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Port William Campsite

Southland, South IslandDOC campsite

AI-generated cartoon of a green and coral tent with trees and distant hills; not a photograph of this campsite.

AI illustration. Generic AI-generated camping artwork, not a photograph of this campsite. It does not represent the site's actual landscape, pitches or facilities.

Artwork: Outdoor Next / AI-generated artwork / AI-generated illustration / Details

Campsite essentials

Your stay at a glance

Rakiura tent camping above Magnetic Beach, separate from Port William Hut.

Campground type
DOC campsite
Setting
Coast / Forest
Operator / brand
Department of Conservation
Stay options
Tent
Booking
Advance booking required

Facilities

  • Powered sitesNot available
  • ToiletsAvailable
All facilities & policies

Confirm with the operator: hot showers, showers, shared kitchen, laundry, campfire policy. Missing information does not mean a facility is unavailable.

Powered sites
Not available. DOC lists non-powered camping.
Hot showers
Not confirmed. Hot water for showers has not been confirmed. A general shower listing does not establish hot-water availability.
Showers
Not confirmed. Showers not verified.
Toilets
Available. DOC lists non-flush toilets.
Shared kitchen
Not confirmed. Cooking shelter listed, not an equipped kitchen.
Laundry
Not confirmed. Laundry not verified.
Pets
No pets. DOC prohibits dogs; ask about assistance-dog arrangements. Other pets have separate rules.
Campfires
Not confirmed. Campfire permission has not been confirmed. Do not light a fire without checking with the operator and checking current fire restrictions.

Before you go

Untreated water

Untreated tap water; DOC says to boil before use. Carry a reserve.

No pets

DOC prohibits dogs; ask about assistance-dog arrangements. Other pets have separate rules.

Fire safety

Campfire permission has not been confirmed. Do not light a fire without checking with the operator and checking current fire restrictions.

Check current fire restrictions (new tab)

Access & important conditions
  • No road-access or vehicle-stay claim. Use the Rakiura Track plan and confirm any separate transport.
  • Camping does not include hut facilities; book the campsite rather than a hut bed.
Fees & booking

Area & getting there

Port William 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
-46.83665, 168.08389 (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.
Location source checked
Explore Southland & Fiordland
Read the full guideArrival, planning and local advice

By Outdoor Next / Editorial standards / Last checked

  • Rakiura tent camping above Magnetic Beach, separate from Port William Hut.
  • No road-access or vehicle-stay claim. Use the Rakiura Track plan and confirm any separate transport.
  • Camping does not include hut facilities; book the campsite rather than a hut bed.
Camping styles
tent
Fees
Rakiura Great Walk rates vary by season and residency; obtain a date-specific DOC quote. Campsite Pass excluded.
Water
Untreated tap water; DOC says to boil before use. Carry a reserve.

Rakiura tent camping above Magnetic Beach, separate from Port William Hut.

Book the correct Port William stay

Port William has a campsite and a separate hut on the Rakiura Track. Check that your reservation is for the accommodation you intend to use before finalising the journey. A camping party needs a full tent setup, even when a hut appears nearby on the map. Organise travel to the island independently, and leave a margin between arrival and the start of walking so a delay does not become pressure to hurry.

Settle above Magnetic Beach

The campsite occupies a grassy area with Magnetic Beach in front and forest behind. Plan an evening that gives everyone time to dry, eat and organise equipment before considering further exploration. Keep the sleeping kit protected while unpacking wet walking gear. For a group arriving at different times, agree where to meet and which shared items each person carries, so no one is left waiting without food, warm layers or useful shelter.

Keep tomorrow's route independent

DOC provides a small cooking shelter, water tank and toilet for campers. Carry your own stove and utensils, and prepare drinking water deliberately rather than assuming the tank is ready to drink from. Review the next day's track plan before sleeping, including realistic breaks and the group's condition after the first stage. Pack rubbish so it can travel securely with you, then check the pitch carefully before leaving for another campsite or returning to the road end.

Check the official campsite information for current restrictions, facilities and booking arrangements.

Sources & official links

Keep planning