Area & getting there
Trounson Kauri Park Campground
DOC Northland campsite brochure's published decimal reference (-35.72151, 173.65229); the current webpage gives NZTM2000 E1658996 N6046743 instead. Not a surveyed entrance or pitch.
Official location information: Department of Conservation (new tab)Location source & precision
- Reference coordinates
- -35.72151, 173.65229 (latitude, longitude)
- Precision
- Published DOC reference coordinates; not a claim of survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
- Source
- DOC Northland campsite brochure: Trounson Kauri Park decimal coordinates (new tab)
Department of Conservation - Location source checked
Read the full guideArrival, planning and local advice
- Book either a powered or non-powered category.
- A communal kitchen with electric stoves is confirmed.
- Warm showers require NZ$2 coins; water still needs boiling.
- The Campsite Pass is excluded 26 December-8 February.
- Setting
- Kauri Coast forest edge, Northland
- Stays
- Tent, campervan and caravan
- Adult fee
- NZ$20 non-powered or NZ$23 powered per night, age 18+
- Kitchen
- Communal kitchen with electric stoves
- Showers
- Warm, NZ$2 for five minutes; NZ$2 coins only
- Water
- Boil before use
Trounson is worth comparing when your Northland itinerary calls for forest camping with more cooking infrastructure than a basic coastal site.
Decide which facilities matter
The confirmed communal kitchen has electric stoves; warm showers and powered sites are also listed. Those details make it a different proposition from a campground that offers only a roofed cooking shelter.
Think through a wet evening before choosing accommodation. Decide where you will prepare dinner, dry essential layers and keep clean items separate from muddy footwear. Bring your own utensils and meal equipment unless the operator specifically confirms what is supplied.
Check the complete price
DOC lists adult nights at NZ$20 non-powered and NZ$23 powered. Warm showers cost NZ$2 for five minutes. Bring the correct coins instead of relying on change being available.
If travelling with a Campsite Pass, check the holiday exclusion before comparing prices. A pass is not usable here from 26 December through 8 February. Calculate the entire stay, including the equipment category and showers, rather than treating the lowest nightly figure as a group quote.
Approach and pitch selection
The southern approach turns from SH12 onto Trounson Park Road; the northern route uses gravel Katui Road. Read the official directions before accepting a navigation shortcut.
DOC cautions about safe tent placement near trees. Arrive with enough daylight to inspect the allocated area and ask about anything concerning. Keep a torch accessible while unpacking, and avoid placing sleeping equipment where runoff could collect.
Forest visit and water plan
The campground borders the park's short forest walk. Treat camping and walking as separate preparations: suitable footwear and rain protection are still useful on a short outing. Follow the cleaning stations and local signs before entering kauri forest.
Boil the water before use. Bring a ready-to-drink supply for arrival and a container for treated water, clearly separated from untreated refill water. Dogs are not permitted. Compare other facility levels in our DOC camping guide.
Official facts are paraphrased from DOC under its CC BY 4.0 terms; planning advice is Outdoor Next's own.
Common questions
Does Trounson have powered sites?
Yes, alongside non-powered camping. Select the right category and confirm the current price through DOC.
Can I use a DOC Campsite Pass here in January?
No. DOC excludes 26 December to 8 February inclusive at Trounson. Outside that period, check reservations and the powered-site supplement.
Is the water ready to drink?
No. The official campground information says to boil it before use.
