Canaan Downs Campsite (Harwoods Hole Tr carpark)
About
Canaan Downs Campsite sits within Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve on Takaka Hill, offering 10 non-powered tent sites near mountain biking and tramping tracks, including the Harwoods Hole Track. Bookings are required, with fees of $15 per adult and $7.50 per child per night. Dogs are not permitted and fires are banned. The site has public restrooms and running water, reached via a steep, winding gravel access road.
Reviews
I was there late Oct and the windows of my van froze overnight! My old diesel engine could only turn on during warmer hours so bear that in mind if you have a similar engine. I stayed 2 nights & was very very relieved when it eventually started the next day. When the sun came out it was lovely. Very peaceful and quiet and seeing the lambs playing around was heartwarming entertainment. Don鈥檛 leave anything out and make sure doors are always closed because those wekas have no shame 馃槀 Lovely spot though, Harwood Hole is well worth checking out. No cell reception with either Spark, One NZ or 2degrees at the campground. Got a tiny bit of reception on Rameka track.
Janine B. 路 October 2025 路 via Google
Small, very quiet campsite (2 vehicles that night). A slightly narrow but passable track leads there. From there, a walk towards the "crater". Okay for us.
Michel G. 路 March 2025 路 via Google
Very good campsite with nice walks. Dump toilets were smelly and there is a long (11km) gravel road to reach the site.
Gijs H. 路 March 2025 路 via Google
Such a beautiful DOC campsite! Perfect spot for walks! 馃挌 First time seeing wild weka was there! No signal phone and basic facilities but completely worthy 鈽猴笍
Alejandro C. 路 March 2024 路 via Google
Fantastic location near Harwood's Hole and the Abel Tasman park. Basic with chemical toilets and a water supply. Good hiking and mountain bike trails from here.
Steve W. 路 October 2023 路 via Google
Services
- Non-powered tent sites
- Online campsite bookings
- DOC Campsite Pass accepted
- Public restrooms
- Running water
- Mountain biking track access
- Tramping track access
- Harwoods Hole Track access