McLaren Falls camping, accommodation and bookings

McLaren Falls Park Terms and Conditions for Camping

Campers at McLaren Falls Park (“Park”) must abide by the following terms and conditions for camping.

General

Bookings

• Where bookings are made by one person on behalf of a group, it is the responsibility of the person making the booking to ensure that all members of the group read and abide by these terms and conditions.
• It is the responsibility of the person making the booking to check that the booking confirmation they receive correctly records their booking. Any discrepancies must be notified to Tauranga City Council within 48 hours of the booking being made or discrepancies will be deemed unalterable.
• Payment is non-refundable. Please ensure that you are booking the correct dates.
• Stand-alone tents and campervans are the only modes of camping allowed in the Park. Charges for campervans are the same as for camp sites.

Length of Stay

• Maximum duration of stay is three (3) consecutive nights.
• After three nights, you must have seven days away from the park before camping again.

Access to the Park

• Park gate open hours are:
  • Daylight Saving: 7.30am – 7.30pm
  • non Daylight Saving: 7.30am – 5.30pm
• Access to the Park is only available during open hours.
• Maximum speed limit for all vehicles in the Park is 15km/hr at all times.
• No vehicles are to be driven in the Park (including around camp sites or on Park roads) after 10.30pm (unless in the event of an emergency).
• All drivers must drive and park vehicles safely at all times and be considerate of other Park users.
• No more than three (3) vehicles per five (5) persons camping are permitted.

Arrival and Departure

• Camping is only permitted in the following specific areas of the Park: Pin Oak, Top Flat and Hamilton Point. The Park has no designated camp sites. Locations for camping are available on a first come, first serve basis.
• Campers may arrive throughout the day and set up on vacant camp sites. If no camp sites are vacant on arrival, please wait until after 12 noon for a vacant camp site to become available.
• Camp sites are to be vacated by 12 noon on the day of departure.
• All camping equipment and belongings MUST be removed from the Park on the day of departure.
• Camping gear cannot be left behind overnight while you visit another area. We will dispose of any items left after your departure.

Camp Facilities

• Showers are free for paying campers only.
• As there are toilet facilities in the Park, campervans do not need to be self-contained.
• Please leave shower and toilet facilities clean and tidy after use.
• Barbeques are provided within the Park for use free of charge. Please leave barbeques clean and tidy after use.
• No powered sites or electricity charging facilities are available in the Park.
• There is no waste disposal dump facility in the Park. All waste and rubbish MUST be removed from the Park on the day of departure.

Youth Policy

• Persons aged 17 years and under are not permitted to camp in the Park unless accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian for the duration of their stay.

Animals

• Campers are not permitted to bring animals into the Park (except registered service dogs and horses). Please advise the Park Ranger on arrival if you have a registered service dog.

Conduct and Behaviour

• Persons aged 18 years and over may consume alcohol on their own camp site only.
• Alcohol will not be tolerated around the Park or other communal facilities.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited. Parties are not permitted.
• Underage drinking is not permitted in the Park.
• Drinking and driving in the Park is not permitted.
• Reasonable behaviour is required at all times.
• All activities within the Park (e.g. music, games etc) must not disturb other Park users or local residents.
• Campers must respect the rights of other Park users at all times.
• Complete quietness between the hours of 10.00pm and 7am is required. Noise will not be tolerated during quiet time.
• Generators and machinery are prohibited unless the prior written approval of Tauranga City Council is obtained.

Rights of Park Ranger

• The Park Ranger has the right, in his or her sole discretion, to:
  • direct campers to specific areas;
  • request campers to move tents, vehicles or camping equipment at any time;
  • refuse entry to the Park to any person;
  • require campers to cease inappropriate activities/behaviour;
  • require any person to leave the Park; and
  • cancel occupancy of a camp site and require campers to leave the Park immediately. No refund will be given to campers whose occupancy of a camp site is cancelled by the Park Ranger.

Liability

• Tauranga City Council shall not be held responsible for the loss, theft or damage of any property for any reason regardless of the cause, including (without limitation) any fault pertaining to any fitting, appliance or piece of apparatus within the vicinity of the Park.
• Campers are responsible for ensuring valuables are secure and vehicles are locked at all times.
• Camping at the Park is at campers own risk.
• Campers shall be liable to Tauranga City Council for, and shall indemnify Tauranga City Council from and against, any loss, cost or liability incurred by Tauranga City Council (including, without limitation, any associated Tauranga City Council staff time and any legal costs):
  • to remedy, restore or replace any part of the Park’s facilities or chattels damaged due to any wilful or negligent act or omission by a camper; and
  • arising from any breach by a camper of these terms and conditions.

Lost Property

• Will be held by the Park Ranger and donated to charity after a three (3) month period.

Safety

Emergency Response

• In the event of an emergency dial 111.
• First aid supplies and a defibrillator are available in the Park by contacting the Park Ranger.
• For Park Ranger assistance after hours call Tauranga City Council on (07) 577 7000.

Personal and Group Safety

• The Park is a remote area with limited cell phone reception in places.
• Please ensure you and your group are adequately equipped, experienced and aware of potential hazards.
• Swim safe. Never swim alone. If in doubt, stay out of the water.
• Rope swings are not permitted.
• Know your limits. Read and obey the safety signs.
• ALWAYS SUPERVISE CHILDREN NEAR WATER

Fires

• Open fires and fireworks are prohibited within the Park.

Portable Barbecues:

• Portable gas barbecues are allowed at all times.
• No charcoal or wood BBQs permitted.

Potable Water Supply

• The water supply in the Park is filtered and safe to drink without boiling.
• Water is a precious resource. Please conserve water by using only what you require.

Pest control Stations

• Animal pest control stations are located throughout the Park. For your safety and the effectiveness of the pest control station, please keep children away from them and do not touch them.

Boats and Water craft

• No powered water craft are permitted in the Park.
• Life jackets or flotation devices are recommended at all times when using the water.
• No swimming or boating is permitted downstream of the lower catchment boom

Fishing

• Fishing in the Park requires a Fishing Licence. Licences are not sold at the Park. Licences are available from Fish and Game New Zealand.

For further information regarding camping or activities at McLaren Falls Park please contact Tauranga City
Council on 07 577 7000 or e-mail mclarenfallsenquiries@tauranga.govt.nz