Area & getting there
Arohena Campsite
DOC campsite reference point, not a verified entrance or individual pitch.
Official location information: Department of Conservation (new tab)Location source & precision
- Reference coordinates
- -38.16624, 175.65768 (latitude, longitude)
- Precision
- WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
- Source
- DOC Maps campsite reference point (WGS84), exact official-page asset ID (new tab)
Department of Conservation - Location source checked
Read the full guideArrival, planning and local advice
- Lake Arapuni camping at the bottom of a steep gravel approach from Landing Road.
- Final kilometre is steep with tight corners: towing traction and large-vehicle manoeuvring can be difficult.
- DOC warns of lakeside flooding. No formal boat ramp; launching uses a pumice beach.
- No bonfires; designated fireplace use is conditional on current fire restrictions.
- Camping styles
- tent, campervan, caravan
- Fees
- Non-powered camping: NZ$10 per adult 18+ per night; confirm booking total.
- Water
- Untreated tap water; boil before use and confirm supply before travel.
Lake Arapuni camping at the bottom of a steep gravel approach from Landing Road.
Judge the exit as well as the entrance
Arohena's final descent from Landing Road is the key planning decision. A car that reaches the lake may still struggle to tow a caravan or boat back up loose ground. DOC also warns that large rigs can have trouble with tight corners. Check the combination of vehicle, trailer and conditions before committing, rather than treating a campervan icon as unrestricted access.
Choose a workable lakeside setup
This is a Lake Arapuni base for a slower stay around the water. Inspect the available camping ground and follow flood-related signs rather than automatically choosing the closest edge. Boat launching is from a pumice beach, not an engineered ramp, so do not assume your trailer or craft will be suitable. Leave enough clear space for other campers and movements between camp and shoreline.
Reserve the stay and bring the equipment
Book ahead and bring the items needed to make a cooking shelter useful: stove, cookware and utensils. Tap water is untreated, so arrive with drinking water while organising treatment for the stay. Dogs need a DOC permit, not simply a lead. Any fireplace use remains conditional on the current restrictions, and the explicit ban on bonfires should shape the evening plan before you pack.
Check the official campsite information for current restrictions, facilities and booking arrangements.
