Area & getting there
Ohinepane 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
- -38.94153, 175.14618 (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
- Road-access camping on the Whanganui River, also used by Whanganui Journey paddlers.
- Undercut slip beside the river at the campsite entrance: keep well clear of temporary fencing and warning signs.
- Journey campers must book October-April; May-September is first come. Road-only summer booking requirements need confirmation.
- Journey campers normally limited to two consecutive nights, with high-river exceptions. No fires; no river cellphone coverage.
- Camping styles
- tent, campervan, caravan
- Fees
- Non-powered camping: Adult 18+: NZ$10 nightly May-September, NZ$19 October-April. DOC Campsite Pass excluded; confirm arrangements for road-only camping.
- Water
- Untreated tap water; boil before use and confirm supply before travel.
Road-access camping on the Whanganui River, also used by Whanganui Journey paddlers.
Road arrival and river journeys share the camp
Ohinepane can be reached from State Highway 43 near Taumarunui as well as from the Whanganui River. It is a useful distinction for parties meeting paddlers or organising an overnight before a river trip. Agree on the exact arrival and pickup plan beforehand, rather than assuming everyone can make contact from the river. The campground and a complete Whanganui Journey require different levels of preparation.
Keep clear of the entry-side slip
The current notice identifies an undercut slip beside the river at the campsite entrance, marked with temporary fencing and signs. Do not turn the closed edge into unloading space or a convenient place to wait. Choose a pitch within the permitted camping area and keep movements clear for others. A cooking shelter and untreated taps support basic camping, not a fully supplied staging point for paddlers.
Confirm the rule for your kind of stay
DOC requires bookings for Whanganui Journey campers during October to April and uses first-come arrangements outside that season. Road-only summer campers should confirm the appropriate process rather than applying the river-trip wording automatically. Plan food and water independently, and check any onward paddle against current conditions. An extra night caused by high water is treated differently from an ordinary extended stay; never let a schedule push the river decision.
Check the official campsite information for current restrictions, facilities and booking arrangements.


