The Department of Conservation is prepped for another busy season on the Milford Road with upgrades to the popular Cascade Creek campsite almost complete. Cascade Creek, at the southern end of Lake Gunn, is now equipped to host up to 300 visitors a night with the establishment of 120 formal camping sites.

DOC recreation and historic principal ranger Grant Tremain said the upgrades were in response to the growing number spending time in the Milford area.

“Over the past three to four years there’s been a huge increase in visitor numbers,” he said. “We want to ensure the quality of the experience people are seeking is supported by the right infrastructure, so expanding our capability at our most popular campsite was a logical next step.

In April, work began to expand the site’s capacity, including new toilets, improved kitchen facilities and extra space for camper vans.

“This means more people will be able to stay in this area overnight – taking the pressure off Milford Sound and spreading the load during peak times. It’s also located in one of the most spectacular places, offering visitors plenty of opportunity to explore more than just the postcard shot of Mitre Peak.”

The finishing touches are expected to take place next week, with students from Te Anau School also helping plant native trees along the bunds, Tremain said.

“It will be ready just in time for the summer season.”