DOC quietly closed this popular campsite last year — and no official reason was given

It was once one of the South Island’s favourite weekend getaways — a lakeside campsite where families pitched tents under tall trees, anglers cast lines at dawn, and children swam until the sun dipped behind the hills. But sometime last year, the gates were locked, the booking page vanished, and a small sign appeared at the entrance: “Closed until further notice.”

There was no announcement from the Department of Conservation (DOC), no explanation posted online, and no media release to mark the closure. Just like that, the site went from bustling to silent.

A sudden end to summer traditions

For years, the campsite had been booked out months in advance during the peak season. Its appeal was simple: crystal‑clear water a short walk from the tent sites, sheltered spots for picnics, and a network of nearby bush tracks that could be explored in a single afternoon.

“We’ve been camping there every summer for over a decade,” says Mike, a Christchurch father of three. “One weekend we drove out as usual, and the place was shut. No one could tell us why.”

The sudden closure caught regulars off guard. Many turned to social media and community noticeboards for answers, but even local DOC rangers offered little beyond “operational reasons.”

Speculation fills the silence

Without an official explanation, theories have filled the gap:

• Environmental damage: Heavy visitor numbers may have been putting strain on local flora and fauna.
• Health and safety concerns: Ageing facilities, unsafe trees, or contaminated water could have prompted caution.
• Cultural considerations: The site could be under review due to its significance to local iwi.
• Budget constraints: Funding cuts or maintenance backlogs might have made it unviable to keep open.

So far, DOC has not confirmed — or denied — any of these possibilities.

“I think that’s what frustrates people most,” says Sarah, who runs a nearby holiday park. “We just want to know if it’s permanent or if we should tell guests to hang on and wait.”

The impact on the community

The closure hasn’t just disappointed campers. Small businesses in the surrounding area have felt the change. The local general store reports fewer summer visitors stopping for ice creams and supplies. Nearby walking tracks, once accessed via the campsite, have seen reduced foot traffic.

For the town, the site was more than a holiday spot — it was part of the local rhythm. Annual fishing competitions were held there, school groups came for outdoor education, and families returned year after year.

Then vs. now

A broader pattern?

This isn’t the only DOC site to have been quietly removed from booking lists in recent years. Several smaller campsites and huts across New Zealand have been closed for “operational” or “safety” reasons without public consultation. In some cases, they’ve reopened after repairs or environmental assessments. In others, closures have become permanent.

The lack of transparency has sparked debate among outdoor enthusiasts and advocacy groups, who argue that early communication could help communities prepare — or even assist in fundraising to save threatened facilities.

Waiting for answers

For now, the future of the campsite remains uncertain. The sign at the gate hasn’t changed, the grass is growing long, and the picnic tables sit empty. Locals say DOC staff occasionally visit to check the grounds, but there’s no sign of major work being done.

“If they told us it was gone for good, we could make peace with it,” says Mike. “But the silence just leaves you wondering.”

Until an official statement is made, the site will remain one of the South Island’s quietest mysteries — a place once full of laughter and summer noise, now reduced to the sound of wind through the trees.