the side and if you still get bored there’s also wifi available.
Hi Sophie,
Thanks for the great review and I am always happy to help guests with holiday plans so you discover the 'real NZ'. Some of our favourite places are off the beaten track with few people and stunning scenery.....the southern bays as an example of hidden beaches close to the campground. All the best with your NZ adventures, Marcus.
Marcus Puentener
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5.0/5
My favorite campground of our 3 weeks trip with our campervan.
Stayed there for two nights. Marcus is super friendly and helpful. Love the bushwalk, the sounds of nature and all the creative and fun stuff around, like the swings in the wood or the random car or bus seats around with lovely views. A lot of details made with love, that makes such a nice atmosphere. The dry toilets work perfectly. Such a good idea!
Hello Melanie, Thanks so much for your great description of our campground and native habitat. We are always happy when guests enjoy their stay. Our place is not for everyone, but if you are interested in somewhere more than a place to park a van, and love nature, we would welcome your visit. We try and be as environmentally conscious as possible, with the dry toilets saving 1000s of litres of water a year as an example. Thanks again, Marcus
Marcus Puentener
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5.0/5
Markus was enthusiastic about telling and helping us through our journey on the South Island.
Everything was great, showers were hot and water pressure was awesome.
Bathrooms were clean and Kitchen was a great mixing of nations exchanging holiday experiences.
Oh yea, one more thing, the rope swing is a must, even at 57!!!
Thanks,
mb
Hi Mark, Thanks for your review, it is appreciated. Great also that you tried the giant swing. Never too old to have fun eh? Nice to know guests are enjoying the hot showers, along with everything else. We try and improve the facilities as we have time. Take care and happy holidays, Marcus
Marcus Puentener
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5.0/5
Little River Campground was the first and the best Campground on our Roadtrip.
The Place itself and the Host is lovely, the kitchen / facilities are clean (hot showers) and you can get free Wi-fi. Everything for only 15$ per person if you’re staying in a tent.
Hi Marie, Thanks for taking the time to review us positively. The best campground! We love hearing that thank you. The fee is $15/adult, whether you are in a tent or campervan. Enjoy your travels. Marcus and Megan
Marcus Puentener
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5.0/5
Awesome camping ground that takes you back to nature.
Beautiful river, tracks and lovely small camp ground with great facilities. Marcus the host was also very accommodating and around if required. Will definitely be back.
Hi Gina,
Thanks for the 10 out 10. I try my best to be helpful when I am around, which is most of the time. See you sometime. Marcus
Marcus Puentener
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5.0/5
This place was exactly what we were looking for.
Pulled in after a long day on the road and was able to set up without any problems. Perfectly centered between Akaroa and Christchurch with plenty of options to explore. The hot showers and WiFi were an added bonus. Would definitely stay again.
Hi Eh,
Cheers for the review and description of our campground. We are not everyones 'cap of tea' but if you are into nature and exploring we have 5 hectares with old native trees and birds....and the giant swing, and feeding the eel, and seeing the old film set 'chinatown'. Thanks, Marcus
Marcus Puentener
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4.5/5
Wonderful place, surrounded by pure nature, great spot with clean toilets and hot showers (+ laundry) and a kitchen area.
Very friendly people too ! Many activities around, I highly recomand this camp ! (Wifi wasn’t working but the camping just openned so it’s not an issue)
Thanks Joe, I'm pleased you enjoyed your stay and thought the facilities were clean. We are always trying to improve things like the wifi, showers, tracks, facilities but as we're a small camp and I am the only one working here so things can take longer than anticipated. I hope you had a great holiday in NZ. Marcus
Marcus Puentener
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5.0/5
We spent 10 nights in our Caravan Camping and found the camp quite and a very well run camp.
You could not fault the the toilets, showers and they were always spotlessly clean. The cost is reasonable compared to other place we have stayed specially for the ordinary Kiwi Camper. We will be going back for another holiday and have already told our friends to visit for a stay. Thanks Marcus for a great holiday.
Thanks for the nice review Denice and Ken,
It was a pleasure hosting you and pleased you enjoyed it, even if it is not the west coast. See you some other time, Marcus and Megan.
Marcus Puentener
