Place · 0.7 mi away
Overview
A no‑frills DOC base 1 km west of St Arnaud, Teetotal is the convenient, cheap place to crash if you’re here to ride, walk, or get on the water at nearby Lake Rotoiti. Think gravel parking with a small tent nook rather than a scenic, lakefront number—practical, quiet, and close to everything.
Facilities & Setup
- About a dozen unpowered, first‑come sites for tents and vehicles.
- Long‑drop toilets; no showers, no kitchen/shelter, no rubbish bins.
- Water is present but untreated—bring your own or be ready to boil/treat.
- Good mobile reception is commonly reported.
- Nearest dump station: Kerr Bay Campground.
Why Base Here
- Trails on the doorstep: Teetotal’s network has routes from easy to expert, and there’s a 1.2 km shared path straight into St Arnaud for supplies or a stroll.
- Lake time close by: Rotoiti is the hub for swimming, kayaking, boating (ramps at West Bay and Kerr Bay) and casual fishing. The lake is famously clear; you might even spot eels around the piers.
Winter Angle
- The small Duck Pond beside camp can freeze for casual ice skating when conditions line up.
- Rainbow Ski Area is roughly a 45‑minute drive—easy day‑trip territory.
Need‑to‑Know Rules
- Total fire ban year‑round—no campfires, full stop.
- Dogs are allowed at Teetotal, but not inside Nelson Lakes National Park areas; keep them leashed.
- Pack in/pack out: there are no rubbish facilities.
- Expect sandflies and, in summer, wasps—come prepared.
- A firing range sits nearby; while usually not audible at camp, you may hear shots when you’re out in the wider Teetotal recreation area (red flag means active).
Fees & Paying
DOC Standard rates: Adults NZ$15/night, Children 5–17 NZ$7.50, 0–4 free. Pay at the Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre or the summer camp host; self‑registration is used in winter. DOC Campsite Pass is accepted.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: best for lake activities and dry MTB trails—arrive before evening on busy weekends as sites can fill late in the day.
- Winter: quiet, with the bonus of potential ice skating next door and ski days at Rainbow. Be self‑reliant; water can be unreliable and nights are cold.
Getting There
Turn off SH63 about 1 km west of St Arnaud; a short gravel access road leads into the campsite beside the Duck Pond/Teetotal recreation area.
Pros
- Direct access to MTB tracks and a 1.2 km link to St Arnaud
- Dogs allowed at camp (not inside the national park)
Cons
- Very basic facilities (no power or bins; long‑drop toilets)
- Sandflies and summer wasps can be intense
Tips
- Bring strong insect repellent; sandflies and summer wasps are common.
- Carry in drinking water or be ready to boil/treat the onsite supply.
- Pay at the visitor centre or summer camp host; DOC Campsite Pass accepted.
- There are no bins—pack out all rubbish; no fires at any time.
- Need services? The nearest dump station is at Kerr Bay Campground.
