These have very limited facilities so campers need to be fully selfsufficient. Basic toilets and water may be from a tank, stream or lake.
No. of tent sites:
6Fires Allowed?:
Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban. Check rules and fire bans before you light.
Alerts:
None
Access to Campsite:
By campervan, car, caravan,Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact the relevant DOC Office for to obtain a permt.Last Update:
22/6/2023DESCRIPTION:
This camp is in an area of diverse terrain; activities include hunting, walking/tramping, fishing and rafting.
Phone(s):
+64 7 384 7106No. of tent sites:
16 non-powered/tent sites16 non-powered/tent sites
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationLast Update:
24/02/2022DESCRIPTION:
Down a gravel road south of Opotiki, you can camp surrounded by nikau palms
and tawa forest next to the Te Waiti Stream. This relaxed, self-registration campsite
is in picturesque surroundings and it is popular for fishing and swimming. Facilities
include toilets, picnic tables, BBQ areas and water supply from the stream. With
room for about 16 tents, no fees for camping here.
Phone(s):
+64 7 315 1001 (Opotiki Office)No. of tent sites:
20Fires Allowed?:
Fires are not permitted at any time.
Overseeing Body:
Department of ConservationDog Policy:
Dogs on a leash only.Last Update:
5/5/2023DESCRIPTION:
A basic campsite in the Hawke's Bay area. Fish, swim, canoe or raft in the river.
Phone(s):
+64 6 834 3111Fires Allowed?:
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Access to Campsite:
By boat, foot.Fees:
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
No dogsLast Update:
17/6/2023DESCRIPTION:
A basic camping area at the northern arm of Lake Tarawera. A great place for a swim, with beautiful water and superb views of Mount Tarawera.
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Phone(s):
+64 4 471 1117Kaimanawa Road Campsite
No. of tent sites:
10Fires Allowed?:
Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban. Check rules and fire bans before you light.
Access to Campsite:
By campervan, car, caravan.Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
Dogs with a DOC permit only.Last Update:
1/4/2025DESCRIPTION:
A basic campsite in the Kaimanawa Forest Park. Many forest walks start nearby.
Bookings not required - first come, first served. Free to camp.
There is no water at this campsite. You need to bring your own.
No horses are allowed at this campsite.
Phone(s):
0800 275 362Kauauroa Bay Campsite
No. of tent sites:
2Fires Allowed?:
Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Access to Campsite:
By boat.Fees:
Free
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of Conservation (NZ)Dog Policy:
No dogs allowed.Last Update:
3/4/2025DESCRIPTION:
This is a basic campsite in the Sounds area. Campsite for boaties and sea kayakers in a peaceful setting.
Free to camp.
Phone(s):
+64 3 546 9339No. of tent sites:
50Fires Allowed?:
Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Access to Campsite:
By Vehicle.Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only. Other pets on conservation land rules.Last Update:
2/4/2025DESCRIPTION:
Ideally placed for a midway stopover, about 60 km inland from Napier on
the Napier-Taihape road, is a newly opened DOC campsite. Just north of
Kiripapango, at the edge of the Forest Park, you can camp on a rambling site
on terraces above the Ngaruroro River. Camp across several grassy levels
in a bush-clad, steep-sided valley. Around 10 gravel hardstands are provided
on the upper terraces for campervans (no power), whilst on the lower levels
there are many great spots for tents amongst the bush and scrub. New ecotoilets are scattered about the camp and there is a bit of a steep walk down to the river for your water supply! A popular spot for river rafting and fishing.
Free to camp at this campsite.
Phone(s):
06 834 3111Kuripapango (Ox Bow) Campsite
No. of tent sites:
50Fires Allowed?:
Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Access to Campsite:
By vehicle.Fees:
Free
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of Conservation (NZ)Dog Policy:
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or managementLast Update:
8/4/2025DESCRIPTION:
This is a basic campsite in Hawke's Bay area. Camp at the edge of the park. Raft down the Ngaruroro River or have a go at fishing.
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Phone(s):
0800 275 362No. of tent sites:
10Fires Allowed?:
Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Fees:
Free
10 non-powered/tent sites.
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of Conservation (NZ)Dog Policy:
No Dogs Allowed.Last Update:
6/4/2025DESCRIPTION:
This isolated campsite beside Lake Tennyson offers trout fishing, kayaking, boating and walking opportunities.
Free to camp at this site.
Phone(s):
+64 3 521 1806No. of tent sites:
5Fires Allowed?:
Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Access to Campsite:
4x4Fees:
Free
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
No Dogs Allowed.Last Update:
6/04/2025DESCRIPTION:
Around 1.5 hours drive west of Napier, is a pleasant basic campsite surrounded
by pine trees. Facilities include toilets, BBQ area and cooking shelter, with
water supply from the stream. Please note: logging trucks use the road, so
drive slowly and keep left.
Free to camp here.
Phone(s):
0800 275 362No. of tent sites:
2Access to Campsite:
By boat,Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
No dogsLast Update:
12/7/2023DESCRIPTION:
Small, scenic campsite with great views, popular with sea kayakers and boaties. Catherine Cove Resort and French Pass are nearby.
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Phone(s):
+64 3 546 9339Monowai Campsite
No. of tent sites:
5Fires Allowed?:
Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban. Check rules and fire bans before you light.
Overseeing Body:
Department of ConservationDog Policy:
No dogs allowed.Last Update:
8/4/2025DESCRIPTION:
Enjoy this peaceful campsite beside Lake Monowai. Explore the tracks to Rodger Inlet and Green Lake huts, or go fishing or boating.
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Phone(s):
+64 3 249 7924No. of tent sites:
15Fires Allowed?:
Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban. Check rules and fire bans before you light.
Access to Campsite:
By campervan, car, or caravan,Fees:
Free to camp.
Dog Policy:
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact the relevant DOC office to obtain a permit.Last Update:
24/07/2023DESCRIPTION:
There are two sites to camp on Okahu Road, the road end and the larger mid-Okahu camp (formerly known as Grader Camp). The camps are on grass terraces adjacent to Okahu Stream. The areas kahikatea trees were extensively logged and now podocarp are regenerating. Good picnicking and walking in the forest.
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Located in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park in the East Coast region.
Phone(s):
+64 7 307 2770
Overseeing Body:
All information courtesy of the Department of Conservation.Last Update:
12/02/2022DESCRIPTION:
Number of tent sites - 10. Camp in a remote setting north of Te Taita O Makora campsite, and go hunting, walking or fishing.
Phone(s):
+64 6 837 3803No. of tent sites:
12Fires Allowed?:
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Access to Campsite:
By foot.Fees:
Free!
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
No dogsLast Update:
1/8/2023DESCRIPTION:
Camp in a picturesque setting in beautiful Pandora bay. Only accessible on foot and with minimal facilities, this is the spot for those seeking a true wilderness experience.
Bookings not required - first come, first served
Located in Te Paki Recreation Reserve in the Northland region
Phone(s):
+64 9 408 6014No. of tent sites:
2Fires Allowed?:
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Access to Campsite:
By boat.Fees:
Free!!
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
No dogs.Last Update:
19/8/2023DESCRIPTION:
This is a small campsite with a picturesque stream and stunning views to the mainland. Perfect for sea kayakers and boaties. The Catherine Cove Resort is nearby.
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Located in French Pass and D'Urville Island Scenic Reserves in the Marlborough region.
Phone(s):
+64 3 546 9339Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact the relevant DOC office to obtain a permit.Last Update:
6/07/2021DESCRIPTION:
This campsite marks the mid-point of the Timber Trail and easy access to the Maramataha suspension bridge. Use the campsite as a base to explore the forest roads by car or mountain bike. Go hunting for red deer.
Number of tent sites - 16.
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban. Check rules and fire bans before you light.
Phone(s):
+64 7 878 1050No. of tent sites:
30Fires Allowed?:
Fires are not permitted at any time.
Access to Campsite:
By 4wd vehicleFees:
Free
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact the closest DOC office to obtain a permit. Other pets on conservation land rule.Last Update:
17/5/2024DESCRIPTION:
This is a basic campsite in the Ruapehu area.
Phone(s):
+64 7 892 3729No. of tent sites:
65 non-poweredFires Allowed?:
Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Access to Campsite:
By Vehicle; Vehicle access is restricted from May until Labour Day Weekend – only foot access is available to the reserve and campsite during this time.Fees:
Free
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
No DogsLast Update:
11/04/2025DESCRIPTION:
The campsite is located on State Highway 1 at the northern foot of Raetea
Forest (Mangamuka Gorge)18 km, south-east of Kaitaia along State Hwy 1 towards
Mangataiore. Look for ‘Raetea Reserve’ sign and follow the short gravel drive
beyond the stream ford. Just 20 free campsites set in one of the last remaining
lowland coastal forests. Look and listen for Kukupa or Kereru (native wood pigeon),
short tailed bats and parakeets. Kauri snails are present here too.
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Free to camp.
Phone(s):
0800 275 362No. of tent sites:
6 non-poweredFires Allowed?:
Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban.
Access to Campsite:
By vehicle.Fees:
Free.
6 non-powered/tent sites.
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
No dogs allowed.Last Update:
11/04/2025DESCRIPTION:
The first Lake Waikaremaona campsite you hit driving from the Wairoa road end, it is 10 km south of the Waikaremoana Visitor Centre. A basic self registration campsite, it has been closed in the past due to an aquatic weed
infestation. Check with the Visitor Centre for its current status before camping here. This lakeside campsite offers toilets and a boat ramp and has room for about 6 tents. Water is available from the stream. Camping is free at this site.
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Phone(s):
+64 6 837 3900No. of tent sites:
20 non-poweredFires Allowed?:
Fires are not allowed at any time.
Access to Campsite:
By boat or vehicle.Fees:
Free.
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
No dogs allowed.Last Update:
17/3/2025DESCRIPTION:
Beautiful beech forest, hung with mistletoe in summer, grows right up to the lake edge.
Bookings not required - first come, first served. Free to stay here.
Directions: At Clearburn, south of Twizel, turn onto Lake Ohau Road and continue for 25 km.
Phone(s):
0800 275 362No. of tent sites:
3Fires Allowed?:
Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban.
Access to Campsite:
By vehicle.Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
Dogs with a DOC permit only.Last Update:
17/3/2025DESCRIPTION:
This campsite is a small camp next to the Minginui Stream. Walk through podocarp forest.
Bookings not required - first come, first served. Free to stay.
Phone(s):
0800 275 362South Arm Campsite (Lake Manapouri)
No. of tent sites:
8Fires Allowed?:
Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Access to Campsite:
Boat, Motor vehicleFees:
Free to camp here.
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of Conservation (NZ)Dog Policy:
No dogs.Last Update:
19/3/2025DESCRIPTION:
This is a basic campsite in a beautiful setting surrounded by beech forest on Lake Manapouri, Fiordland National Park. Access by boat or via Borland Road.
Note. Check the Borland Road status if driving in.
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Phone(s):
+64 3 249 7924No. of tent sites:
60Fires Allowed?:
Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban. Check rules and fire bans before you light.
Access to Campsite:
Access by vehicles.Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
No dogs allowed.Last Update:
22/03/2025DESCRIPTION:
Number of tent sites - 60 Once a dairy farm, this campsite is in the north of the park by Waimana river. There are numerous walks into the spectacular forest nearby.
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Phone(s):
07 8373803Tūtira Country Park (Lake Tūtira)
Closed For Winter?:
Closed for lambing 1 July – 30 September.Fires Allowed?:
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Access to Campsite:
By campervan, car, caravan.Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDog Policy:
No dogsLast Update:
12/7/2023DESCRIPTION:
A stunning lakeside camp set in a wildlife refuge, about 50 minutes drive north
of Napier. No motorboats are allowed on the lake, but sails, oars or paddles
are fine, ensuring this is kept a quiet, relaxed environment. The lovely lakeside
setting has resident swans and many shady willow trees to camp under. There
is a picnic shelter, tap water (which must be boiled), eco-toilets and permanent
BBQs. No fires please. July to September the camp is closed for the
lambing season and at times the lake can suffer from toxic algal blooms (do
not enter the water if signs advise against it). A suggested tariff of $5 per night
per person is to be paid into honesty box on-site.
Camp at the southern end of the freshwater lake, and walk to Table Mountain Trig for views of inland Kaweka, Maungaharuru Range and coastal Hawke’s Bay. Enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking and sailing on the lake.
Note: The causeway can flood in winter making the campsite inaccessible.
Phone(s):
+64 6 834 3111No. of tent sites:
10Fires Allowed?:
Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban.
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of Conservation (NZ)Dog Policy:
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact the closest DOC office to get a permit.Last Update:
25/3/2025DESCRIPTION:
This popular site makes a good base for hunting, tramping, walking and mountain biking with a variety of tracks close by.
Bookings not required - first come, first served. Free to camp.
There is no water at this campsite. Bring your own, or get water 150 m from the campsite down the Tree Trunk Gorge Track.
No horses are allowed at this campsite.
Phone(s):
0800 275 362Verns Camp
Fires Allowed?:
Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban. Check rules and fire bans before you light.
Access to Campsite:
Walk inFees:
Free
Dog Policy:
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.Last Update:
26/03/2025DESCRIPTION:
This is a good place to stop for lunch, with a shelter, fireplace and water.
The camp is on the site of an old track cutter’s camp, this is a good place to stop for lunch. There is a newly erected picnic shelter with a fireplace. Water is available both from a tank and from the stream at the southern end of the clearing.
Just past the shelter are striking pumice cliffs.
Free to camp here.
Phone(s):
0800 275 362No. of tent sites:
10 non-powered sitesFires Allowed?:
Fires are not allowed at any time.
Access to Campsite:
By car.Fees:
Free
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of Conservation (NZ)Dog Policy:
Dogs on a leash only.Last Update:
14/04/2025DESCRIPTION:
Turn off SHwy 2 at Putorino into Waikare Road, and then travel for 20 minutes
on an unsealed road along the south bank of the Waikare River. At the road
end you will find a level, open site for basic camping that can accommodate 4
tent sites. Its ten minutes walk to the beach for fishing, swimming and boating
(including boat ramp). Facilities here are toilets, picnic tables and water from
a tap (that must be boiled before drinking)
Free to camp.
Phone(s):
06 834 3111Waikoko Campsite
No. of tent sites:
20Fires Allowed?:
Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban. Check rules and fire bans before you light.
Access to Campsite:
By Vehicle.Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of Conservation (NZ)Dog Policy:
Dogs with a DOC permit only.Last Update:
26/3/2025DESCRIPTION:
This is the main campsite of five set along Waikoko stream. It's in a large, sunny clearing above the river.
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
The endangered blue duck/whio live in the nearby river - you may be lucky enough to spot one around dawn and dusk.
Phone(s):
0800 275 362Waiona Bay Campsite
No. of tent sites:
2 non-powered sitesFires Allowed?:
Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Access to Campsite:
By boat.Fees:
Free to camp.
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of Conservation (NZ)Dog Policy:
No dogs.Last Update:
9/4/2025DESCRIPTION:
In striking surroundings, this campsite is used mostly by kayakers. Other activities include hunting, boating and walking.
Bookings not required - first come, first served.
Phone(s):
+64 3 546 9339Whakaipo Campsite (self-contained only)
Alerts:
None
Access to Campsite:
By self contained vehicleFees:
Free
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of Conservation (NZ)Dog Policy:
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.Last Update:
27/3/2025DESCRIPTION:
For self contained vehicles only. Camp next to Lake Taupō and enjoy the farm park surroundings and the mountain bike track through native bush.
Free to camp here.
Phone(s):
0800 275 362
16 non-powered/tent sites
Overseeing Body:
Information courtesy of the Department of ConservationDESCRIPTION:
Between Opotiki and Motu at the junction of the Whitikau and Takaputahi
Streams is this basic remote campsite. Located at the entrance to Raukumara
Conservation Park it is a base for walks, fly fshing, mountain biking and hunting.
With space for around 16 tents, facilities include toilets, BBQ areas and water
supply from the stream.
