Last updated October 2026
St Andrews Recreation Reserve is a council camping ground on a large grass area in St Andrews Domain, just off State Highway 1 at the southern edge of the St Andrews township. Waimate District Council runs it, and it sits about 16 km southwest of Timaru in a straight line, just across the district boundary.
Unlike the free camping areas around Timaru, this is a paid campground with a caretaker, 24 powered sites and plenty of non-powered space. Facilities include an ablution block, a kitchen and lounge, and a dump station. You book and pay through the caretaker, by phone or email.
St Andrews Recreation Reserve at a Glance
- Location
- St Andrews Domain, Waimate Highway (State Highway 1), just south of St Andrews
- Distance from the city
- About 16 km from Timaru (straight line)
- Sites
- 24 powered sites and many non-powered sites
- Facilities
- Ablution block, kitchen and lounge, dump station
- Powered site
- $25 per person per night (up to 6 nights); child under 12 $6
- Non-powered site
- $20 per person per night; child under 12 $6
- Family pass
- $50 powered, $40 non-powered (2 adults and 2 dependent children over 5)
- Booking
- Phone 027 4392 759 or email ca*****@************vt.nz
- On site
- Camping ground caretaker
- Managed by
- Waimate District Council
What You'll Find Here
St Andrews sits on State Highway 1 south of Timaru, and its domain holds one of the five camping grounds Waimate District Council lists. The council describes the campground as a large grass site off the main road, just south of the township.
There are 24 powered sites and a large number of non-powered sites on the grass. The council lists basic amenities: an ablution block, a kitchen and lounge area, and a dump station for emptying your tanks.
A camping ground caretaker is on site, and you can book and pay directly with the caretaker or by internet banking. The council’s fees schedule also lists showers for people who aren’t staying, at $6 each, and a $6 charge to use the dump station.
Fees for 2026 to 2027
Waimate District Council sets its camping fees each financial year. The current schedule runs from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, and all fees include GST. Card payments carry a 2% surcharge, with a minimum of $1.
Powered sites
Adults pay $25 per person per night, for stays of up to six nights, and children under 12 pay $6. A family pass for two adults and two dependent children over five costs $50 a night.
Non-powered sites
Adults pay $20 per person per night and children under 12 pay $6. The family pass is $40 a night.
Longer stays
The schedule includes weekly rates for approved long-term campers, with conditions: $200 a week for a single adult or $250 for two adults on a powered site, and $120 or $175 on a non-powered site. Ask the caretaker or the council about the conditions before you plan a long stay.
Camping Elsewhere in Waimate District
Waimate District Council allows freedom camping in the district, but only in certified self-contained vehicles. Since 7 June 2026 that means a green warrant and a fixed toilet.
The council asks freedom campers to empty toilet and wastewater at its approved dump station at 26 Studholme Street in Waimate. Its other camping grounds are Waimate Lakes Camping, Knottingley Park and Arboretum, Victoria Park Camping Ground and Morven Reserve.
Official Sources for St Andrews Recreation Reserve
Waimate District Council: St Andrews Recreational Reserve: the campground, its facilities and booking contacts.
Waimate District Council: Fees and charges: the current camping fees schedule for all council camping grounds.
Questions and Answers
Where is the St Andrews camping ground?
In St Andrews Domain, off State Highway 1 just south of the St Andrews township, about 16 km southwest of Timaru in a straight line.
Does it have powered sites?
Yes, 24 powered sites, plus many non-powered sites on a large grass area.
How much does it cost?
For 2026 to 2027, a powered site is $25 per adult per night and a non-powered site is $20, with children under 12 at $6. Family passes are $50 powered and $40 non-powered.
How do I book?
Phone the caretaker on 027 4392 759 or email ca*****@************vt.nz. You can pay the caretaker directly or by internet banking.
Is there a dump station?
Yes. The council lists a dump station at the campground, with a $6 charge in its fees schedule.
Are there showers and a kitchen?
The council lists an ablution block and a kitchen and lounge area. Non-campers can pay $6 for a shower.
Is this free freedom camping?
No. St Andrews is a paid council campground with a caretaker. Freedom camping elsewhere in Waimate District is for certified self-contained vehicles only.
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