Area & getting there
Waiohine Gorge 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
- -40.99603, 175.39027 (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
- Tararua gorge camping above the Waiohine River, with a suspension-bridge trail connection.
- Active predator-control caution after bait drops on 11/23 March and 19 May 2026; approximately eight-month caution, not a confirmed expiry date. DOC advises against bringing dogs.
- Rough, narrow gravel road with two fords; check conditions. No fires.
- Bridge surface may be unsuitable for dogs; river access descriptions are not swimming or jumping safety advice.
- Camping styles
- tent, campervan, caravan
- Fees
- Non-powered camping: NZ$10 per adult 18+ per night; confirm booking total.
- Water
- Untreated tap water; boil before use and confirm supply before travel.
Tararua gorge camping above the Waiohine River, with a suspension-bridge trail connection.
Allow time for the gorge road
Waiohine Gorge is reached on the Wairarapa side through a gravel road with narrow sections and two fords. Plan that final drive as part of the outing, not an incidental extension after arriving in town. Check current conditions before taking a large vehicle and leave enough daylight to find the entrance, inspect the camping ground and understand where the river-access paths begin.
Distinguish a campsite night from a Tararua tramp
The suspension bridge links to longer walking routes, while other paths descend towards the river. Choose an outing that matches the day's weather and the party's ability rather than assuming everything near a campground is a short stroll. A booked pitch does not reserve a hut or establish river suitability. Flush toilets are listed, but drinking water still requires the untreated-tap precautions.
Recheck the predator-control warning
The checked alert advises visitors not to take dogs into the area during the ongoing bait-operation caution period. That advice matters more for this visit than the ordinary leashed-dog label. Do not calculate a guaranteed clearance date from an approximate duration; consult DOC's current notice and map. Bring independent cooking equipment and enough flexibility to change either the walk or the overnight if access conditions have changed.
Check the official campsite information for current restrictions, facilities and booking arrangements.
