Area & getting there
Lyell Campsite
DOC campsite reference point, not a verified entrance or individual pitch.
Official location information: Department of Conservation (new tab)Location source & precision
- Reference coordinates
- -41.79697, 172.04900 (latitude, longitude)
- Precision
- WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
- Source
- DOC Maps campsite reference point (WGS84), exact official-page asset ID (new tab)
Department of Conservation - Location source checked
Read the full guideArrival, planning and local advice
- Former gold-town camping in the Upper Buller Gorge with wet-ground cautions.
- DOC labels bookings required but retains cash-arrival wording. Book ahead and confirm any unreserved option directly.
- Grass can become soft and slippery after rain, especially for towing, heavy or 2WD vehicles.
- Camping styles
- tent, campervan, caravan
- Fees
- NZ$18 per adult (18+) per night, non-powered. Recheck the total for your dates.
- Water
- Untreated tap water; DOC says to boil before use. Carry a reserve.
Former gold-town camping in the Upper Buller Gorge with wet-ground cautions.
Inspect the ground before parking
Lyell is beside SH6 in the Upper Buller Gorge. Although the road approach is straightforward in the DOC directions, decide where to stop only after looking at the camping surface. A heavy vehicle can need more care on a wet pitch than on the highway that brought it there. Keep a clear exit and avoid manoeuvres that rely on driving farther onto ground you have not assessed.
Give the old town some time
The campsite occupies the historic gold-rush settlement. Choose an outing around the interpretation and local route information rather than assuming every mining-history walk will take the same amount of time. Keep a torch, weather layer and snacks handy when you arrive, even for a modest exploration. If the visit is part of a longer cycling or walking trip, separate that activity's logistics from the simpler task of spending a night here.
Confirm the booking arrangement
DOC's online profile contains mixed messages about booking and cash arrivals. Secure a reservation where possible and ask before relying on an unreserved space. Carry the answer with your itinerary, especially if different people are organising transport and accommodation. Prepare meals using your own equipment and keep enough drinking water for an uncomplicated arrival. A prepared overnight leaves more attention for assessing the ground and choosing the next day's activity without rushing either decision.
Check the official campsite information for current restrictions, facilities and booking arrangements.
