Area & getting there
Kaimanawa Road 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
- -39.13734, 175.82618 (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
- Small, basic forest camping off Kaimanawa Road with no onsite water supply.
- Bring all water; no horses. Gravel approach.
- Fireplaces may be used only where designated and when current fire restrictions allow.
- Camping styles
- tent, campervan, caravan
- Fees
- Non-powered camping: DOC lists free camping; first come, first served.
- Water
- DOC explicitly says there is no water at this campsite; bring your own.
Small, basic forest camping off Kaimanawa Road with no onsite water supply.
A small camp off the highway corridor
Kaimanawa Road offers a basic forest overnight off State Highway 1 south of Turangi. Follow the campsite turn rather than assuming every nearby clearing or track entrance permits camping. DOC's directions include a gravel approach after the road junction. It can suit a short basecamp stay, but arrive early enough to identify the designated area and assess space before setting up.
Let the water requirement shape the stay
There is no water at the campground. Bring what the whole party needs for drinking, cooking and basic washing, plus a margin for changed plans. That makes vehicle-supported camping more straightforward than an improvised stop during a longer walk. Organise containers where they are easy to use, and choose meals that fit the supply rather than assuming a refill can be found nearby.
Keep overnight and activity decisions separate
The campsite is free and first come, first served, so a small footprint and a lawful alternative are useful. Nearby forest walks still need their own access and conditions check. A dog needs a DOC permit and horses are excluded. Bring cooking equipment that does not depend on a campfire; a listed fireplace remains subject to current restrictions and should not be essential to making dinner.
Check the official campsite information for current restrictions, facilities and booking arrangements.
