Vinegar Hill is a camping area located on the Rangitikei River near Hunterville in Manawatu, North Island, New Zealand. The hill itself is located on the west bank of the river in the Rangitikei District, whereas the camping ground is on the east bank in Manawatu District. It is notable for hosting a large gay and lesbian summer camp, with a large New Year's Eve celebration.
The campground is maintained by the Manawatu District Council and has two toilet/shower blocks, which operate cold water only. There are no electric outlets.
State Highway 1 (SH1), the principal highway of the North Island, runs close by, with State Highway 54 (SH54) intersecting near the top of the hill. The camping ground lies 1 km south of the intersection on SH54. Intercity coaches stop at Hunterville 📍, which lies 6 km south and is the main service town for the area.
The camping ground is nestled between the Rangitikei River and bush areas. The river is safe for swimming but has a strong current in places, it is also ideal for rafting.
The annual "kamp camp" runs from about Christmas until the first few days in january, and swells to over 1,000 people on New Year's Eve. The New Year's Eve party features a live DJ, lights, a stage show - featuring live performances and drag shows, as well as a camping ground awards ceremony. The preceding nights usually also feature entertainment. A "queen" is elected who runs the next year's camp - including the entertainment and liaising with local businesses. The camp fees operate on an honesty box system of $5 per person per night, which contributes to the entertainment and up keep of the camp.
The nearest food outlets (both grocery, and restaurants) are located 6 km away in Hunterville. The Argyle Hotel runs a mobile unit up to the camping ground during the gay and lesbian camp, and also hires out its showers for $5.
There are taps with water that is safe to drink. Hunterville contains two pubs, the Argyle Hotel and the Station Hotel.