Area & getting there
Mistletoe Flats Campsite
DOC's published campsite reference point, not a surveyed entrance or individual pitch.
Official location information: Department of Conservation (new tab)Location source & precision
- Reference coordinates
- -43.15114, 171.73091 (latitude, longitude)
- Precision
- Published DOC reference coordinates; not a claim of survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
- Source
- Mistletoe Flats Campsite: published Location coordinates (new tab)
Department of Conservation - Location source checked
Read the full guideArrival, planning and local advice
- Fire-damaged trees can fall without warning, including in calm weather.
- Flooding has made suitable campervan and caravan pitches difficult to find.
- Book the campground before arrival; the adult nightly fee is NZ$15.
- Boil untreated tap water; winter snow can affect access.
- Location
- Craigieburn Forest Park, between Castle Hill Village and Lake Pearson
- Camping
- Ten non-powered/tent sites; vehicle pitch suitability restricted
- Adult fee
- NZ$15 per person (18+) per night; booking required
- Facilities
- Cooking shelter, non-flush toilets and untreated taps
- Access
- Gravel road off SH73; winter snow may impede access
- Hazards
- Fire-damaged trees and flood-altered camping terrain
- Restrictions
- Leashed dogs only; no fires
Mistletoe Flats is a small Craigieburn campground with two important qualifications: fire-damaged trees in the surrounding area and difficult vehicle pitch selection after flooding. These warnings should shape the decision before the forest setting or nearby mountain biking does.
Start with the tree warning
DOC reports damage from a December 2024 fire and warns that affected trees and branches can fall without warning, even in calm weather. Avoid stopping beneath damaged trees and follow current signs.
Read the notice before arrival rather than discovering it after unloading. Older photographs may show a different canopy and campsite appearance. Do not use a pleasant-looking image as evidence that a particular position has been inspected or is currently appropriate for camping.
Choose the right type of stay
Flooding has altered the terrain, making suitable campervan and caravan pitches difficult to find. DOC recommends Lake Pearson for those vehicles. This directory therefore includes Mistletoe Flats in confirmed tent results, not confirmed vehicle-camping results.
If sleeping in a vehicle is essential, compare that alternative before making this reservation. A tent category also does not remove the need to check the designated area and current ground conditions. Our campsite selection guide puts those requirements ahead of scenery.
Book and prepare for basic facilities
Reservations are required, with an adult rate of NZ$15 per night. A cooking shelter, non-flush toilets and untreated taps are listed; boil the water before use.
Bring drinking water for arrival and meals that work with your own equipment. Keep bedding separate from bags used outdoors so a short stay does not require reorganising everything if the ground is wet. Pack enough lighting to finish the evening without relying on shared facilities.
Check the approach and activities
The gravel turn-off is between Castle Hill Village and Lake Pearson on SH73. Winter snow can make access difficult. Dogs must be leashed and fires are prohibited.
Check any biking or walking route separately from the overnight booking, especially where tree warnings apply. Leave the itinerary flexible enough to choose another activity or campsite. Review the official Mistletoe Flats page before travelling.
Source: Department of Conservation; factual information paraphrased under DOC's reuse terms.
Common questions
Why is Mistletoe Flats not in the confirmed campervan filter?
DOC says flooding has made suitable campervan and caravan pitches difficult to find and recommends Lake Pearson instead. The access component lists car access only; a vehicle pitch is not confirmed here.
Does calm weather remove the tree hazard?
No. DOC warns that fire-damaged trees or branches can fall even in calm conditions. Follow current signs and avoid stopping beneath damaged trees.
