Area & getting there
Pokaka Mill 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
- -39.04466, 175.50776 (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
- Basic Tongariro Forest camping at Pukehinau Road end, with 4WD recommended.
- Rough gravel access; 4WD recommended. Campervan and caravan suitability is not verified.
- No fires. Nearby Okupata Caves are an expert, unmarked route with flash-flood hazards, not a casual campsite activity.
- Camping styles
- tent
- Fees
- Non-powered camping: DOC lists free camping, first come, first served.
- Water
- No water source verified for camp; bring drinking water.
Basic Tongariro Forest camping at Pukehinau Road end, with 4WD recommended.
Make access the first decision
Pokaka Mill sits at the end of Pukehinau Road in Tongariro Forest, with a rough gravel approach and DOC's recommendation for four-wheel drive. Decide whether your actual vehicle is suitable before treating the free campground as an easy overnight detour. Save the route and leave enough daylight to inspect conditions. This record does not establish suitability for a campervan, caravan or towing combination.
Bring a complete basic camp
The source confirms non-powered camping and basic toilets, but it does not verify a water supply. Arrive with drinking water and everything needed to cook and sleep independently. First-come access means there is no reserved pitch waiting at the road end. Keep the layout compact and use established camping ground rather than driving farther into the forest to create a preferred place to stay.
Do not turn nearby caves into an improvised outing
Okupata Caves share the wider access area, but DOC describes an unmarked expert environment with confined spaces and flash-flood hazards. Proximity to camp does not make them an appropriate casual walk. Plan a forest stay that remains worthwhile without entering the caves. Dogs need permission and fires are prohibited, so confirm those practical limits before packing equipment or making the campsite part of a larger group trip.
Check the official campsite information for current restrictions, facilities and booking arrangements.
