Lake Kaniere and Nelson Creek camping

[Suza]

Hi Guys,
Looking for a bit of info if anyone is able to help me out. We were meant to be rafting the Clarence again this summer but that's not going to happen now so we thought that we might head down the coast and spent some time doing day trips on some of the rivers down there.
To that end dose anyone know how busy the DoC camp ground at Lake Kaniere or Nelson Creek get in January thinking properly the second week?
Or dose anyone have any suggestions of anywhere that we can drop into with the Safari and hide away or a contact for a farmer or similar around Hokitika way that might let us use a back paddock corner all we really need is a water source.
Thanks for any and all
help

[drive it ...]

Both nice spots but never been there in Jan so can't comment on the Christmas crowds. Lake Mahanipua doc campground (spelling??) is nice spot 5min sth of Hoki, turn in opposite the pub. Or Goldsborough doc site, bit more basic but you can gold pan in the creek and few old gold workings tracks, tailrace tunnels, etc if you're into that.

[Smurf]

Nelson creek has been getting more popular with freedom camper types in their vans. Good spot though. Goldsborough was a nice place to stay.
Another option for you may be the Scout Lodge at Kumara Junction. Kahurangi Lodge. It cost us $80 a night for three families