The Doc Wakatipu area office began advertising that it was seeking proposals in a bid to enhance the 6ha camping ground that will serve campers for the long term.
The camping ground was likely to feature toilets, showers and a food preparation facility, as well as a suitable accommodation building for a camping ground manager.
Alongside the concessioned camping ground, Doc intended to build and manage a new day-use amenity area along the Twelve Mile shoreline to include picnic areas, walking tracks, toilets and improved access from the Glenorchy road.
Wakatipu area manager Greg Lind said Doc considered developing and operating an enhanced campsite itself.
"However, it is of the view that as this is not its core business, the opportunity should be given to the private sector.
"A number of campsites on public conservation land in New Zealand are run by private businesses operating via a concession with the department. This is a common arrangement."
Mr Lind said operators had to demonstrate how their proposal would meet the expectations of the department, as described in the request for proposals package available to interested parties from the area office.
Selection would be based on how the various proposals met Doc expectations.
If a proposal was selected the proposer would be invited to apply for a concession for the activity.
The Twelve Mile Delta Recreation Reserve is 12km from Queenstown along the Glenorchy road and hosts 1250 campers a year.
Fees were currently $7 per night per person, but future fees would be determined as part of the conditions of concession, along with the ongoing management and maintenance of the completed campsite.
Proposals were to be received by Doc by November 28.
The target period for the opening of the camping ground to the public was summer 2009-10.
