Last updated June 2026
Te Moana Gorge Camping Area offers three free campsites along the Hae Hae Te Moana River, about 15km west of Geraldine in the Timaru District. The sites sit within remnant podocarp forest featuring rimu, kahikatea, mataī, miro and tōtara, with limestone bluffs and clear river waters. Visitors can spot native birds including bellbirds, grey warblers, fantails, kererū and occasionally whio, while long-tailed bats emerge at dusk. Further up the gorge lie waterfalls and informal walking tracks. The area is managed by Timaru District Council with a total fire ban in place.
Practical Information
| Cost | Free |
| Campsites | 3 sites within 2km of each other |
| Maximum stay | 3 nights (arrive after 4pm, leave before 10am) |
| Open fires | Prohibited — total fire ban, gas cookers only |
| Facilities | Non-flushing toilets, picnic tables, walking tracks |
| Access | Te Moana Road, Kakahu, Geraldine |
| Managed by | Timaru District Council |
| Suitable for | Campervans and tents |
About Te Moana Gorge
The three campsites lie beside the clear, fast-flowing Hae Hae Te Moana River as it passes through native bush and limestone bluffs. The bush represents a remnant of the once-vast podocarp forest that covered the Canterbury foothills, providing a denser canopy than the surrounding farmland.
A total fire ban applies throughout the gorge. The maximum stay is three nights. The separate sites help visitors find quieter spots even during busier periods.
Further upstream the gorge features a spectacular waterfall and walking tracks. These tracks are not formally maintained, so route-finding skills, sturdy footwear and reasonable fitness are advisable.
Long-Tailed Bats
Te Moana Gorge provides habitat for the long-tailed bat (pekapeka-tou-roa), New Zealand’s only native land mammal. The bats roost in rock cliffs and trees and emerge at dusk to hunt insects over the river. Summer evenings offer the best viewing opportunities as they fly low and erratically above the water.
Fishing
The Hae Hae Te Moana River supports brown trout fishing. A valid freshwater fishing licence from Fish & Game New Zealand is required. The river forms part of the broader Orari catchment within the Canterbury region’s trout fishery.
What Visitors Often Say
Campers appreciate the peaceful riverside setting and the chance to see native bats at dusk. Many note the dense bush and birdlife as highlights compared with more open sites.
Reviewers mention the short drive from Geraldine and the basic but adequate facilities. Some warn that the informal tracks require care and good preparation.
Where to Learn More
Timaru District Council — Te Moana Gorge: Official details on sites, rules, facilities and current conditions.
Fish & Game New Zealand: Freshwater fishing licences and Canterbury region regulations.
Department of Conservation — Long-tailed bat: Information on bat habitat and viewing in the Geraldine area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Te Moana Gorge Camping free?
Yes, all three campsites are free.
How many campsites are there?
Three sites within a 2km stretch along the river.
What is the maximum stay?
Three nights.
Can I have a campfire?
No, a total fire ban applies. Gas cookers only.
How do I get there?
Take Te Moana Road from Geraldine, about 15km west into the gorge.
Can I fish in the river?
Yes, with a valid freshwater fishing licence from Fish & Game New Zealand.
Are long-tailed bats present?
Yes, they roost in the gorge and are best seen at dusk in summer near the river.
Are there walking tracks?
Yes, informal tracks lead further into the gorge to waterfalls.
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