Ngāi Tahu Nohoanga Connect with the lands of your tīpuna
Frequently Asked Questions Using Nohoanga For fairness and environmental reasons, the use of nohoanga sites is managed via an authorisation system administered by the office of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Bookings can be applied for through the online booking system on the nohoanga webpage. Alternatively, contact the nohoanga team via the details at the bottom of this page.
What is a nohoanga site? Under the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998, Nohoanga sites are specific areas of Crown owned land next to lake shores or riverbanks which can be used for camping or gathering food and other natural resources by Kāi Tahu whānui. Under the Act, Ngāi Tahu whānui have temporary, but exclusive, rights to occupy these sites between 16 August and 30 April each year. There are 72 allocated nohoanga sites within Te Waipounamu, but not all of these sites are currently available for use.
Nohoanga are available for use from August 16th through to April 30th. These sites are not established camping sites – access and facilities vary, with many requiring that you bring your own drinking water, toilet and shower facilities. Cell coverage may also be limited. Use of the sites is free and exclusively for use by Kāi Tahu whānui. Some sites also allow hunting dogs to accompany you and your family.
Above: Waipara River and Waipara Township.
For more info about available sites, and to book online, please visit our web page: www.ngaitahu.iwi.nz/environment/nohoanga 62