The toilets at Boundary Creek and Kidds Bush Campsites have been found to be non-compliant with their resource consents, so the Department of Conservation (DOC) is undertaking important upgrade work to rectify the situation.
From 3 December, Boundary Creek Campsite will be closed for the summer season. Kidds Bush will remain open, but the existing toilet block will be closed and portaloos installed for use instead.
DOC Central Otago Operations Manager Nikki Holmes says while the closures weren't ideal, it was important to be able to provide toilets that meet the right standards for their consents.
"Wherever possible, we encourage people to poo in a loo – if our loos aren't up to scratch we want to fix that."
DOC plans to replace the toilets at both sites with new containment vault systems – the same as the toilets installed at the Haast Pass Highway's Cameron Flat Campsite and Blue Pools carpark in recent times.
The Kidds Bush upgrades will be completed by mid-next year. Work is ongoing to determine a timeframe for Boundary Creek.
While Boundary Creek campsite is closed for overnight stays, there is still walking access to the lake for short-term day visitors. The temporary portaloos at Kidds Bush will be serviced regularly.
Importantly, there are still plenty of other great camping options nearby.
"Lower visitor numbers mean that there will be capacity at other DOC campsites on the Haast Highway and at commercial campsites at Lake Hāwea and Wānaka."
"The Kidds Bush, Cameron Flat and Pleasant Flat Campsites are bookable via the DOC website."
