Area & getting there
Purakaunui Bay 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
- -46.54502, 169.61183 (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
- Catlins coastal tent camping; wet ground makes campervans and heavy vehicles unsuitable.
- DOC excludes campervans and heavy vehicles because of wet, compromised camping surfaces.
- Narrow gravel approach and no mobile coverage. Book before travelling.
- Camping styles
- tent
- Fees
- NZ$15 per adult (18+) per night, non-powered. Recheck the total for your dates.
- Water
- Untreated tap water; DOC says to boil before use. Carry a reserve.
Catlins coastal tent camping; wet ground makes campervans and heavy vehicles unsuitable.
Check the vehicle restriction first
The approach finishes on Purakaunui Bay Road, and DOC currently warns that the campground is unsuitable for campervans and heavy vehicles. Decide whether your transport and camping plan fit that restriction before reserving. Do not take an older photograph of a vehicle on the grass as permission to do the same. Save directions and booking details in advance, and retain another overnight option if conditions make the final approach inappropriate.
Keep the bay and falls distinct
The camp is on the coast, with prominent cliffs; Purakaunui Falls is a separate outing nearby. Plan the stay around the actual camping location rather than expecting the waterfall to be beside the tent. Choose a position only after reading local signs and looking carefully at the ground. A quiet coastal evening can be a complete activity in itself, without pressure to fit another attraction into the remaining light after arrival.
Prepare an offline tent night
Book for everyone in the party and carry all sleeping and cooking essentials. Put a copy of the reservation, route notes and useful contacts somewhere that works without mobile service. Keep the first meal simple and start with enough drinking water to settle in comfortably. Store wet footwear separately from dry clothing. Before leaving, pack carefully around pegs and loose gear so a damp morning does not become a reason to leave small items behind.
Check the official campsite information for current restrictions, facilities and booking arrangements.
