Tekapo Military Camp

[Dave Homewood]

What goes on at the Tekapo Military Camp?

I have been passed there several times over the years but never found out what its all about. As well as the camp, with dozens of huts and larger buildings, there is a large area of out of bounds Defence land across the road, which to me looks strikingly similar to the terrain at Waiouru.

Is this a permanent base for some troops? Or is it only used for exercises (like RNZAF Camp Dip Flat?

Do the regulars use it or just the Territorials perhaps?

It's a fairly large facility for just an occassional camp. So I woder what actually goes on there. Anyone know?

[turboNZ]

the Army in Tekapo has a huge area of land outside past the camp for doing exercises in. I believe it is more of a exercises type camp than Waiouru.

[phil]

I was there for a few days with 3 sqn in June last year. It has a caretaker who lives there, but otherwise it's used by units for exercises. If anyone gets the Airforce news there was an article about it with my photos , probably July or August's issue last year. Also a related article about 3 sqn's NVG capability in the same issue (they were doing night ops out of tekapo).

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks guys. With the township expanding as it is, I'll bet the land's worth a packet. I guess it's used as a tri-service base then? I have heard of No. 3 Sqn exercising at Tekapo in the past, Operation Blackbird, etc. But never put two and two together before that there was a base there.

[phil]

It is a very scenic part of the country, I was fortunate to get an Iro flight with doors open, around Mt cook and over the various glaciers. Fantastic area. Bit chilly mind. I'd post some pics but I'm not sure how.

[Dave Homewood]

Oh yes, that area is wonderful. I flew over Tekapo on the way from Wigram to Wanaka back in 1993 when I went down in Sir Tim's Avenger. That was an awesome trip.

Please do post the photos Phil. There is a clear guideline in the Info sub-board off the General Board on posting.