As is traditional, many from around North Otago and beyond will head to the Waitaki lakes area for the festive season.
However, this year it looks as if campers will have to brave the wet.
According to the extended forecast for North Otago from the MetService, rain or showers are predicted this weekend until December 26.
The forecast for Christmas Day is rain with light winds, with more of the same on Boxing Day.
It will add to the already sodden conditions after the recent flooding event which resulted in State Highway 1 at Rangitata and its respective detours being closed to traffic for several days, and yesterday’s heavy rain.
However, Waitaki District Council recreation officer Lucianne White said the council’s camping grounds — Parsons Rock, Boat Harbour, Wildlife Reserve, Falstone Creek, Sailors Cutting and Loch Laird — had come through relatively unscathed.
"The camps have fared really well — we kept the Facebook page updated and had a really good response rate via that to get the message out. The camp manager dealt with quite a few minor issues such as water pooling on awnings and contacted owners.
"With gale force winds we had some tree issues but these were all managed and dealt with quickly. Water levels rose in lakes but all campers were clear of the flood zone. Camp staff were out checking very regularly."
Waimate District Council asset group manager Dan Mitchell said of the council’s four camping grounds — Fisherman's Bend Reserve, Briar's Gully, Te Akatarawa Reserve and Waitangi Reserve — only one had been impacted by recent flooding.
"Only Fishermen’s Bend in the lower area has been affected, but the campers have relocated to higher ground."
On December 11, Environment Canterbury issued a warning to boat users at Lake Benmore, Lake Aviemore and Lake Waitaki to exercise caution on the water after floating and submerged logs were identified as a hazard and would continue to be an issue "for a number of weeks, throughout the summer boating season".
Meanwhile, instances of campers fencing off areas appeared to have ceased and no recent issues have been reported by either council.
