Area & getting there
Broken Hills 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
- -37.10548, 175.73845 (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
- Tairua River camping reached through Puketui Valley Road, near former gold workings.
- Use Puketui Valley Road, not Puketui Road: the two approaches do not connect for vehicles.
- Book before arrival; DOC's rules say no mobile reception, while the main page says limited coverage. No fires.
- Camping styles
- tent, campervan, caravan
- Fees
- Non-powered camping: NZ$18 per adult 18+ per night; confirm booking total.
- Water
- Untreated tap water; boil before use and confirm supply before travel.
Tairua River camping reached through Puketui Valley Road, near former gold workings.
Get the approach road right
Broken Hills is reached along Puketui Valley Road from the Hikuai side. Puketui Road is a different entrance into the wider area and does not join it by a drivable connection. Set the correct approach before losing reception rather than following the nearest apparent road end. Allow time on the gravel section and arrive ready to recognise the campground entrance in daylight.
Camp beside the river, plan walks separately
The Tairua River and surrounding bush make this a useful overnight base for exploring the old mining landscape. Keep the pitch decision separate from enthusiasm for a particular swimming spot or track: check ground conditions and signs before unpacking. A booked campsite is not a declaration that nearby tunnels, river crossings or walking routes suit your group. Choose the following day's outing from current route information.
Finish bookings before leaving reception
DOC's campground rules are stricter about mobile reception than the main page, so save confirmation and access details beforehand. Pack out rubbish and recycling, bring cooking equipment and prepare untreated tap water before drinking. Summer ranger visits are not a continuously staffed reception. Leave a realistic margin for setting up camp and preparing food instead of relying on solving registration or supply problems after arrival.
Check the official campsite information for current restrictions, facilities and booking arrangements.
