Area & getting there
Waikari River Mouth 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
- -39.16638, 177.08015 (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 tent camping by the Waikari River, reached along a narrow gravel road from Putorino.
- Boat ramp damaged and unsafe; the generic boat-launching icon does not establish usable access.
- Large motorhomes and caravans are unsuitable for the access road.
- Camping styles
- tent
- Fees
- Non-powered camping: free; this is not a powered-site offer or a reservation.
- Water
- Untreated tap water; boil before drinking and confirm supply before travel.
Basic tent camping by the Waikari River, reached along a narrow gravel road from Putorino.
Choose the approach for your equipment
Waikari River Mouth is reached from Putorino along Waikare Road. DOC describes a narrow gravel approach and warns against large motorhomes and caravans. This profile therefore treats it as a tent option rather than a general vehicle-camping recommendation. Check your vehicle's suitability before turning off the main road, and allow enough daylight to assess the entrance and organise camp without rushing.
Keep the river and beach plans realistic
The campsite is beside the river, with a walking connection to the beach. That does not make the boat ramp usable: DOC explicitly says it is damaged and unsafe, despite a boat-launching facility icon remaining on the page. Leave launching plans out unless the authority confirms repairs. Decide whether to enter the water from the conditions you encounter, not from an activity list.
Bring the basics for an unbooked stay
Camping is free and first come, first served, so there is no reservation securing a patch for your group. Bring cooking equipment, lighting and water-treatment arrangements for the untreated tap supply. Toilets are basic and other shared amenities are not established. Keep dogs leashed, check the current notice before departure and have another permitted overnight option ready if access or conditions do not suit.
Check the official campsite information for current restrictions, facilities and booking arrangements.
