Pros & cons
PROS
- Right in Glenorchy beside the excellent General Store for coffee and supplies
- Clean facilities with a well‑stocked communal kitchen, BBQs, laundry and free Wi‑Fi
- Big mountain views and an easy walk to the lakefront and lagoon boardwalk
CONS
- Hot showers are coin‑operated and can run cooler/queue at peak times
- No on‑site dump station, so self‑contained vehicles must plan elsewhere
Overview
Small, friendly, and smack in the middle of Glenorchy, Mrs Woolly’s Campground is the easy base camp for exploring the head of Lake Wakatipu. Expect big mountain backdrops, a relaxed vibe, and the bonus of Mrs Woolly’s General Store next door for coffee, fresh bread, groceries and takeaway.
Sites & Facilities
The campground offers a mix of powered and unpowered options: 9 powered RV/campervan sites, 21 standard unpowered, 6 large unpowered, and 5 tent‑only sites. Facilities are modern and tidy: coin‑operated hot showers ($2 for 7 minutes), clean toilets, a proper communal kitchen (fridges, stoves, basic utensils), outdoor BBQs and picnic tables, laundry, free Wi‑Fi, potable water, and a small playground. Fires are not permitted.
Season, Bookings & Prices
It’s currently operating through the end of April 2026, with reservations recommended—especially for powered sites and in the height of summer. Indicative pricing (varies by season): tent‑only from around NZD 40 (2 people), standard unpowered from about NZD 45 (2 people), powered RV sites from roughly NZD 65 (2 people). Extra adults/children are typically about NZD 10 per person per night.
What It’s Like
Guests consistently call out the cleanliness, friendly staff and the very handy kitchen setup. At busy times it can feel compact, and showers may queue or lose a bit of heat/pressure. The trade‑off is convenience: stroll to the lakefront and lagoon boardwalk, grab breakfast or trail snacks next door, and roll out early for local adventures.
Activities & Handy Extras
Staff can help book local activities and track shuttles—useful if you’re eyeing the Routeburn or other nearby hikes, or considering kayaking, horseback riding or a scenic flight. If you want a sit‑down dinner, The Headwaters Eco Lodge is a short walk away.
Need‑to‑Know
- Bring a few $2 coins for showers.
- No dump station on site—plan to empty tanks in town or en route.
- Dogs: policies allow them in campervans on a lead and away from communal areas; check details when booking.
- Total fire ban.
Best Time to Visit
December through February is the busiest; book early if you want powered sites or prime dates. For a quieter stay, aim for shoulder months (early season or March–April) or mid‑week. Morning and late‑day light make the surrounding peaks look their best.
Alternatives Nearby
If you’re after a simpler, more rustic DOC‑style setup, consider Sylvan Campsite or Kinloch Campsite up the road. They trade convenience for a wilder feel.
Where it is
-44.8514, 168.3894Tips for Mrs Woolly’s Campground
- 01Carry a few $2 coins—showers are coin‑operated for 7 minutes.
- 02Book early for powered sites and peak summer dates.
- 03Use the kitchen off‑peak or bring a backup camp stove during busy evenings.
- 04Plan a dump‑station stop before or after your stay—none on site.
Amenities
Near Mrs Woolly’s Campground
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayThe Headwaters Eco LodgeEco-luxe base with standout garden-to-table dining in GlenorchyLodging · Restaurant
0.2 mi awayGlenorchyGateway hamlet to big-mountain hikes and wild fiordland sceneryRestroom · Store
0.4 mi awayGlenorchy Red ShedIconic lakeside shed with big-mountain backdrops and simple history displaysParking · Restroom
0.4 mi awayGlenorchy WalkwayFlat wetland loop with mirror-like mountain reflections and birdlife.Easy · 3.1 mi · 1.5 hr
0.4 mi awayGlenorchy WharfClassic wharf and red shed framed by big mountainsParking · Scenic Viewpoint
6.1 mi awayGreenstone–Caples CircuitQuieter four day loop over McKellar Saddle with hut to hut comfortModerate · 37.9 mi · 18.5 hr
6.1 mi awayLake Rere Loop TrackVaried loop to a quiet lake via farms, beech and river gorgesModerate · 8.9 mi · 5.5 hr
7.7 mi awayEarnslaw Burn TrackA rough, epic push to hanging glaciers and waterfall wallsChallenging · 15.7 mi · 10.5 hr
