Set on the western shore of Lake Hāwea in Hāwea Conservation Park, Otago, Kidds Bush Reserve is a peaceful and well-loved lakeside campsite. You'll camp in a large, grassy area with good shade from mature mountain beech trees, with the lake and surrounding mountains making a stunning backdrop.

It's a relaxed, scenic base for walking around the lake, fishing or swimming, and there's a boat launch for getting out on the water. Facilities are good for a conservation site: non-powered tent sites, non-flush toilets, a shelter for cooking, washing-up areas, and tap water (untreated, so boil before use). The site is wheelchair accessible with assistance.

As the last campsite before Wanaka it's popular and can get busy over long weekends and holidays, and flat tent spots are limited, so it pays to arrive early to secure a level pitch by the lake.