Albert Town
Classic Kiwi camping beside the river, 10 minutes from Wānaka.
Albert Town Campground sits beside the Clutha and Hāwea Rivers, just 10 minutes from Wānaka. It's camping at its simplest: no bookings, no set sites and no fuss, just you, the river and a spot of your choosing.
Popular with summer holidaymakers, it's a relaxed base for days out in Wānaka, with a supermarket, eateries and a pub nearby, and Roys Peak, Mt Aspiring National Park and the Queenstown–Arrowtown area all within day-trip distance.
Here's how it works: there's no onsite reception and no bookings, and sites are first come, first served. Arrive, pay at the EFTPOS machine at either entrance, then choose your own spot on the Clutha or Hāwea side. It's self-sufficient camping, so bring what you need, including your own drinking water and cooking gear, as there's no power, showers or laundry.
Albert Town
Come prepared, camp self-sufficient
Albert Town Campground is back-to-basics camping, so bring your own drinking water, cooking gear and a torch, as there's no power, showers or laundry. Pack what you need, then cast a fly at the campground or head into Wānaka for kayaking, paddleboarding or a jet boat ride on the Clutha River.
Campground amenities
Local experiences to enrich your journey
Local experiences
Deans Bank Track
Albert Town
Pedal the Deans Bank mountain bike track, then head to Sticky Forest for more challenging trails if you're feeling adventurous.
Local experiences
Roys Peak Track
Mt Aspiring Road
One of Wānaka's best-known climbs zigzags up to sweeping views over Lake Wānaka and Mt Aspiring. Allow around five hours, and pack plenty of water and layers. The Roys Peak Track is open year-round except for an annual closure during lambing season from October 1 to November 10.
Local experiences
Wānaka township
Wānaka
Stock up at the supermarket, grab a bite or a drink, then take your pick of sightseeing and adventure activities.
Location
Beside the Clutha and Hāwea Rivers
Albert Town Campground sits beside the Clutha and Hāwea Rivers on Lake Hawea Road, 10 minutes from Wānaka. It's a 15-minute drive to the Roys Peak track, 30 minutes to the Treble Cone ski field and 35 to Cardrona Alpine Resort, while Mt Aspiring National Park is about 50 minutes away.
Everything you need to know
The answers to the questions we hear most, all in one place. Can't find what you're looking for?
How does camping at Albert Town work?
Albert Town Campground is a self-service campground with no onsite reception and no bookings, so sites are first come, first served. Pay at the EFTPOS machine at the entrance, then choose your own spot on the Clutha or Hāwea side. Please bring what you need, including drinking water and cooking equipment.
Can I book a site?
No. Albert Town doesn't take bookings. Sites are on a first come, first served basis, so just arrive, pay and choose your own spot.
How do I pay?
Pay on arrival at the EFTPOS machines at each entrance. There's no onsite reception.
What's the difference between the Clutha and Hāwea sides?
The Clutha side has flushable toilets, running water (not for drinking) and a rubbish skip. The Hāwea side has long-drop toilets and no running water.
What should I bring?
Drinking water, cooking equipment, a torch and rubbish bags. There's no power or lighting, no recycling, and no showers or laundry onsite.
What toilets are there?
The Clutha side has flushable toilets, and the Hāwea side has long-drop toilets.
Is there drinking water?
No. Please bring your own drinking water. The Clutha side has running water, but it isn't for drinking, and the Hāwea side has no running water.
Are there showers or laundry?
No, there are no showers or laundry facilities at Albert Town Campground.
Can I cook at the campground?
There are no cooking facilities, so please bring your own equipment and follow local fire restrictions.
Is there power?
No. There's no power or lighting, so bring a torch and anything else you need.
Are there rubbish and recycling bins?
A general waste bin is provided, but there's no recycling. The Clutha side has a rubbish skip.
What is your pet policy?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome. They must be on a lead at all times and not left unattended.
Can I stay over Christmas and New Year?
Yes, though a few extra rules apply during this busy period.
Clutha River side: No bookings are taken here. Minimum age 21 years unless staying with parent or legal guardian on their site. One parent/legal guardian per every four youths. No glass bottles or spirits allowed on site. No motorised off-road bikes in the camping area. Wristbands to be worn at all times.
Hawea River side: No bookings are taken here. This side is for FAMILY GROUPS only. No motorised off-road bikes in the camping area. Wristbands to be worn at all times. No visitors’ cars on site but to be parked in the designated areas.
This applies for stays between December 20 and January 3.
Ready for self-sufficient riverside camping?
There's nothing to book at Albert Town. Arrive, pay at the EFTPOS machine and choose your spot, then bring what you need and make the most of the river and everything Wānaka has to offer. Got a question before you come? Our Wānaka team is just a call or click away.